My coop and run build!

[aart]

Do you mean that the "rungs" are on the same angle as the "ladder" part?

It's a 1979 F150. Saw it at a car show. I have a 1995 F150.

Yes, they should be horizontal so they aren't standing on the 'corner' of the lumber.
Put the wide side up.
How long are the rungs?
Span might be too much for 1x when it's full of full sized birds.

Nice truck. Had a much older F100 years ago, loved that truck.

 

[JoeInPA]

Yes, they should be horizontal so they aren't standing on the 'corner' of the lumber.
Put the wide side up.
How long are the rungs?
Span might be too much for 1x when it's full of full sized birds.

Nice truck. Had a much older F100 years ago, loved that truck.

The span is about 40 inches. It seems fairly sturdy, it should easily hold my 5 birds. I may just replace the rungs with round dowels, that might be easier.

 

[aart]

I may just replace the rungs with round dowels, that might be easier.

Might be...go at least 2" in diameter.

 

[JoeInPA]

Might be...go at least 2" in diameter.

I'll see what I can find at the hardware store tomorrow. Do you think broomstick size work?

I got slightly ambitious and started adding on some of the outside trim. I think it looks much better. I ran out of 1x2s so I need to go to the hardware store tomorrow to get more as well as some paint and something to use as rungs on my roost perches.

 

[ValerieJ]

I am not an expert on coop building, although my DH has built a couple for me. I think the chickens would prefer a 2x4 with the wide side to roost on. In the cold Pennsylvania weather that will help them keep their toes warm

 

[JoeInPA]

I am not an expert on coop building, although my DH has built a couple for me. I think the chickens would prefer a 2x4 with the wide side to roost on. In the cold Pennsylvania weather that will help them keep their toes warm

Okay, if that is what would work better for them, I can definitely do that. I want what is best for the chickens.

 

[aart]

Yes, a 2x4 would be good.
Broomstick probably too small in diameter.

The you can use the 1x2 roosts for trim

 

[JoeInPA]

Yes, a 2x4 would be good.
Broomstick probably too small in diameter.

The you can use the 1x2 roosts for trim

Great, that is the type of advice I need. And yes, exactly, those 1x2s can now be trim pieces!

I'm completely new to this, these are my first chickens and this is my first coop. Right now the workload is a little overwhelming between building the coop, raising two different groups of birds (two are 8-9 weeks, three are ~3 weeks) while slowly integrating them, learning the dos and don'ts, and trying to make sure my birds are safe, happy and healthy all at once. I'm doing this completely solo, so the support here is very much appreciated.

Once the coop is built to its final form and set in it's permanent location and once I integrate the two groups of birds completely, things should get a lot easier.

 

[aart]

Right now the workload is a little overwhelming

Yes, the building and the first year is overwhelming.
Chickens are easy...once you learn the plethora of small but important details.
It's like getting a sip of water out of a fire hose!

 

[JoeInPA]

Yes, the building and the first year is overwhelming.
Chickens are easy...once you learn the plethora of small but important details.
It's like getting a sip of water out of a fire hose!

I like that analogy haha! I also have a bad habit of not knowing when to call it a day and overexerting myself. Then I feel like I got hit by a bus the next day.