My coop build so far.

[KelsT]

So here are some photos of the coop build at this point Getting close to being done. it turned into a bigger project then I imagined but I am very happy with it so far. there have been time I have asked myself why I didn't just do a hoop coop and call it good. and I figure im going to need to keep chickens for years to at this point!



























































































if you look close one of our cats was helping with the roof!



















need to put up the fencing, hardware cloth and paint. I'll update when its done. My dad came over for 2 weekend to help, and my husband and I are both sore and tired but amazed with the outcome so far. I think we are into it around $450 right now not counting time. we found the cull lumber and got what we could there, the roof was a pretty penny but it rains a lot here so I know we will be happy we did the roof. We also had some material we where able to use already. I think its going to be around 550 to 650 all said and done with the fencing and paint. Sure hope they lay a lot of eggs....

 

[1muttsfan]

Nice sturdy coop and run - well done!

 

[KelsT]

Priming the coop, for paint. the race is on to finish the coop before the brooder doesn't work anymore... They grow so fast!

Used grey primer to see what it looked like matching the shop.... seems to bland think i'll paint it something with more character. though its weird seeing it blend in so well.

 

[lindseyawest]

Great work. Looking forward to seeing how it turns out.

 

[yyz0yyz0]

Priming the coop, for paint. the race is on to finish the coop before the brooder doesn't work anymore... They grow so fast!

Just an FYI, you don't need to wait till the run is finished to put them in the coop itself. As soon as the coop is secure you can move them from the brooder to the coop so they have more room. I put mine in the coop about 2weeks before the run was ready. I figured it was better to be in the coop vs the small brooder, plus you get a chance to leave them in the coop long enough for them to realize it's home.

Letting them stay in the coop, locked in for awhile makes it easier to train them to return to the coop at dusk vs just putting them into the coop/run and hoping they'll know enough to go in at dark.

 

[KelsT]

Yesterday.I got the inside and outside of the coop painted...man painting takes a lot of time! Still have parts of the run left but I am trying to get them in the coop asap. I got the paint from 2 different paint stores in their OOPS paint section. Man where ever I got that tip it was great. I got very high quality paint for $7.5 for one quart another quart for $2 and the last gallon for $5 bucks! All of it is exterior so it will clean easy. I found the dark green/gray that is on the bottom 3rd of the inside coop is a exterior semi gloss so should clean really good where I assume is the worst! We had vinyl floor remanent in the shop that covered the floor, that was an awesome find!



got to decide what to do with the run and ceiling of the run...

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Today we got some of the hardware cloth up for the vents on either end of the coop







I need to decide on the run fencing I have all sorts of predators here coyote, raccoon, bobcat, neighbor dogs, fox.... Not sure if the 19g 1/2 inch hardware cloth will keep them out or not.... basically not sure if it is strong enough to stop a coyote or dog. If its not I need to double up and again not sure what to do that with....

I am also really wanting vinyl coated or black wire, its so much easier to see through from photos I have seen.

 

[JanetS]

Looking great. We used 1/2" hardware cloth on our coop and run. Our chickens have been safe from predators for over 3 years(knocking on wood).

 

[KelsT]

Looking great. We used 1/2" hardware cloth on our coop and run. Our chickens have been safe from predators for over 3 years(knocking on wood).

What type of predators do you have? and is your yard fenced? Thanks for the info!

 

[Folly's place]

Consider adding 2"x4" woven wire fencing to the bottom level of the run, with hardware cloth. It will add to the cost, but if all the wire is very well secured, only bears will be able to break in! For bears you need electric... Mary

 

[KelsT]

Consider adding 2"x4" woven wire fencing to the bottom level of the run, with hardware cloth. It will add to the cost, but if all the wire is very well secured, only bears will be able to break in! For bears you need electric... Mary

Is woven better then welded? Is it hard to stretch I don't really have anything but myself and husband to install it