My Coop: The Chik-n-Barn and 2 Chik-n-Runs

[skatcatla]

Quote:
That was pretty much my exact assessment of the Chick-n-Pen, also made by Ware. Its not terrible, but I had the same problems, especially the missing hardware. And the run is VERY flimsy balsam wood. It was already starting to fall apart after a few weeks. We ended up replacing it with a bigger run we made ourselves, and I'm having a new coop custom built for me in the New Year.

 

[Cheryl]

You can probably get plexiglass cut at your local hardware store..that's what I do when I need it

 

[eggzettera]

LisaJean you have a couple of visitors coming to recruit you, why don't you recruit them?(They really are ready & willing to be of service)

I mean with your projects but if you can make them chicken people even better.

Get them to help you with your projects & then offer them a nice home cooked meal, I am sure they would appreciate it. They are away from home the very first time and any hospitality will be appreciated.

win/win

 

[LisaJean]

Well, yesterday I made some changes to the chicken coop. I installed hooks attached to the ceiling of the run, and hung the waterer and feeder from them. It gives the growing girls a lot more room inside the henhouse, since they don't have to make room for their food and water anymore.

I am getting two eggs a day now, so one of the older Barred Rocks is not pulling her weight, apparently. Oh well, two eggs a day is still a lot of eggs for one. I've been eating a LOT of eggs. Today I gave four to my neighbor across the street. Once all the girls start laying I will have nine a day.

Oh, the red heat lamp burned out, after only a few months. Of course it was on constantly for those months. I couldn't find another red heat lamp the right size, so instead I got a white heat lamp, and a timer. The white light can't be left on all night like the red one, because the white one will keep the girls awake.

So I rigged the timer to turn the light on dusk, and stay on for about 3 hours, then go off. Then it comes on again at about 2 hours before sunup. They need the extra light in the winter in order to keep laying. I'm not so worried about them being cold anymore, because they are growing so fast, and they all cuddle together on the roost at night. I will need to adjust the timer about once a month or so.

 

[LisaJean]

Well, today I tackled the henhouse. Not that the red weather-treated wood wasn't nice, but it was starting to look dirty, and I wanted it to be less of an eyesore. I also wanted a little more weather protection.

So, here we go, Henhouse Before.....

Henhouse After....

The flower basket is a little lower than I would have liked, but I did that intentionally, so it doesn't get in my way when I lean into the house. The roof lifts up for easy access. And yeah, that white edge on the door really glares out at you. I'll do it tomorrow. I also think I'd like to do a little stencilling above the door, maybe some nice yellow baby chicks.

Man I need to get rid of that old shed in the BG. Ugly as hell. I mean all I really keep in it is the lawnmower. I can keep that in the house, since it's an electric, so no gas.

 

[MissPrissy]

Doctor up that shed and get more chickens. Ready made hen house!

 

[LisaJean]

Oh gosh, Prissy, don't tempt me!!! LOL

 

[MissPrissy]

Who me? Would I do that? Not me!












Do it...

 

[skatcatla]

Awww that's cute! And I love the flowerbox! I have one already to hang on mine too..just have to finish painting first.

I agree with Miss Prissy too. That shed would be perfect! You could paint it, attach your Chick-n-Barn and have a whole little chickie complex. :-D

 

[AtRendeAcres]

That is an awful cute paint job!

I was wondering if you have all 9 of your chickens in there though?

If so you might want to put a piece of plastic (& tack down some how) over one of the runs so they can access it no matter what the weather for more room!