My coop/tractor project (Pic Heavy)

[crzychickenlady]

ravenvalor, I bought everything new at Lowe's and have spent about $200 in materials. That doesn't include the dog kennel panels in the run and the paint, those things I got for free.
A bit pricey, but I waited and saved over time. I have to have something that looks nice, as we live in the city and don't want to offend the neighbors (I have one that hates chickens

)

 

[PineappleMama]

Oh my golly but those are the cutest little poofs of floof I've seen yet.

Oh, wait, you wanted an opinion about your coop... yeah, that's pretty darn cool and looks quite study!

*scrolls back to pic three

 

[joletabey]

That is a really nice job!!! I never thought of dumpster diving at a pet store- I may have to do that!

 

[crzychickenlady]

Alrighty! It's all finished!!
I just realized I didn't take pics of the closed door and the latches and locks...and the closed pop door with it's security too...I'll take some in the morning and post.
The door has 2 latches that each have pad locks, and the pop door, I installed a security bar that keep the door from being opened.

Chickies checking out the new surroundings:

Chickies looking out the window at me:

 

[mgw]

your tracktor is looking great. I am building 1 also hope it turn out as nice as yours. P.S nice free score with the pet fence u r lucky.

 

[illegal avian]

I think your coop rocks! And I find your tenacity even more attractive! Very nice job!

 

[MissJenny]

This is a really nice looking coop -- very practical and well designed. And secure!

I see an electrical cord -- what does it go to?

And I never did see the foundation. What's under it?

Jenny

 

[WestKnollAmy]

Good finished job!
The only thing is the roosting board looks too close to the wall. I am not sure how they will do with that, if not now then when they get bigger.

 

[crzychickenlady]

The electrical cord is for the heat lamp, I'm going to have to figure out a way to close in the cord where it comes out...still thinking on that one.
The heat lamp, I have it double secured and the cord zip tied to the support beam and ran to the hole I cut for the cord.

I also used some long screws on the side, so I can hang the cord up out of the way.

I haven't exactly finished the foundation part yet. I was originally going to raise the coop part up about a foot and a half and enclose that so the chickens could go under it, but I think that would compromise the integrity of the structure. So for now, it will just sit on the ground until I come up with a better way to raise it up. Once I figure that out, I will put the wheels on it!!
Notice the chair in the pic, I sit and watch them thru the window, lol
Also, the board you see resting against the end of the pen, we sat that there to provide shade, the whole run gets sunlight at the end of the day and it gets hot.:

In the back here, you can see the old coop, an aluminum shed that I had a large dog run attached to.

This was designed to be a movable coop, so that my lovely chickies don't kill a patch of grass permanently in the yard.

BUT, I can use it as it sits for now and I don't have smelly chickies in my house anymore!
They seem to be enjoying their new home. I'm going to have to put them on lock down for a few days so they know to go IN at night...I spent half an hour last night trying to get them in, I would get one in thru the pop door and another would jump out lol.
Here they are inside:

And trying to escape! I'm going to use a piece of plastic chicken wire to fasten over the door from the inside, this will be removable, but will keep them from rushing out when I change feed and water.

 

[chickenmom1]

Nice job. Do you have any suggestions on how to make a new coop door. My husband is thinking about getting beadboard. Does it matter what kind of paint you use? We have a very modest coop, but it is a good size. Needs a new door though.
Thanks,
j