My first coop and run: Build in progress

[Underwhere]

Almost a month later I finally get time to work on it again.

The playhouse went from cozy cottage to red barn.
And I finally sunk some of the frame into the ground for the run and stapled up some wire and burried it about 6 inches deep.


Painting the playhouse:
I am not impressed with the paint. It scratches very easily but I keep on telling myself that this is just for chickens so I really shouldn't be so much of a perfectionist.


Starting today:
It started out this color.

New roof

Pretty much done painting:

shooting for the red barn look

My brother and I worked on the frame after that and worked past dark so no pics.
Hopefully I'll find some more time tomorrow to work on it. Going out to see if I can pick up some free cinder blocks off craigslist.

 

[chicks4kids]

That's a heck of a change in color!! I love it!!

 

[Chickmate]

I am really enjoying watching this progress. I never knew you could make a coop out of a plastic playhouse! I can tell it's going to be adorable!

 

[Underwhere]

More framing. Almost done. Just 2 more pieces of wood for the roof, putting the wire up on the roof and it's done.

When dark out I can work in the garage on the coop.
Here's the door. I was trying to find a way of making a door, with a window, with a screen that I could close up for the winter and open for the warmer climates...while still insulated.


I cut out the door, cut out a window and then cut a piece larger than the window.
I put up wire on the window area, hinged the window cover and then put a strip of foam around it to insulate from drafts. I put a lock on it to hold it snug.

I'm struggling about what to do with the door to the coop (the one with the ramp). I want to close it at night to make sure it's warm enough but I think it'll be quite a hassle to open it early in the morning with the snow biting at my toes.

 

[Underwhere]

What are people's opinions on using plexiglass for 3 windows?

I wanted to be able to look inside the coop during the daytime and thought plexiglass would be great. However, I am concerned about insulation during the winter.

Should I be worried about plexiglass not being able to insulate as well as wood?

 

[Jx2inNC]

The Gadsden flag may be the best addition.

 

[Underwhere]

Quote:
Yeah I really like that.
I will be applying for a firearms license for my chicks so they can take care of their own predators at night.

I was going to put up a small US Flag on the top but I'd have to put up a solar powered light on top of it. I'm afraid that would attract critters and annoy my neighbors (the light not the flag).


I am trying to finish up the coop. This has taken me way way longer than expected. More pics are coming.


I am trying to decide on what to put down on the floor of the coop.
I currently have stick-on tile over treated plywood.

Do I use straw? Hay? wood chips? Horse bedding?

My run is actually a previous garden so they'll be walking in very fertile soil.

 

[gryeyes]

Quote:
I have plexiglass for 3 windows in my main coop, which I take out during the summer. (There's hardware cloth over all window openings.) Of course, I don't have killer winters here... but unless your windows are HUGE, the plexiglas should be fine. It will still stop wind, which is the most important part.

 

[Underwhere]

Finished finally. A few issues that I need to figure out but at least the girls are home!

 

[NonnasBabies]

Very cute!! You did a great job!!