My first coop build

[chicks4kids]

I had a coop that had the pop hatch on the floor like that. I just put 2x4's around the edge to keep the bedding in.

 

[gmendoza]

rhode island reds.

rhode island reds

rhode island reds

Thats all I heard from non-chicken people over here when we first had chickens.Reds to me are not a very hardy bird.

Early eggs? Ill put a leghorn against a red any day.

calmness? I'll put a buff orp against a red in this field too.

meat? buff orp as well.

too many non chicken peeps have that reds are the only chickens out there.To this day,I do not own one red. Our others outmached them.

 

[abChicken]

I have several small coops with entrance in floor worked for me with small lip
around opening. I use shavings not enough falls out to b a bother at least
for me. Present time none are in use due to illness had get rid of all my birds
in october. I will have more soon.

 

[bird_is_the_word]

Thanks for the tips. I'll make a lip around the floor to help.

Also, I'm of the same impression about RI Reds. Everyone around here is big into them because I think their families had them. To be honest I'll probably have to pick mine based on the selection available.

 

[WaterAye]

I'll probably have to pick mine based on the selection available.

Same here. I was offered four free pullets from a local farmer. He gave me 1 Buff Orph, 1 Barr Rock and two RI Reds.

All are great birds with generous cloaca. I gave him some smoked eels in exchange for the birds.

FYI, One RR is at the top of the pecking order and the other is at the bottom.​

 

[TigerLilly]

Great looking coop; love the play-by-play updates. Was a little worried about the cedar walls, but I see that's been addressed. Have you done any research on whether painting will make it work?

 

[gsim]

Quote:
Welcome to BYC. I see something questionable. Cedar outgasses and it is not good for baby chicks for sure. Something in cedar oil does not agree with chickens. Have read warnings about not using cedar for litter for that reason. It may be that mature birds will not be bothered by it. Be forewarned before you get that thing to where it would be a real hardship to change that feature. Also, I would put a really tall, tal,l lofty roof on if I was you. Otherwise the chooks will be too close to all of that radiated roof heat in warm weather. Lots and lots of ventilation all around perimeter so that the coop does not become a hot box. Another tip is to caulk all around the wall/floor junction. This will keep mites from having a place to hide when you do your coop cleanout. Also keeps cleaning water from seeping under wall to soak subfloor wood/frame.

Neat work. See 'My BYC Page' for ventilation ideas.

Gerry

 

[bird_is_the_word]

Quote:
nope. just read everyone's suggestions this morning. I would hope paint would provide that vapor barrier. I don't plan on raising chicks but if I did in the future that would definitely be a concern. I think painting will have to do.

Quote:
How tall of a roof are we talking? I'm starting tonight so this is important to me. The bottom of the ridge beam is 15" above the top of what you see. I'm guessing here but maybe a 30 degree roof ^ . There will be vents in the gables of the roof so I figured that would help. I also plan to silicone the walls where they meet the floors.

 

[WestKnollAmy]

Dag gone! Great construction! I wish I could build that well.

I have built many a coop and tractors but none as nice as yours. Oh and hey, I am still learning after all these years so don't worry over any mistakes. You really will have this thing in great shape by the end and the next one

you build will be even better!

 

[WaterAye]

I was told that the chickens would eat paint and it was better to use stain.