my first coop... finally finished!*pics*

[IcedMochaChick]

Ok, so I started rebuilding, and now I have 43"x43" of floor space. I think our 3 hens will like that

"Only 3" is my new mantra! My plan, now, is to put it on some posts and build the run so it goes under the house as well. I can't believe how exciting it is to build something! A real "builder" would probably cringe at my lack of skill, but I'm pretty happy that I'm doing it all by myself.

 

[crzychicken]

Yhea I started with 5 chicks now I have 30 total maybe 31 I can't seem to count them all! I also started building one coop ended up with 4 my big coop 2 story 10x12 my smaller(2)coops are 5x6 and even smaller one that my 1st five lived in until thier 5x6 was done.they also have a huge fenced in area and planning on free range once there all in the big coop.Take the warning serious they are addicting.

Jodye

 

[TheNewMrsEvans]

Are you making any progress on the coop? How's it turning out?

 

[IcedMochaChick]

Well, I've got it framed out. Figured out where to put the door, window, and vents. I'm going out to work on it now. I'll post pics when I get a little farther along

Edit: Uh, at the rate I'm going, it may take me 'till spring to finish it!

 

[cub]

I am addicted and I just started on my coop. (8x4x6) My plan was to have 3 Buffs but now I am up to six. I am thankful for this forum, you guys are great.

 

[IcedMochaChick]

Ok, got another question...

How big should I make the pop door? Is 10x10 big enough for silkies/bantams?

I hope to be far enough along to post a picture tomorrow

 

[TheNewMrsEvans]

I would actually make it a little smaller...to keep out big dogs if somehow they got that far...i made mine tall and narrow, like the shape of a chicken

maybe make it 8"wide by 10" tall...
can't wait to see pics!!

 

[La Banan]

I know this is off topic but don't know where else to say it!
I love your handle TheNewMrs.Evans - it's like a novella really. So much story in so few words.
jan

 

[IcedMochaChick]

This is what I have so far. As you can see, it's not perfect

but I think it will be ok. I ended up buying the plywood for the walls because I was running out of light weight boards. I only have a miter box and jig saw, so I don't think there's a straight cut on any of the plywood!( except for the ones that I had cut in the store) You can see where I had to reinforce the pop door on the inside.

I think I'm going to carve out little "cradles" for the roosts to sit down in. That way, I can remove them to clean.

Oh, and the roof is just sitting on top right now. I still have to put the hinges on. The roof and back will open for cleaning. Also, I'm going to put vents at the top of each side, and a window on the front. Does this look ok for a few banties?

 

[IcedMochaChick]

I forgot to add, I'm putting a nest box next to the roost. right inside the back door, so we can easily get at the eggs