My First Coop!!!

[Airilith]

Well we added 2 windows today.

Outside view: (the string you can see raises and lowers the ladder to get outside ... SOOOO handy!)

Inside view:

And it only cost $2 for each piece of plexi at Lowes. Add a little bit of apoxy, and ta-dah!

I also sectioned off a third of the coop as our brooder. We made sure to fill in those gaps around the floor to reduce the draft. And I'm starting to think that the gap under the metal top should provide enough ventilation.

Tomorrow's plan is to figure out how to prevent water from getting in along the long side seam between that door and the rest of the coop. If anyone has any suggestions I would really appreciate it. The hard part is that its the bottom half that moves. So we can't attach anything to the top edge of the seam because then we won't be able to close the door. Hmmm

 

[Airilith]

Well after spending most of yesterday afternoon and all of this morning thinking, we still haven't figrured out what to do for a permanent solution on preventing the rain from entering.

So personally I'm leaning towards just using a tarp and some bundgies. Not the best solution, but I'm kinda stumped as to what we can attach to the coop to help.

We also decided that the top ventilation (under that metal shielding) will most likely be enough. If not we'll keep the jigsaw nearby. But I really don't think we will need it.

Any thoughts or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

[PortageGirl]

I don't think the tarp is a terrible idea. Shingles and most things like that would make it way too heavy, and I'd do the tarp idea no problem, but I live way out in the sticks... One thing, it's movable right? I know this may not be a perfect solution either, but if you are expecting or experiencing really awful weather, can you move it into a sheltered area?

I'll keep thinking on it, and I'm sure others will too. It's a nice looking rig and the price sure was right!

 

[Airilith]

I live out in the sticks too!!!

It's just light enough that two people can move it. We've got it back in a small protected grove right now, so that should provide a bit of shelter from storms. I think I'll pick up a tarp this weekend. It should do the trick.

Definitely can't beat that price. I was really lucky.

 

[gsim]

Add some 2x4 welded wire over the top of chicken wire to keep coons out. Coons and coyotes can tear chicken wire apart. Make it to where it can be attached to a large run. Chickens need sunlight as we do. Good find.