My first try at a coop? ? ? ?

[Crazy Mitch]

Wow Mitch! Your coop is turning out great, I've really enjoyed watching your progress! I love the reuse of materials, the door looks fantastic.

Thanks. . . it is a 15 footer. . . looks good at 15 feet but not so good close up! hehehe

Thanks for the encouragement.




Here is the poop tray to vent ratio. . . I'm guessing about 30" to 36" above the floor of the tray to the bottom of the vent. . .and reading they don't like lower perches? I didn't want to make it too high that their heads might be in the draft of the vent. I like the idea of several perches for them or an area where they can clump together.

I was also thinking of putting a board on a diagonal (attached to the wall and ceiling and open at one end) in front of the vent to deflect any draft coming in. We will see.

Thanks again for all the important info and input as I continue building this. . . the chickens are about 12 -13 weeks old right now. When do they start to lay eggs? ? ? ? I'm guessing soon. . . right?

GB
Crazy Mitch!

 

[Crazy Mitch]

So as I over-think everything. . . making me Crazy Mitch. . . . I thought about the cold northern winter winds. . . and I build a block. keeping the vent open. . . so the wind doesn't blow straight into the coop.





And something for the other vent over the poop tray and where the perches will go. . . This one I put on the inside to protect this area. It is removable so it can be opened in summer and closed in winter. I think it is good. . . . So there isn't a direct draft over their heads. . . but it will be redirected into the coop.





Am I right? Or was this a waste of time? ? ? ? I will see what happens.

There are a few places where I need to fill potential draft areas. And build the perches. . .and

. . . and

. . .. and

. . . .will it ever get done? ? ? ? ?? ? ?

Any encouragement would be great! ! ! !

Thanks

GB
Crazy Mitch.

 

[mickey328]

Yes it will! You've made great progress quickly. I like the idea of your "vestibule" door, especially if the chicken door faces into the wind. A few "seepages" won't hurt a thing...as long as wind doesn't blow right on 'em, they'll be fine.

 

[Crazy Mitch]

So I got the doorknob (new in package) at a garage sale ($1) . . and installed it
We found caulk on the road? Go figure . . .. out door water and sun proof . . . just what I needed and more chicken wire in a garbage. It was a good day.

So we had to test out the coop to see if it was good. . . so my son and I slept in the coop last night.! hehehe It was a fun thing for us. He started on the newly finished poop tray.

We think they will like the coop just fine!

GB
Crazy Mitch

How ever in the morning light I did see some places/cracks that needed to be sealed. A good thing.

 

[mickey328]

Wow, Mitch...that's not a chicken coop, it's a chicken palace! Well done!!!!

 

[Crazy Mitch]

Wow, Mitch...that's not a chicken coop, it's a chicken palace! Well done!!!!

Thanks. . . I did go over board. I was trying to take in all the people suggested. . . .and I'm a graphic designer. . .and design 2 and 3D items. . . so. . . .

I just have a little bit to go. . and the chickens move in!

I still think there are too many vents for a small space. . . and being in Chicago! ! ! ! I hope what I read is true! Only this winter will tell.

GB
Crazy Mitch

 

[mickey328]

Not to worry, Mitch...as long as the wind doesn't blow ON 'em, you almost can't have too much ventilation, particularly where the humidity is fairly high. Invest in a thermometer and mount it at about the height the chickens roost. That'll be an easy way to monitor the temperatures. We've been doing that...the nights are now dropping to about 50 degrees, but when we check, the coop is at about 60 to 65, even with the ventilation...with their feathers...they're toasty

 

[Crazy Mitch]

Not to worry, Mitch...as long as the wind doesn't blow ON 'em, you almost can't have too much ventilation, particularly where the humidity is fairly high. Invest in a thermometer and mount it at about the height the chickens roost. That'll be an easy way to monitor the temperatures. We've been doing that...the nights are now dropping to about 50 degrees, but when we check, the coop is at about 60 to 65, even with the ventilation...with their feathers...they're toasty

Thanks I will do that. It will be interesting to see. . . what happens.

 

[Shelz]

That is one Fabulous Coop!!!! You are definitely thinking of everything......

I like the "poop tray" idea too.....Im thinking that is something I need to add to mine...sure would make clean ups much easier!!!!!!!!!

 

[Crazy Mitch]

That is one Fabulous Coop!!!! You are definitely thinking of everything......

I like the "poop tray" idea too.....Im thinking that is something I need to add to mine...sure would make clean ups much easier!!!!!!!!!

Thanks Shelz! I need the encouragement that I did the right thing. . .we will see after they move in. . .and mess it all up! The poop tray is from someone here. . . . I forgot. . . but I was glad to read about it.

I'm so close but have a ton of little things to do. . . . I hope to get more work done on Wednesday. We will see.

GB
Mitch