My new 10x12 coop build unveiled!!

[NewBoots]

More like these. https://www.amazon.com/Otdair-Pendant-Powered-Waterproof-Control/dp/B07Z4P3G5G/ref=sr_1_14?crid=7D5PA7YVJX3V&dchild=1&keywords=solar+shed+lights+with+on+off+switch&qid=1601125677&sprefix=solar+shed+light,aps,415&sr=8-14

Wow, now there's a rabbit hole to get lost in. I had no idea there were so many different kinds of solar lights out there.

 

[Kisura]

I am very new to all this, but it looks like we’ve done similar research. I also got a couple rollaway boxes, and thought I was brilliant with them.. until I realized they’d freeze during the winter months (I set them up with the nest inside and the collection outside). I am now looking at some insulation options around them. I mention this because you talk about snow, and I couldn’t see the placement of your Boxes.

 

[countryladyNH]

I have been working on this shed for a couple months and finally finished it last week! So this past week I have been doing the fun part, designing the inside. This is what I came up with.


Inside view from human door

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Exterior: I went with a gambrel roof barn style shed with an 80 sq ft storage loft. This is to house my laying flock of 9 hens, 20 pullets yet to lay, and 2 roosters.
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I left the two gables open for ventilation up high, and added one window to the door.
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For bedding i used about 2/3 pine shavings, 1/3 pine straw and leaves and stuff I gathered from around my property. Hopefully this makes the litter a bit more ready to compost in the spring. For my main roost I sourced two large branches from my woods. They are 12 inches apart at their closest and 12 inches from the back wall. They are about 3 1/2 ft off the ground. I added a 2x4 flat side up a little lower for a step up, and an option for my larger birds.

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You can also see the nest box in that picture. It is the HenGear medium rollaway reversible nest box. I only have 10 girls laying right now so I wanted to see if they like ti before I dropped the dough on another one. I will add another one if they like it before spring. The bottom of the box is 18in off the ground so as not to take up floor space.

For feed I went with two 17.5 lb capacity hangers. Filled up that is about 3-4 days of food. I made some nipple waterers out of buckets that my birds are currently acclimating to.
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The ladder will be removed once the door is added.
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All that is left to do is cut in the door, and add the birds! This has been a huge undertaking for me and I am proud and excited with the outcome. Hope the birds will be too!

Tips and observations welcome. Thanks for looking!

SUPER!! The one thing I would do is change out the roosting bars for 2x4's (wide side up). The wider bar is easier on their feet and much easier for them to roost on. The can sit on their feet, and it's more comfortable!

 

[3KillerBs]

I like the wide, branch roosts. That's what I use in my coop -- the trunk of a young liveoak that's as thick as a 2x4. Tree roosting seems more natural to me and I don't have to worry about the corners of a 2x4.

Besides, scrubby little oaks are weeds on this property while 2x4's cost money (a lot of money due to COVID shortages).

 

[Araucana Nest]

Wow! That's amazing!

 

[Gtownallie]

Let me know how you like your Ador door. I’m thinking of getting one for the coop I am building.

 

[imnukensc]

Does anyone besides me get tired of folks saying roosts need to be 2x4s because chickens can't grip or they need to be able to cover their feet? Tell that to this chicken.

 

[Tre3hugger]

SUPER!! The one thing I would do is change out the roosting bars for 2x4's (wide side up). The wider bar is easier on their feet and much easier for them to roost on. The can sit on their feet, and it's more comfortable!

Appreciate the input, but these branches are as wide as 2x4's. Chickens have been roosting on branches for thousands of years. I think they'll be ok!

 

[Tre3hugger]

I like the wide, branch roosts. That's what I use in my coop -- the trunk of a young liveoak that's as thick as a 2x4. Tree roosting seems more natural to me and I don't have to worry about the corners of a 2x4.

Besides, scrubby little oaks are weeds on this property while 2x4's cost money (a lot of money due to COVID shortages).

Exactly! I used a birch and a Hemlock from an area I cleared earlier this year. Free and natural...YES PLEASE!

 

[Tre3hugger]

I am very new to all this, but it looks like we’ve done similar research. I also got a couple rollaway boxes, and thought I was brilliant with them.. until I realized they’d freeze during the winter months (I set them up with the nest inside and the collection outside). I am now looking at some insulation options around them. I mention this because you talk about snow, and I couldn’t see the placement of your Boxes.

That's a good point. I pointed the boxes into the coop for that very reason. Considering reversing them for the warm season.