I've had chickens for a few years, most of that time my birds have lived in an 8 X 8 storage shed with no window
Today, construction is starting on our new chicken house. You wouldn't believe how many builders laughed at me (or just didn't submit a bid) because I want a 20 X 40 chicken house. Oh well, their loss. My builder comes highly recommended and knows about animal husbandry not just home building so I think he will be a good match for my project.
Anyway, I have 5 acres, 3 of which is pasture, so it just stands to reason that I should get a barn, with running water and electricity
Hey, I work for a living so I should get to enjoy my hobbies too.
Let's start at the begining.
I usually have between 30 and 50 chickens and now I have 9 turkeys too. I keep a flock of egg layers (some of which are the kids pets) and I am raising Icelandics (see https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=299038 for more information). Our winter temps get down to -35F and summers are generally in the 60's but do get to 80 or so once in a very great while. We get some big winds, 50 - 70/mph or so, we've hit 100 mph but generally the gusts are closer to 70. And the wind comes right off the glacier so it's C-O-L-D!!!! Of course this also means all our wind comes from one direction which makes it easier to build for.
Now, I think I have picked the best location. Having walked the property as the snow was melting and looking at where the water puddled, this spot seemed to stay high and dry. Plus, it has a bank of trees blocking the bulk of the wind and open space facing "the sunny side"
I'm tucking it into that mowed area on the right, just before the field of fireweed.
The builder is building the exterior walls, we are building the interior walls. The barn will be insulated although we are not keeping it very warm, just above freezing probably, so the birds will not be shocked going in and out of a warm building in cold weather. The interior walls will be simple frames and chicken wire. The picture below shows my initial plan. I ws thinking of putting removable doors that can be stored most of the year and put in place during breeding season. the layer coop will have roll out nest boxes too and I need to research what turkeys need for nesting. I'm thinking about keeping a trio over winter so I can have eggs in the spring. I had a heck of a time getting hatching turkey eggs this year and the shipped ones really didn't do well at all
Here's the rough draft of the floor plan, your feedback is appreciated.
Today, construction is starting on our new chicken house. You wouldn't believe how many builders laughed at me (or just didn't submit a bid) because I want a 20 X 40 chicken house. Oh well, their loss. My builder comes highly recommended and knows about animal husbandry not just home building so I think he will be a good match for my project.
Anyway, I have 5 acres, 3 of which is pasture, so it just stands to reason that I should get a barn, with running water and electricity
Let's start at the begining.
I usually have between 30 and 50 chickens and now I have 9 turkeys too. I keep a flock of egg layers (some of which are the kids pets) and I am raising Icelandics (see https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=299038 for more information). Our winter temps get down to -35F and summers are generally in the 60's but do get to 80 or so once in a very great while. We get some big winds, 50 - 70/mph or so, we've hit 100 mph but generally the gusts are closer to 70. And the wind comes right off the glacier so it's C-O-L-D!!!! Of course this also means all our wind comes from one direction which makes it easier to build for.
Now, I think I have picked the best location. Having walked the property as the snow was melting and looking at where the water puddled, this spot seemed to stay high and dry. Plus, it has a bank of trees blocking the bulk of the wind and open space facing "the sunny side"
The builder is building the exterior walls, we are building the interior walls. The barn will be insulated although we are not keeping it very warm, just above freezing probably, so the birds will not be shocked going in and out of a warm building in cold weather. The interior walls will be simple frames and chicken wire. The picture below shows my initial plan. I ws thinking of putting removable doors that can be stored most of the year and put in place during breeding season. the layer coop will have roll out nest boxes too and I need to research what turkeys need for nesting. I'm thinking about keeping a trio over winter so I can have eggs in the spring. I had a heck of a time getting hatching turkey eggs this year and the shipped ones really didn't do well at all
Here's the rough draft of the floor plan, your feedback is appreciated.
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