My New Chicken Coop With Pictures

[FF]

Hello. I built this one for myself. I have been selling these darn things left and right for $150 so I decided to build one for myself. I think I can do a better job on them. I can't build anything worth 2 cents. But everybody says that they are built good and sturdy so??? Please give your opinions on if you like it or if it is bad. I have roosts and nest boxes in them now but not in the picture. I am going to put some silkies in here. Oh and if anybody has any silkies what so ever let me know. I will buy or trade. Thanks alot for you opinions and please don't go too hard on me. It's not the best looking house but it's a roof over there head. Thank you

 

[joletabey]

What about flooring? There is nothing wrong with your basic plan, but predators can dig into it - I like the door on the side for cleaning, but you might want to add a door to lock the birds up, again unless it was in a totally predator proof run, you would have problems. O yes, I can't see under the roof, is thre ventilation? Please don't think I am being critical- you can build better than I can!!!!

 

[Manok-Tao]

Looks good, I agree with previos post, also might want to think about how long the OSB board will last in the elements, the paint will help for awhile but the boards will eventually get spongy and begin to rot. Not sure if that might be a chance for mold?

 

[FF]

Hello. Yes there is ventilation in the top corners. I just had it up that high so that I could paint it. I am putting it on just the bare ground. As for it rotting, I painted it with some kind of sealer. weather proofing i think. the kind you put on your porch. I don't know if that will help but it's worth a try. Thanks for your comments.

 

[sashurlow]

Wow... the Duh factor is huge with that coop. As in, that coop is so incredibly simple... Duh... why didn't I think of that. Someone needs to post a link to that post for all the "cheap easy coop" posts.
I'm not an expert on OSB, but the moisture from the ground will probably rot away the bottoms. I would line the bottom with 2x4 or 2x3 so the OSB is slightly off the ground (1 inch maybe).

 

[Jskip1]

It will do the job but it has a few flaws. But dont worry, it takes a few tries to get it perfect.
I would recommend adding some flooring and maybe some insulation.

 

[Manok-Tao]

The issue with the osb will not come from the ground if raised up, it will then come from the rain, wind, sun, snow, sleet, fog, humidity etc.
OSB is not designed to be exposed to the elements, painted or not. My input was that yes, this is a great little coop and has tons of potential...but the OSB being used on the exterior will not last. If your budget will allow there are plywoods that when properly treated (paint, stain, etc) are designed to be used exposed to the elements. There is also typical rough sided "hewn" barn/shed siding that when properly treated will last darn near forever as an external sheathing.
"none of the above products I mention as alternatives are pressure treated"