My new (first) coop build, ***New pics***

[fiddleblue]

God I envy you all the space you have! And if I built a structure that big I would move into it myself, or rent it out to a student, not let the chickens have it! It's a sure sign that someone loves their chickens to devote that much time and space to them! Good for you. Excellent job.

 

[Lurch1]

I am definitely blessed. How big of a pop door will I need if I put turkeys in with my chickens?

 

[dangerzone]

Ok, here's one suggestion that might help you.
If you notice you have a wide space below the coop between the floor and the s.
I would suggest you cover that space or there'll be snakes and rats and other killers under that floor. I'm not scaring you but I have learned that dark cool spaces are really the snake's thing.
By the way, you're doing a great job.

 

[Lurch1]

Ok, do I need to prevent the chickens from going under or the rats and snakes? What should I use to block of the access?

 

[dangerzone]

Maybe you can just fill it up with soil or block any opening with wood and then cover with soil.
Make sure it's really compact that no rats can get in.
It's usually the rats that get inside first and makes a house/hole, then snakes may eat the rats and stay in that hole. I'm not concerned about your chickens that much cause I know it's hard to get into your coop but what I'm concerned of is you. Snakes (if you have rattlers) are very poisonous. Some are aggressive and we don't want them staying under that coop.
Rats kill baby chicks, that's true. Sometimes the larger rats and large number of them can really destroy a whole flock. Besides rats are carriers of certain diseases and bacteria. They may move around eating chicken feeds which in turn leaves those bacteria.
Cover any hole you find and make sure nothing gets in under that coop.

 

[Lurch1]

Thanks for the tip. The worst snakes we have in these parts are garder snakes.... BUT we do have rats. I have a construction question though. I have put 5/8 TG OSB on the coop and want to put tin. Do I have to put anything between the wood and tin?

 

[Carpe DiHen]

You are really working hard and doing a great job! Love Annie and Gavin

 

[Namble]

Wow, I like it!!!!!!!

 

[saxet]

Nice job. I am jealous.

Love Annie and Gavin too. I see you did not list a breed for Gavin. Does that mean (you assume) he is a cross?

 

[Lurch1]

Gavin is a shepherd/rottie. I am going to put tar paper on the roof and the walls.