My small coop plans (blueprints, materials list) - How large should the entry/exit be & the nest box

[jimmywalt]

looks great so far...are you planning a poop board? unless you have a door that access is easy it would be hard to get to it but it has made cleanup a breeze on my similar sized coop..sweet pdz on the board under the roost bar and i bet 80% of poop is on it and scoop it like cat litter.

Hi. I'm not sure what poop board is???? The "hardwood floor" is actually a full piece of vinyl - It's not really wood. I'm thinking that I can just scoop everything out my "clean out" door on the side. I've never kept chickens before. Thank you.

 

[allsummedup]

Poop board are like the mesh in the bottom of a regular cage that allows poop to fall through.

Personally I like your system better as long as you cover it in a good layer of bedding.

 

[joan1708]

Where are your vents?

 

[jimmywalt]

Poop board are like the mesh in the bottom of a regular cage that allows poop to fall through.

Personally I like your system better as long as you cover it in a good layer of bedding.

Yes, I will have a good layer of bedding, then I can just scoop/brush everything out into a trash can.

Where are your vents?

The vents are going to be located at the top of the roof in the front and the back (above the egg box). I figured hot air rises (for summer time) so I have the vents installed (see pictures above) in the front already. I still need to do the back.

Why do you ask? Do you have another idea for me before I get too far? Thank you.

 

[allsummedup]

That's my plan as well. Really though I can't think you enough for sharing you materials list and blue prints. It's given me really good ideas for my own.

 

[aart]

Poop board are like the mesh in the bottom of a regular cage that allows poop to fall through.

Personally I like your system better as long as you cover it in a good layer of bedding.

Actually poop boards catch the poop so it's easier to clean up. Do a search 'poop board', you'll find a lot of info.

I hope that extension cord is attached to a GFI outlet. Cover that bulb with a cage of some sort so flying chickens don't break it, keep it dusted off so nothing ignites.

Be careful of that bucket containing your connection, they can decompose in UV light and fracture. Watch it carefully at first to make sure it doesn't leak. Might want to elevate the connection itself off the bottom of the bucket and put drain holes in the bottom of the bucket so if it does leak your connection won't end up sitting in water..... BTDT.

Looking good, can't wait to see the windows!

 

[QuietPony]

Great looking coop!

 

[jimmywalt]

That's my plan as well. Really though I can't think you enough for sharing you materials list and blue prints. It's given me really good ideas for my own.

Thank you.

So far my materials list is pretty close. All the wood is right on - I might have a bunch of 1x2's left over that I can return.

The hardware portion is where I've had to make some changes. Once the coop is done I'll detail it all out with a better materials list.

 

[jimmywalt]

Actually poop boards catch the poop so it's easier to clean up. Do a search 'poop board', you'll find a lot of info.

I hope that extension cord is attached to a GFI outlet. Cover that bulb with a cage of some sort so flying chickens don't break it, keep it dusted off so nothing ignites.

Be careful of that bucket containing your connection, they can decompose in UV light and fracture. Watch it carefully at first to make sure it doesn't leak. Might want to elevate the connection itself off the bottom of the bucket and put drain holes in the bottom of the bucket so if it does leak your connection won't end up sitting in water..... BTDT.

Looking good, can't wait to see the windows!

I'll have to check out the "poop board". Wonder if I could just use a 1/4" section of plywood to put under the roost (with bedding on top) and then slide that out and dump/scrap it off? Would that work?

Yes the cord is gong to a GFCI outlet, and I have the bulb cage but haven't installed it yet. I'm not going to use the electrical until in the winter for light and to keep the water from freezing. Between now and then I'll come up with something better to put the cord in. This just works for now.

The windows will be last since they can break. I might not even install them until the coop is in position in the back yard. Yeah, probably not. I'll wait.

Thank you.!

 

[aart]

.......The windows will be last since they can break. I might not even install them until the coop is in position in the back yard. Yeah, probably not. I'll wait.

Thank you.!

Maybe dry fit them where all your tools are, then do the final install after the coop is in position....good plan.