My Ugly Coop... UPDATED!

[DragonEggs]

So, I didn't win. The lady who won sounded really nice though and she was so happy. I'm happy for her. It's coop number 47 on the website that won.

There will be another coop contest tomorrow. They have one coop left to give away so I suggest everyone tune in tomorrow at 12 noon EST and check it out!

 

[kuntrygirl]

Quote:
OMG!!!! She deserves to win !!!

 

[chickboss]

Just sending some good vibes your way! We've been hit hard a time or two, no jobs, no money, just buckets of stress and each other.

It'll pass, and you'll be stronger, wiser. And just so you know, if you have animals, you will deal with disease, parasites, injuries, ect. at some point no matter what. Taking care of those problems instead of turning your back on them is what makes someone a good owner. I have some set ups here that I like, and others that I look at and just say "LAME" to. But they are reasonably protected, and kept very, very clean. That, to me, is the most important thing.

If you are entered in the second contest, I hope you win!

 

[TheRanch]

Laura, you sweet thing - the problem is that your coop is NOT ugly!!! I think it's kinda chic and definately tropical lol!! but - just so you know---- I will have some babies (well, older babies) for you once you get situated - I have hatched a few more and have 4 juvies doing great - so as soon as you are ready..... let me know.

On a side note, it always seems like the crapiest things happen to the best people, so expect a bunch of it -

but the hard times allow you to appreciate the good times more than anyone who never has struggles. I'm sorry you are having a tough time with it right now - if there is anything I can help you with let me know.... You know I love your enthusiasm for your birds!! and wish you the best in all things kiddo!!

Jacki

 

[DragonEggs]

Quote:
Whos the sweet thing now? You're so silly and so wonderful.

well, I just wanted everyone to know that all of your good vibes and prayers have helped! I have gotten a job as a waitress and bellydancer at a hookah lounge (I have been a hobbist bellydancer for a number of years now) and I have an interview next week at a vet clinic. Also, I think my birds have been feeling the power! I was blessed with 2 darling and healthy chicks and the rest of my flock is on a speedy (and I do mean speedy, wow what amazing improvement over the last couple of days) recovery! Only 2 still show signs of pox and everyone is perky and eating and drinking with gusto again! It's really given me some hope! I'm going to be hitting up my local freecycle and the local dump and scrap yard for materials to add on to my "coop".

I can't thank everyone enough for all of your kind words!

 

[The Sheriff]

#51 was robbed. Pure and simple.

 

[ScaredOfShadows]

Honestly - you couldn't get me to enter a contest for one of those coops...I was at my friends house today who bought one almost identical to this one, except it had a sloped roof instead of a square one...It cost her 400$, and I told her I'd build her one - but she thought it was so cute...The ENTIRE coop and run is like 2.5' by 5' !! The hardware is CHEAP, same pop door opener/closer that one has (the same company makes them I checked - she got hers from My Pet chicken as well) and it leaked until she caulked it up and replaced the window on it.

Search Craiglist and Freecycle for materials that are cheap or free and just build one or find a free dog house

If I lived closer to you I have some scrap wood, chicken wire, and pallets you could have.

Good luck on getting everything straighten out, and take care hun!

 

[nelgkel]

Quote:
Whos the sweet thing now? You're so silly and so wonderful.

well, I just wanted everyone to know that all of your good vibes and prayers have helped! I have gotten a job as a waitress and bellydancer at a hookah lounge (I have been a hobbist bellydancer for a number of years now) and I have an interview next week at a vet clinic. Also, I think my birds have been feeling the power! I was blessed with 2 darling and healthy chicks and the rest of my flock is on a speedy (and I do mean speedy, wow what amazing improvement over the last couple of days) recovery! Only 2 still show signs of pox and everyone is perky and eating and drinking with gusto again! It's really given me some hope! I'm going to be hitting up my local freecycle and the local dump and scrap yard for materials to add on to my "coop".

I can't thank everyone enough for all of your kind words!

so happy things are looking up for ya!!

 

[DragonEggs]

Well, so much for THAT job. Last night was my first night, but was also my last night. We don't have a base rate of pay, everything is tips, but when 3 tables walked out on me without paying apparently I was stuck with the tab, which after 6 hours of work left me with $7. Just enough for gas to get home.

I've got another job interview today at Petsmart. Same distance drive, hopefully better pay.

Also I've been working on the coop. I'll try to post pictures tonight.

 

[DragonEggs]

So, I relocated my coop to the other side of the house up against the fence, where they would have more shade but less protection from the elements, so I made a few additions. A nice bonus is that I can now watch my chickens through the window over my computer desk. Here are the pics.

Those pics were taken through my window. I'll try to get better ones tomorrow. As you can see I did some yardwork and used all my palm tree trimmings (and some from the neighbors trees too) to build a roof and wall screen around one side. I added a box to the other side for nesting and put some of the palms around that. It's nicely shaded now and adds more protection from the rain (they still get wet, but not soaked). I also used some of the longer palm stems as perches. The chickens have been happier. I can tell because the roos are trying to get down to buisness more now.