My very inexpensive coop

[ams3651]

Quote:
i thought the same thing but looks very nice and roomy. I used deer netting for covering the run. Covers nicely and easy to work with.

 

[lilbirdee]

Oooo...scooter that's the kind of advice that I was looking for. Funny (in a painful way) that you mentioned the shin bashing. I was in there a few days ago trying to catch everyone to toss them out the window and I slipped and scraped all the way down my shin on the ramp.
It does get in the way and they poop all over it.
The windowsills are actually about 31" from the ground is that about right for the roosts?
Should I do a box on the outside too? it's even closer to the ground.
And curtain brackets? What kind are you talking about?

 

[scooter147]

Are they roosting on it at night? if so time to get the roost in.
You can leave the ramp outside it give the run the "chicken" look. I would add some tread strips to it though.

31" is fine for the roost height, looks like you have standard breeds and they will do just fine with that, i would put the nest boxes on the other side and lower than the roost and with a slanted top to prevent roosting.

Ok, as are as the brackets. They are the kind that are in the shape of an upside down "L" with a "U" shape on the end for the WOODEN rod to fit in, you can also make something very similar.
Or simply make the a "L" shape bracket out of 2x4's and screw to the wall and use a 2x4 flat side up as the roost. (probably the easy route).

You mentioned watching and relaxing with your chickens...I do it every chance I get. I have built a small patio with table and chairs right outside my coop and run and sit and watch when I can. It's better then any tv you can watch and completly stress free.

 

[daisychick]

I second the putting a box or something under the window to get rid of the "tripping ramp"

You could make a flat type roost with a board on the wall and then a board out about 18 inches out and wire bottom in between so the poop drops when they roost. Then it would give them easy access to their window to go outside.

 

[Rowzy]

I would have used hardware mesh if you have dogs, coyotes, racoons or the like. And like other people said I would cover it, I would use hardware mesh for that as well because predators can jump in or climb in.

 

[Anny]

very nice!

 

[Omran]

Nice Job

 

[lilbirdee]

I am now working on getting netting for the top until they get bigger. How old is big enough to run free?
And I suppose I should have mentioned that this run is actually inside of the alpaca paddock and therefore already enclosed in an area safe from dogs, coyotes and anything else that can't get in to the alpacas.

 

[chickenfanatic]

hey its nice and functional.

 

[scooter147]

So they are safe from ground predators how about the winged ones?
I only let mine out and about when I will be out to "protect" them from the numerous red tails and coopers we have. In our area the hawks here have no real fear of humans, I have had them swoop down on the girls with me in the yard. Fortunately I have not had any causulties and they usually see it coming and run like heck for cover.