Name 3 Things You Did Or Will Do Today - 2025

[thecatumbrella]

I will try to convince myself to purchase a prefab coop that's (probably) going to stink.
I will spend time with the chickens.
I will journal in Bad News Bantams to organize my thoughts for the next steps.

 

[R2elk]

I will try to convince myself to purchase a prefab coop

Don't!

Design and build your own. Make sure it is big enough that you can stand erect inside it. Chickens do a whole lot better with more than the minimum amount of room.

If you need materials, most everywhere has a source for free pallets.

 

[thecatumbrella]

Don't!

Design and build your own. Make sure it is big enough that you can stand erect inside it. Chickens do a whole lot better with more than the minimum amount of room.

If you need materials, most everywhere has a source for free pallets.

That's the long term plan, but I need an improvement over my current situation ASAP. Otherwise, I may be forced to rehome in the next few weeks.

I managed to trap myself in a corner on this one. Now I'm paying the price.

Edit: In our case, it's a time/zoning issue for building. Or even getting a shed in there. The whole thing's a disaster.

 

[R2elk]

In our case, it's a time/zoning issue for building. Or even getting a shed in there. The whole thing's a disaster.

Even one of the cheap sheds from a local lumberyard is a better option than the prefab coops.

 

[thecatumbrella]

Even one of the cheap sheds from a local lumberyard is a better option than the prefab coops.

100% agree. We own the "best" prefab on the market (in my opinion), but you can't change the footprint if the birds don't get along.

Just putting my failures out there for all to see.

 

[R2elk]

100% agree. We own the "best" prefab on the market (in my opinion), but you can't change the footprint if the birds don't get along.

Just putting my failures out there for all to see.

The birds will get along better as soon as they have a lot more "personal" space.

I have no issue with my chickens getting along with each other because they have a huge coop and run along with lots of obstacles and hiding places.

You never see anyone posting about the optimum space for poultry. Everything posted is about the minimums. Even then people try to jam them into smaller spaces.

 

[thecatumbrella]

The birds will get along better as soon as they have a lot more "personal" space.

I actually just finished my article on this Monday (and it chronicles in live time how/why my prefab fell apart for this reason). They have plenty of roost space, but you take a gamble when you're not meeting that minimum 4 sqft/bird.

To tie back into this thread, I want to start on my second article this afternoon, and that one ties into your comment on personal space. One of my pullets has like a 3-foot "blast radius" that you cannot enter. Everyone needs room to maneuver!

So that's my 4th thing I'll do today!

 

[BoundlessLove]

100% agree. We own the "best" prefab on the market (in my opinion), but you can't change the footprint if the birds don't get along.

Just putting my failures out there for all to see.

Not your failure!
It is common to have a flock that is just complicated.
I have read posts on here where owners have rehomed/culled and started over. This is something I’ve personally had to do once.
There is no shame here!

 

[BoundlessLove]

This morning, I took care of the animals, washed a load of clothes and have another in the washer.
Now, my daughter and I will travel to Lowe’s, Tractor Supply, and the dreaded Walmart.
Tonight, I am cooking chili for supper (in the crockpot) and for dessert - strawberry & blueberry cake. (baked yesterday)

 

[sourland]

Took three dogs to the club - put bedding in their sleeping boxes.
Watered tomato plants
Will go to a movie this afternoon.