Need inputs on my chicken coop

[LaPetiteFarmer]

$500 for labor and material.
I agree with you Chemguy, it's better if I do it well... I will be devastated and full of guilt if i found my chickens are dead.
Debid, Thank you so much for your input!!!! You see I am so new with the all coop things, that I don't know what is right or wrong even though my intention are for the best of my chickens. i figured the ventilation wasn't going to be enough but now I am scared to have made another bad decision. Pfff those coops, they are a headache!


I forgot to mention there is a window on the opposite of the nesting box, and I was planning on adding another one on top of the nesting box and after reading your reply I might make another one in the front of the house (where the chickens enter)

 

[LaPetiteFarmer]

Thank you Daisy for your input, I didn't see it until now.
I totally agree with you when you say that you might not see the predators but see the results. However, I doubt my DH will do as much work as yours just because we live in a rental home, but I thought putting an "apron" instead of digging the entire run. As far as the coop I just hope it's not a scam.

 

[jamband]

$500 for labor and material.

I'd be very very cautious on that.......there is easily 275 in materials between 2x4s, plywood, hardware cloth, hinges, trim, shingles etc etc...

plus you are in So. Cal? expensive place.......I live in rural NC and just tractors for 3 hens using chicken wire go for 400+

 

[blueferral]

Before you build the coop and run lay welded wire down on the ground. Lay it so that about 1 foot of wire is inside the run/coop and the rest is outside. If you lay it with the curve of the roll down and use lawn staples to hold it flat. The grass will grow over it, your lawn mower will never notice it. Animal will try to dig close to the fence to the run and wont be able to get through. If you want to get way over kill you can lay 1x1 flat cement paver stones around the out side as well.

Bonus, when you move you can take the pavers with you. The welded wire will become part of the lawn. You will have a dickens of a time trying to pull it up. Most likely it will just bend and become worthless if you try.

The welded wire has worked for me for three years. Nothing has been able to go under. A raccoon went over. Placed a hot wire and covered the top of the run. No more problems. The only birds i have lost recently were to my neighbors dog, while the birds where free ranging.

 

[LaPetiteFarmer]

But I think the coop does not have hardware cloth. The guy lives far away (something like 8hours north) and will be able to deliver it for free because he comes in my area once a month to see his kids. I found him through CL. Here is his ad:

"For sale brand new well built chicken coop. 5 foot by 6 foot. It has 3 nesting boxes with an exterior lid for ease in collecting eggs. It also has double doors. The coop has a roosting bar. It is an extremely easy coop to clean. Front door has a ramp and the door slides down to secure the chickens at night from predators. It also has an ALUMINUM sliding window with screen and 2 gable vents to keep your chickens cool and happy on hot summer days. I can deliver if needed. Only $395.00"

So when I contacted him he said he would be ok, to do a 8 by 6 by 6 for $500. I won't send him any sort of down payment until I receive the coop, so if it's a scam he won't get anything from me.

 

[LaPetiteFarmer]

Before you build the coop and run lay welded wire down on the ground. Lay it so that about 1 foot of wire is inside the run/coop and the rest is outside. If you lay it with the curve of the roll down and use lawn staples to hold it flat. The grass will grow over it, your lawn mower will never notice it. Animal will try to dig close to the fence to the run and wont be able to get through. If you want to get way over kill you can lay 1x1 flat cement paver stones around the out side as well.

Bonus, when you move you can take the pavers with you. The welded wire will become part of the lawn. You will have a dickens of a time trying to pull it up. Most likely it will just bend and become worthless if you try.

The welded wire has worked for me for three years. Nothing has been able to go under. A raccoon went over. Placed a hot wire and covered the top of the run. No more problems. The only birds i have lost recently were to my neighbors dog, while the birds where free ranging.

Great for the tip, I am going to save it and make sure DH reads it! We don't have grass but I can probably hide it with sand, mulch, etc.... thank you....

 

[blueferral]

my pleasure, good luck with the coop. MMMM fresh eggs.