New Coop! And I made it myself!

[MimiChick]

My DH says he's really proud of me. It was a lot of work, I started in mid-June, and I have to admit I'm glad it's done. But, I'm really pleased with how it came out.
I'll be planting some of my herbs between the rocks around the outside. Another predator deterrent. Strong smells like thyme and sage tend to be avoided because it confuses their sense of smell.

 

[nanawendy]

Good for YOU...

Didn't know about the herbs,,,good to know

 

[MimiChick]

Thanks everyone for your kind words. My previous post got cut off before I could add the thank you. I've learned so much on this forum from everyone who posts. Everyone is so helpful and there are so many great ideas. I incorporated a lot of advice and suggestions to end up with something I could actually do and still be happy with (as well as a good home for the chicks), and I really appreciate everyone who takes the time and effort to share.
I'm so excited that now I can get more chicks

Everything I've read on this forum is right as far as chicken math and never having enough chickens. When I started this I really thought I'd be happy with 3. Well, I've got 4 now and want at least 4 more. This is just too much fun

I'm pretty sure I could have about a dozen comfortably with this size coop and run. But, I have to get the DH into it a little at a time. Meanwhile, I'm having a blast

Thanks again everyone.

 

[peepswiththepoof]

Looks amazing! Great job!

 

[kannm]

Very nice coop!

 

[briana1975]

You did a lot better than I could.

 

[ADozenGirlz]

SWEET! I'm envious of your carpentry knowledge and skills! It looks fabulous!!!

 

[sreihart]

You did a super-duper job! I'm so impressed with the building skills of the women in this forum. I'm 56 1/2 and I too am still building mine, so I can identify with your relief at being finished. Good luck with getting more chickens. They really are a ton of fun!

 

[TnTom]

That is such a beautiful job. You did really really good. Congratulations I am impressed. I like the amount of wood you used.

I can't tell from the pics but let me ask did you use treated lumber? If not do you plan to paint it? Lots of folks wont use the treated around animals but I don't think it harms the critters ,,,I may be wrong,,,,,,I'm in the process of building a coop and run and sure love your plan. Im going to try our first chickens, 3 hens, and see how it goes.

I have a pet saver which is the chain link dog run thing and lacks everything but functionality that is 6 1/2' by 13' by 6'.
The coop I copied from one I saw on line its pretty simple to build but the point I was getting to ....long winded sorry,,, If your wood is treated that's best if not are you going to paint it. The reason Im asking is that it will rot sooner that you'll be happy about if it isnt treated and isn't painted.

How many 2 x 4" did you use? I gave up trying to count. I love a lot of wood. You did a great job. It looks so nice and square. the door is the signature of a good carpenter. Did you use a nail gun or hammer. That's a lot of hammering you did. I'll bet that's not news to you!

 

[MimiChick]

TnTom: I used pressure treated wood on the bottom pieces and the others I sprayed with a clear preservative. I'm hoping everything will last for a long time.
I think I used probably about 60 6 foot 2x4's in all. Then I used a total of 5 pieces of 1/2" exterior grade plywood on the outside and roof (the roof also has clear plastic roofing material (Suntuf) over the plywood). For the interior I just used 1/4" luan and that was also 5 sheets. I had some other pieces of lumber and trim material (1 x 3's) around and I used those as needed. I don't have a nail gun so I used a hammer to staple on the fencing (ouch). But, I'm great with my handy dandy 12v drill, so I screwed everything together instead of nailing. That seemed to work best for me.
Thanks for your interest and good luck with your coop.