New coop - Hutch on steroids - New Pix

[NellaBean]

Built a new coop this week........just a 4x8 coop built up against the back of the garage and side of coop. It is like a rabbit hutch on steroids. Since this is my growout pen, it is perfect sized for a group of teenagers, or if needed, a small breeding flock.

I built it so it could be split down the middle into two 4x4 coops if needed, as the pen is built where it can be split into two pens as well. I may end up cutting a window and pop door into the side wall......

Tomorrow I will build a ramp and put hangers for feeders and waterers in the coop and work on getting a roost put in. The babies moved in tonight and seemed happy enough for the time being

I did add latches after the pix were taken.

 

[Domestic_goddess]

How many chicks to you have? I would think that might hold 2-3 hens! Looks very nice, good job.

 

[NellaBean]

It's for nightime only, so should fit 8 hens or so. I have about 25 chicks in there, but they are young since it is just a growout pen. They are my "sale chicks" so should be downsized as they get bigger. I only have 8 keepers in that batch and they will be moved out to my main flock and coop in a few weeks....hopefully the other chicks will be sold by then, and I will rotate out a new group.

 

[Marie1234]

I like how you used the back of the garage and side of coop for security. It looks like if you want to do some fencing it will be cheaper because you already have two sides covered. Smart thinking. Nice job.

 

[NellaBean]

It was in the 30's last night, but everyone came through just fine. They were happy and waiting to be let out when I got out at 7:30 am.

I don't have the ramp built yet (that will be done tonight), so they were just jumping out. They crack me up. Little kamikaze chickens....also will put a locking latch on each door tonight, plus a roost and hangers for food and water.

Here is a pic showing the little coop in progress.......it is within a large pen, next to my main coop....which opens up to my big yard and also a small wooden pen. Confused yet? Yep.

The tarp and t-post it is tied to are both gone in the big pen..........the raggedy tarp in the little wooden pen is temporary until I get a new roof put on in there. sigh. the work is never done

I also plan on removing the top 2 feet of hardware cloth in that pen, as it will be a hoop type roof and will have a 6 foot or higher peak. Then I will use that hardware cloth for a different brooder/hutch/coop. Whoo

 

[xyresicchick]

i like that grow out pen idea! very nifty!

 

[Mervin]

I like the grow out pen. I may have to wait a summer or two or the DW might not be so D anymore. Or maybe she won't find me so D, or something.

 

[Lesa]

Great job! That is perfect for a grow out pen- or chicken hospital, etc. Like the idea, that it can be split, too. Just nice- I could really use one like that!!!