New dog kennel coop in the works

[pohnjarker]

had to throw a couple tarps over it yesterday, we got some pretty good storms down here south east of Dallas.

weather should be good tomorrow so i'll start back up on it!

 

[pohnjarker]

Rafters and roof went on today!

 

[FlyWheel]

If I may make a suggestion? My run is also made from the 4 panel 10' x 10' x 6' kennels. I have two put together but seeing as you only have one and wish to preserve as much run area as possible why not put the coop outside the kennel entirely? Build the coop up against the doorway of the kennel and use it for access between the two. You could either leave the door on if you want to lock your birds into the coop at night or take it off for free access.

Consider stretching some wire mesh across the top if you're worried about raptors (as a bonus it will also keeps your birds from flying out). You can also stretch a tarp across this wire roof for shade and rainwater collection.

 

[pohnjarker]

If I may make a suggestion? My run is also made from the 4 panel 10' x 10' x 6' kennels. I have two put together but seeing as you only have one and wish to preserve as much run area as possible why not put the coop outside the kennel entirely? Build the coop up against the doorway of the kennel and use it for access between the two. You could either leave the door on if you want to lock your birds into the coop at night or take it off for free access.

Consider stretching some wire mesh across the top if you're worried about raptors (as a bonus it will also keeps your birds from flying out). You can also stretch a tarp across this wire roof for shade and rainwater collection.

thank you for your suggestions!

i have thought about putting the coop outside and using the whole kennel for a run. the chickens should be able to utilize the full run since i raised the coop off the ground if needed. I also plan to fence in the back yard so i can let them out while we are home and can watch them a little and then lock them back in the kennel at night.

i will put some kind of wire over the top, then throw a tarp over that to keep anything from going over the top.

we covered 3 sides with some composite panel siding last night and its looking good!! only the front face to go and the nesting box and it will be pretty much complete. then i can start looking for chickens!!

 

[GregT]

Hello .. I would put the coop outside the fence .. then cut an entrance to the coop in the fence.. with a ramp to the ground .. also .. i would place the nesting box in the side closet to where you will be coming from to gather eggs .. if you have a sloped roof .. i would put the perch's on the high side (inside) and nest boxes on the lower side .. i would also make nest boxes inside the coop and (with a cover over the top of them .. but access the laid eggs from a swing down door running the length of all nesting boxes.. ( no need , in my opinion to have a heavy lid to raise to get eggs) \\\ even tho that's what i have myself / just something i would have done differently .. if i started over

 

[aart]

i have thought about putting the coop outside and using the whole kennel for a run. the chickens should be able to utilize the full run since i raised the coop off the ground if needed. I also plan to fence in the back yard so i can let them out while we are home and can watch them a little and then lock them back in the kennel at night.

I was going to suggest putting coop outside kennel, but didn't because of this.
The nest box access might be an issue tho (I'm assuming you will have exterior nests)....and you could mesh in under the coop if coop was outside kennel.

 

[pohnjarker]

The kennel isn't where it will end up. It's moved that way now so I can walk all the way around for the build. Once it's complete, the back and left side will be against the fence so the nesting box and the front will have all the extra room in the coop.

 

[pohnjarker]

Hello .. I would put the coop outside the fence .. then cut an entrance to the coop in the fence.. with a ramp to the ground .. also .. i would place the nesting box in the side closet to where you will be coming from to gather eggs .. if you have a sloped roof .. i would put the perch's on the high side (inside) and nest boxes on the lower side .. i would also make nest boxes inside the coop and (with a cover over the top of them .. but access the laid eggs from a swing down door running the length of all nesting boxes.. ( no need , in my opinion to have a heavy lid to raise to get eggs) \\\ even tho that's what i have myself / just something i would have done differently .. if i started over

I've seen this done but did not want to cut a hole in the fence in case I want to use it for something else later, easier not to have to fix the hole.

 

[pohnjarker]

Slow goings but I put on the base of the nesting box today.

 

[GregT]

Doing a fine job .. from what I can see .. good stuff