New member and new Coop!

[PooCollector]

Yeah, we are really excited about all of this. first time living out in the sticks and first time ever having chickens as well. Originally wanted them for eggs and meat but no longer think I am willing to slaughter them! Seems like it would be similar to killing your dog from some of the stuff I read here. Anyhow, thanks for the welcome and compliments.

 

[Hozer]

Great coop and great restraint on getting your setup before you get the birds. Like many people here I got my chicks and then hustled to get the coop built. It is suprising how fast they grow when you are trying to finish the coop.

If you feel you can't kill your chickens you may want to consider sexed chicks. Straight run chicks (unsexed) will be apx. 50% roosters. I was suprised how hard it is to get rid of roosters. I'm talking...I couldn't give away pure-bread Black Copper Marans from across the country. I did, however, manage to trade one pure-bread Ameraucana for 2 drake ducks....at least that is what I told my Chinese wife. They would have given me the drakes anyhow, but my wife thinks I made a great trade...and I got rid of a rooster.

I personally have no problem killing a chicken and have become the local "hatchet man" for neighbors that can't do it. That is how I got the free ducks.

 

[joletabey]

You are impressive- that's the first thing you've built? WOW!!!! I'd hire you!!!!

 

[gsim]

Welcome to BYC. Looks good. Leave the gaps at the top unfinished to facilitate ventilation. Great use for the recycled fence boards too. I got a huge pile of pr treated deck boards from a deck rebuild delivered, AFTER I finished my coop!

If you have not yet done so, run power and water to the site. You will be glad you did.

 

[Tonopah Pati]

I like it. Welcome from Arizona

 

[teach1rusl]

from Indiana! Your coop looks very solid! You did a great job! And with very little out of pocket expense...good for you! We were "coop before chickens" people too...lol. Now, when you get your chickens, you can really enjoy them instead of rushing to get the coop done! I totally agree with going the extra step to get sexed birds when you're ready. Trying to give them away or eating them are about your only options if you end up with a bunch of roosters. I know you and your family will love having chickens!!! Enjoy!

 

[al6517]

 

[PooCollector]

Here are a few more. still need to insulate and finish walls and tile the place. door is setup to be a dutch style door and will have "siding" also.

This last pic is an item I picked up for free off of craigslist. It is an old shipping crate and was used as a temporary coop by the man who gave it to me. I will turn it into a tractor that is able to attach to the chicken shack for a hospital/new bird/ whatever type area.

 

[ema.whte]

Great job, it looks really well made and should be perfect for your chickens. I also love the idea of attaching a chicken tractor to your coop. Keep up the good work.

Emma

 

[briana1975]

and great work on the coop. You will love having chickens.