New to chickens...UPDATE!!! PIC HEAVY

[ddmiddle7]

Thanks NevadaRon I went with your advice and stuck to using 2x4s. I actually ended up getting 15 free eight footers from free!!! So here is what I am aiming to come up with when it is all said and done. Hopefully the weather changes so I can start building. I have everything marked out in the yard where it is going to go.

I have never built anything like this before so it will be interesting to see what I come up with when its all said and done. I do have a couple of building questions though. Can I use nails to frame out the wall and then use screws on the plywood? Or should I just stick with all screws? Also do I really need to insulate my coop? I live in Indianapolis. I have access to however much foil insulation I can get, and its all free. This is the stuff that pharmaceutical companies wrap their drugs in to be shipped on planes and semi trailers. And I just happen to work at one of those trucking companies.

So as I said I am a novice builder so if you see anything that I am doing wrong or have some suggestions that would make life much easier on me or my flock please let me know.

Thanks again BYCers!! You rock!

 

[sueche]

I am in the same boat as you building the same coop. I already build bottom frame, than had to disassemble it cause well, I have no building experience.

 

[ddmiddle7]

What did you do wrong so I don't make the wrong mistake?

 

[NevadaRon]

ddmiddle7 one thing I noticed in your design is the nest boxes are on the side that the roof slopes down to. If it is raining when you go to collect eggs, water will be running off right into your face. Something to think about...

Congrats on getting the free wood!

You could use nails, for me, screws were easier because you can use a drill to screw them in. Also, I used wood deck screws - they are corrosion resistant.

I don't think insulation is absolutely necessary - it gets pretty cold here in Northern Nevada, too, and I don't know of anyone using it. In the summer here, no matter how hot it gets during the day a combination of high altitude (4500 ft. +) and low humidity means it is 25 or 30 degrees cooler at night. If it doesn't cool off at night there in summer, insulation might work against you.

You can do this. Good luck on your project and keep us posted on your progress!

 

[poppywhite1]

This is my first post on BYC and my first chicken effort. I used an old playhouse for my coup but I have a question about the run. Some of the places here in east Texas us electric netting for the runs. It is 4 foot tall and has built in posts and electric wiring. All you do is attach a pet electric fence charger and it keeps out all predators. But my question is what keeps the chickens from flying over the fence???

 

[NevadaRon]

Hi poppywhite1 and

Nothing will stop them from flying over the fence unless you clip the wing feathers on one side. I don't know about where you live but here (N NV) we have flying predators - owls, hawks and even eagles - to contend with so my run is totally enclosed. Thus the chickens can't get out, either. See my picture earlier in this thread.

 

[ddmiddle7]

Thanks NevadaRon I didn't even think about the rain running down on me when I am getting the eggs! I have started looking around for some scrap guttering, cause I don't want to move the nest boxes, I like them in the back. So hopefully a strip of guttering accross the back running down to the fence will prevent that. Also it will probably keep the ground right behind the coop from becoming too muddy.
So, I got home from work to find a surprise on the side of my house yesterday. My friend stopped by while I was gone and dropped of more than enough 4x4s (like 4 8 footers and 2 6 footers) and a post hole digger. Guess I will be digging holes today and setting some poles... I don't care if it is 40degrees, my little babies will be here in a week. I have to get started!!! I also picked up some decking screws yesterday. I'm still a little weary of building the roof. I think I am going to get those metal brackets so I don't have to notch anything out at the top. All I have to work with is a small handsaw and a circular saw. What is the easiest way to cut out the window in the plywood?
I will keep this thread updated as I go. Please feel free to give advice, I need all the help I can get.

Thanks,
Dereck

 

[mcf3kids]

I like the coop design - good luck with it and please post pics when you are done building it!
NevadaRon can you list the address of the plans on the Purina site? I did a search and went to the site and cannot find it. Thanks!

 

[sueche]

Quote:
I didn't know that you have to subtract the width of the boards. I wanted a 4x8 base, so i thought i just screw together a 8' and a 4' board together. I have NO building experience but now i learned. I am sure you know more than that.

I hope to get back on it again today.

good luck

I will be watching

 

[poppywhite1]

Thanks NevadaRon. I thought the chickens would fly out and we also have the same flying predators here in east Texas. But what I can't figure out is why some big family farms use this fencing around hundreds of chickens. I wonder if some breeds are more prone to fly than others.