- Jan 8, 2012
- 48
- 0
- 32
Hello all~
First post. My name is Allen and I live in Lutz, Florida(Just North of Tampa((home of the Bucs, Lightning and Rays)))
Been lurking for a few weeks now.Have spent many hours reading up on stuff as this is my first time raising chickens. Wife and son got on me a few months ago about wanting a couple chickens for fresh eggs. I am fortunate to live in a neighborhood with a big yard. Actually, I still live in the same house I grew up in, and I am 38. We are sorta "out in the country" here and away from the city, so having animals is not an issue. I actually used to have a hog pen and hunting dogs here at the house.
I looked at "tractors" for my first chicken trial, but they just didn't seem to "float my boat". They just seem very small and confined, and for what people are charging for them, I figured I can build something bigger for cheaper. I mean, a tractor is going for around $300 +/~ locally and they just seem too cramped to me.
Now I am not a construction guy, and have no training in building, but can use a saw and hammer if need be. Actually I think I suck at constructing stuff. I guess my lack of training, I can't plan everything ahead of time like some people do down to the individual nail. So I sorta plan as I go and make many trips to Lowe's. I literally buried a corner post 3 weeks ago and stared at it till a few days ago until I got serious about it.
Anyways, here is what I have so far. The enclosure is approx 10x11, with an additional 3x16 section behind the shed that will be part of the run(the shed is NOT part of the chicken house. It is my storage bldg, I am just adding on to the side of it). I decided to build the coop elevated to not take away any ground footage, as they can go underneath for some good shade. Also entire outside will be wrapped in poultry fence, as well as on top before I introduce my gals.
Enclosure is just shy of 6' high, as I am keeping it just below my neighbors fence. The coop is going to be a little bigger than I had anticipated at 4x8. The back of the coop will be 6', pitched down to 5' at the front(I think).
Can't wait to get this build finished and get some fowl to occupy it. My son is driving me crazy(actually motivating me) to get it completed
First post. My name is Allen and I live in Lutz, Florida(Just North of Tampa((home of the Bucs, Lightning and Rays)))
Been lurking for a few weeks now.Have spent many hours reading up on stuff as this is my first time raising chickens. Wife and son got on me a few months ago about wanting a couple chickens for fresh eggs. I am fortunate to live in a neighborhood with a big yard. Actually, I still live in the same house I grew up in, and I am 38. We are sorta "out in the country" here and away from the city, so having animals is not an issue. I actually used to have a hog pen and hunting dogs here at the house.
I looked at "tractors" for my first chicken trial, but they just didn't seem to "float my boat". They just seem very small and confined, and for what people are charging for them, I figured I can build something bigger for cheaper. I mean, a tractor is going for around $300 +/~ locally and they just seem too cramped to me.
Now I am not a construction guy, and have no training in building, but can use a saw and hammer if need be. Actually I think I suck at constructing stuff. I guess my lack of training, I can't plan everything ahead of time like some people do down to the individual nail. So I sorta plan as I go and make many trips to Lowe's. I literally buried a corner post 3 weeks ago and stared at it till a few days ago until I got serious about it.
Anyways, here is what I have so far. The enclosure is approx 10x11, with an additional 3x16 section behind the shed that will be part of the run(the shed is NOT part of the chicken house. It is my storage bldg, I am just adding on to the side of it). I decided to build the coop elevated to not take away any ground footage, as they can go underneath for some good shade. Also entire outside will be wrapped in poultry fence, as well as on top before I introduce my gals.
Enclosure is just shy of 6' high, as I am keeping it just below my neighbors fence. The coop is going to be a little bigger than I had anticipated at 4x8. The back of the coop will be 6', pitched down to 5' at the front(I think).
Can't wait to get this build finished and get some fowl to occupy it. My son is driving me crazy(actually motivating me) to get it completed
