Newbie 1st Post - Let's get'er started

[Tracyree]

Love your roosts/poop trays. Copying 100%

 

[pfrosty]

My watering bucket was added with 5 horizontal nipples and the chickens are doing just fine with it. I noticed that my two black sex links are getting red combs and acting somewhat suspicious. I finally made the nest boxes and mounted them under the poop boards. There is a 3" lip in front of the boxes which is hard to see in this pic for them to jump on from the aspen limb. So far the hens have shown no interest in the nests. No exploring yet either. Do I need to add a ramp to the nests? Is it sitting to high up? I'm wondering if they can't reach it. Is there enough privacy in those boxes or do I need to enclose them more? I added a few golf balls to each box to give them the idea. I didn't think eggs would come this soon, but I'm thinking maybe within two weeks the way those BSL's have been behaving. I picked the chicks up in mid March. We shall see.

 

[jetdog]

My watering bucket was added with 5 horizontal nipples and the chickens are doing just fine with it. I noticed that my two black sex links are getting red combs and acting somewhat suspicious. I finally made the nest boxes and mounted them under the poop boards. There is a 3" lip in front of the boxes which is hard to see in this pic for them to jump on from the aspen limb. So far the hens have shown no interest in the nests. No exploring yet either. Do I need to add a ramp to the nests? Is it sitting to high up? I'm wondering if they can't reach it. Is there enough privacy in those boxes or do I need to enclose them more? I added a few golf balls to each box to give them the idea. I didn't think eggs would come this soon, but I'm thinking maybe within two weeks the way those BSL's have been behaving. I picked the chicks up in mid March. We shall see.

Yeah You will have to put a board across the front for them to hop on to get in the boxes mine walk back and forth until they find just the right box.

 

[jetdog]

This is how I did mine just a piece of 1x3 across the front.Looks great you have come a long way.

 

[pfrosty]

Thanks jetdog. I'll take a different picture that better shows the ledge. The current angle of the picture makes it look like there is nothing to stand on. The boxes are still 3' off the floor which may be too high up to jump for a chicken that wants to lay. Or does it really matter? I have no idea.

 

[jetdog]

Thanks jetdog. I'll take a different picture that better shows the ledge. The current angle of the picture makes it look like there is nothing to stand on. The boxes are still 3' off the floor which may be too high up to jump for a chicken that wants to lay. Or does it really matter? I have no idea.

Yeah They might be a little to high I think I made mine about 18 inches off the floor and they just jump up with no problem.

 

[pfrosty]

This is how I did mine just a piece of 1x3 across the front.Looks great you have come a long way.

Thanks for the tips! I built a ramp and I think I should be good to go. Here is the final touch...

 

[jetdog]

Ahh yes I see the board now, looks good you should have no problems.

 

[farmgirl7]

Looking great! One thing I noticed...you need a lid for the water bucket. Coops get very dusty and dirty and flapping wings propel bits and pieces in all directions. I use a bucket feeder and my chickens will sit on top of it from time to time. The shed we are working on is 8' x 8' and in a lot worse shape than yours. Hope our coop looks half as good as yours when we finish it.

 

[pfrosty]

Looking great! One thing I noticed...you need a lid for the water bucket. Coops get very dusty and dirty and flapping wings propel bits and pieces in all directions. I use a bucket feeder and my chickens will sit on top of it from time to time. The shed we are working on is 8' x 8' and in a lot worse shape than yours. Hope our coop looks half as good as yours when we finish it.

Yeah I notice the water gets a little dirty, mostly dust/dander. Is that water unhealthy for the chickens? Thanks for the advice! I'll have to find a lid.