No More Secret Peeping!

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ronott1 said:
View attachment 1257231
Welcome to backyard Chickens!

I love the gate!

Can you share the plans for the door?
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Well, I sort of improvised the gate to fit between the existing posts. My inspiration was from here:
https://www.theartofdoingstuff.com/the-coop-gates-gate-building-for-beginners/

I used DeckoRail aluminum ballusters from Home Depot to get the look I wanted. Then a basic 2x4 frame with L-bracket supports on each corner both front and back. The rails were tricky and frustrating to install. It would have been so much easier to mount them the correct way, which was on included support connectors. But I needed a slightly skinnier gate, so my options were to either cut one inch off every rail, or inset the rails into ½ inch holes on both sides or 1 inch holes on one side. I didn't happen to have a saw blade to cut metal so I drilled out holes on one side so I could end up with the correct gate width overall. The bars rattled and spun around so I glued them all in place too. Now it's nice and sturdy!

My advice would be to build the gate first, then set your posts. I'm happy with how mine turned out but I sure wouldn't want to build it that way again. One thing to remember with horizontal bars: they're tempting for kids (or intruders) to climb but probably not very strong. My daughter knows better.
 
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FlappyFeathers said:
Well, I sort of improvised the gate to fit between the existing posts. My inspiration was from here:
https://www.theartofdoingstuff.com/the-coop-gates-gate-building-for-beginners/

I used DeckoRail aluminum ballusters from Home Depot to get the look I wanted. Then a basic 2x4 frame with L-bracket supports on each corner both front and back. The rails were tricky and frustrating to install. It would have been so much easier to mount them the correct way, which was on included support connectors. But I needed a slightly skinnier gate, so my options were to either cut one inch off every rail, or inset the rails into ½ inch holes on both sides or 1 inch holes on one side. I didn't happen to have a saw blade to cut metal so I drilled out holes on one side so I could end up with the correct gate width overall. The bars rattled and spun around so I glued them all in place too. Now it's nice and sturdy!

My advice would be to build the gate first, then set your posts. I'm happy with how mine turned out but I sure wouldn't want to build it that way again. One thing to remember with horizontal bars: they're tempting for kids (or intruders) to climb but probably not very strong. My daughters knows better.
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Great tips!

I am considering an update to my run and gate so this is very helpful
 
N F C said:
:welcome

Hi @FlappyFeathers it's nice to have you here with us! Has your yard recuperated from the ravaging hoards, lol?

Thanks for joining us!
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I know, right?! Those little buggers are professional destroyers! At first I tried covering my favorite plants with wire waste baskets from the dollar store... worked ok after being staked down, but totally defeated the purpose of having pretty plants when the yard is littered with waste baskets everywhere! So eventually, with a few transplants and hours of collecting river rocks from every random place in the grass and some time to grow, yard wins! These pics are from last summer.

IMG_3484.jpg

IMG_4450.jpg
 
:welcome:celebrate

Glad you're here !

A must have for your poultry is a FIRST AID KIT for any issues that would arise. (https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/suggestions-for-a-first-aid-kit.1150128/)
It's definitely better to have it and not need it rather than need it and not have it.

Also, make sure your coop(s) have a proper amount of VENTILATION. (https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...-there-and-cut-more-holes-in-your-coop.47774/) Your chickens will absolutely thank you for it!

One last thing, if you're into gardening, feel free to join this years SEED SWAP (https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/seed-swap.1220129/)
 
FlappyFeathers said:
Hi there! So I finally decided to create an account and become a legit member after secretly spying on this site and stealing some great information over the past couple years to help me raise my first mini flock.

I was a florist for 20 years, lived by myself in a tiny cabin in the country and owned horses for several years, but gave all that up to finally get married, buy a house and move to the suburbs. I’m currently a stay-at-home Mom to a 6 year old daughter and Keeper of the husband, house, garden, 2 dogs and 3 chickens.

We live in an average neighborhood, our house sits on a fairly small lot, about 7000 square feet. In spring of 2016 three fluffy chicks came home and a beautiful pre-fab coop was displayed in our beautiful landscaped backyard… but there was no way I could keep my chickens “cooped up” all day in such a small space so of course they had to free range.

View attachment 1257188

After the first year, that coop was promptly moved to the enclosed side yard where destruction could be contained (yeah, I wonder how many of those pretty coops in immaculate backyards I’ve seen on Pinterst are still in service). I had to build this new gate so I could still see my girls from the backyard and they wouldn't be totally secluded. They still visit the back and front yards, but only while supervised!
View attachment 1257193
Their new main space is limited to about 350 SF and it’s become apparent that building a larger and better coop is absolutely necessary. A whole makeover is in the works.

I dream of living in the country again, but for now my life is really happy even if just a bit cramped. I’ve learned a lot so far but also still have lots of questions so I’m looking forward to actually participating in this online community.
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Welcome to the BYC family. Glad to have you with us.
 

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