Official Coop Thread

[FranciscoR]

Was just now talking to wifey...lol She doesn't want a ton of chickens, so I think I'm gonna keep my build along the lines of 10 chickens, maybe 15. She would be ok if I got more, but I know she would prefer keeping it to 10-15 tops.

That being said, the size of the coop can still be 8x8. But with my wife's preferences in mind, I know 4x8 would be more than enough.

 

[FranciscoR]

Did a pre-build/mock-up of a 4x8 coop's base. I used the 4x4s as runners. I attached the framework by nailing a 2x4 to the 2x8, and then nailed the 2x4 to the 4x4. It's actually looks really good.

 

[FranciscoR]

I didn't have a ton of time today to work on coop. It took me 4hrs to install invisible dog fence on our 1/2 fenced yard. There were A LOT of thorns and thickets...lol

However, I did finish up the base itself. I ran braces at 24" centered along the length of the base. Being that they're 2x8 boards, I am sure it'll provide plenty of support once I slap on some 1/2 plywood.

 

[FranciscoR]

Biggest issue I've run into are the warped boards. It's kind of impossible to get "exact dimensions." However, I'm getting them pretty close, and securing very tightly. I just wanna use the warped ones (if at all usable) right now, so the better ones I can use stuff you may see once built.

 

[FranciscoR]

Didn't have much time outside today...maybe 45min or so. However, I was able to dismantle old fence, and set a post. I'm using that area 8ft x 16ft (total 128sqft). I'm using existing fence for rear of run, and lining rest of fence with chicken wire / hardware cloth. I'm planning on putting a sloped roof over run. I'm mounting part of frame for roof/ceiling on the shed itself.

 

[FranciscoR]

I got a little more work done today. I set the second post, and was able to prop up base, and finishing tomorrow (securing with big bolts). Thespace underneath is there just incase I don't put a roof on run. That way, the chickens will have somewhere to get out from under the rain when in the run.

 

[FranciscoR]

It's starting to really take shape! It's shaping up to be 4x8x9 (with the barn style roof). I'm going to put a shelf at about 7ft (for storage). I'll keep all supplies, feed, etc. inside the coop itself.

 

[FranciscoR]

I'm keeping to my "one wall a day" schedule. It's looking good, and big!

 

[FranciscoR]

Who's got two thumbs and 4 walls? This guy!

 

[rides2far]

Francisco: just read your thread. My best memories are of going places with my dad. He was a rancher/farmer. I can remember taking springer heifers back to the dairies, riding on his Fergie tractor & on the cat. I helped steer the truck around when he threw out hay. Not every dad wants a little 4 year old tagging along with him. What made it special, too, he was my stepdad. You would never have known it the way he treated me. Keep doing things with your daughter. You'll never regret it.