Our Chicken Tank (Very Pic Heavy)

[RMo2]

Any experience using solar power fans or suggestions for better air circulation? I do not want it to be drafty in the inter as it gets pretty cold here. Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

Cut vent panels along the long front and back sides at the top, screen with hardware cloth and hinge at the top so they can prop open, but she'd water if it rains. Then you can open and close as needed depending on the time of the year.

 

[RMo2]

We were thinking of cutting out vents as you describe, but, a friend said that water would still get in. He said his concern water pooling on the ledge of the vent and running into the crack of the vent. Also, concerned about water blowing in the wind against the vents on the ends since there is not an overhang on the sides of the coop.

I very much appreciate your helpful feedback! Do you think we would have the problem my friend was worried about?

Thank you!!!

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

Use weather stripes like for windows and doors you should be fine.

 

[kichohana]

Nice coop! Did you have a "plan" or did you just "wing it?"

If I may offer a suggestion or two... it is going to need more ventilation. My coop interior is 100 degrees inside in the shade and I've got one wall that's almost completely wire cloth. Like how your doors open down, make some above that can be propped up/open and put hardware cloth screwed in place from the inside. This way you have ventilation and the door in the "UP" position will provide shelter from the rain.

I like Celtic Oaks Farm's suggestion of where to put nest boxes. Make sure your next boxes are below your roosts so the girls aren't inclined to sleep in them. Also, if the next boxes are pop-out/exterior, the girls can't roost and poop on top of them.

And as far as the girls roosting in the rafters, i'm sure they prefer the width of the rafters than the closet poles. They don't like to grab with their feet to be stable on a roost. Put a couple of 2x3 or 2x4's in there with the wise side up. This way they can sit on them without having to wrap their feet around the poles. It will also help them keep warm in winter because they can sit down and completely cover their feet in feathers.

Looking forward to your next pictures and progress updates...

 

[RMo2]

Nice coop! Did you have a "plan" or did you just "wing it?"

If I may offer a suggestion or two... it is going to need more ventilation. My coop interior is 100 degrees inside in the shade and I've got one wall that's almost completely wire cloth. Like how your doors open down, make some above that can be propped up/open and put hardware cloth screwed in place from the inside. This way you have ventilation and the door in the "UP" position will provide shelter from the rain.

I like Celtic Oaks Farm's suggestion of where to put nest boxes. Make sure your next boxes are below your roosts so the girls aren't inclined to sleep in them. Also, if the next boxes are pop-out/exterior, the girls can't roost and poop on top of them.

And as far as the girls roosting in the rafters, i'm sure they prefer the width of the rafters than the closet poles. They don't like to grab with their feet to be stable on a roost. Put a couple of 2x3 or 2x4's in there with the wise side up. This way they can sit on them without having to wrap their feet around the poles. It will also help them keep warm in winter because they can sit down and completely cover their feet in feathers.

Looking forward to your next pictures and progress updates...

Thank you so much for the feedback I appreciate it!

I had read somewhere that chickens prefer the round poles to square ones-- and it seems that they do choose the round ones each night. Occasionally one of the girls hops onto the rafter, but not often. I am worried about their feet being warm enough though now that you mentioned that! Thanks for the suggestion!

I am hoping to get more done soon!

 

[Erin~TheChickenLover]

Your chicken tank is brilliant! Your family is doing a very good job.

I agree on the ventilation recommendations, rain really shouldn't be a problem. I love the roofing material! What is it exactly? I know you said that it is made of rubber.

 

[RMo2]

Your chicken tank is brilliant! Your family is doing a very good job.

I agree on the ventilation recommendations, rain really shouldn't be a problem. I love the roofing material! What is it exactly? I know you said that it is made of rubber.

I am sorry, I just saw this post! Here is the link to the roofing material we used-- guess it isn't exactly rubber, but if feels like bendable like rubber would be!
http://www.lowes.com/pd_12749-1115-...L=?Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&facetInfo=

 

[Erin~TheChickenLover]

I am sorry, I just saw this post! Here is the link to the roofing material we used-- guess it isn't exactly rubber, but if feels like bendable like rubber would be!
http://www.lowes.com/pd_12749-1115-153_4294806362__?productId=3010612&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1&facetInfo=

Thanks for the link, I'll check it out!

 

[BGinVA]

Love your tank, if it were mine though I sware I'd make hubby put a trailer tongue and hitch on it and I'd drag it with my tractor or SUV, lol.