Our new coop! Updated pics!

[AnnainMD]

Quote:
It is. We originally planned to have it as outside access but when my husband was actually building it, he realized that by elevating it the 18", it actually brought the nest boxes within very easy reach from the door. Plus, I like that I will be going into the coop, it encourages a quick once-over inside the coop, can't ignore it if I have to go in to get the eggs. All of the cut edges are caulked and outside edges have been covered with cedar trim.

 

[AnnainMD]

Quote:
Well, there are a few general options for the floor. You can leave it as dirt, but that's hard to keep clean, especially if you plan to switch out chickens every few years (from what I've read). However it's cheap! The dirt floor also offers no protection from digging critters that are bound and determined to get to your chickens. You'd have to have alternate methods to keep them out.
You can do concrete slab, expensive but easy to keep clean.
You can do wood. But with wood, if it's left on the ground, it also can encourage rodents underneath it and eventually, they will dig and claw their way through the floor and get in to the coop.
Elevating the floor does several things: it provides a shady area for them when it's sunny, when raining, it gives them cover when outside, and it prevents the digging animals from getting access to the chickens.

 

[nhblond]

Hi,

We are going to convert a shed almost the same size. Thanks for posting your pics, I have saved them to refer to for our shed conversion.

Great Job!

 

[turbodog]

Kudos to your husband, he knows his way around a hammer and saw!

Very nice job.

 

[AnnainMD]

I stand corrected: my husband says that it's actually sloping 6' to 5' inside and 8' to 7' outside.
He says I need to put up the new pics since it looks even better

 

[AnnainMD]

Updated pics:

The front windows, one has hardware cloth, the other will have the same. All openings are trimmed with cedar.

The nest boxes (there are 3):

The door, trimmed in cedar:

One of the 2 pop doors:

I believe it's called the soffit? Left open for ventilation even if all windows have to be closed for a storm.

Inside, still need to do the roost and poop tray:

It will all be painted. I was originally planning to use vinyl on floor and on back wall behind the roost, but think I will start with the high gloss enamel exterior paint first and see how it goes. Plan to use some version of grey, can't handle white when it gets dirty.

 

[TipsyDog]

Wow - it looks terriffic! Your DH is doing a great job and you're so lucky

Thanks for posting pictures, I really enjoy seeing the progress!

 

[AnnainMD]

Thanks so much. I hope to prime it sometime soon and paint it. I'll keep posting as it progresses. It's cool for us to see the progress too, all in one place.

 

[CityChook]

Anna, that is really a lovely coop. Your husband is a fine craftsman.
And you're gonna love all those windows!
I painted my interior too (vs. vinyl tiles). It looks great and is a cinch to clean. PRIME FIRST! I like Kilz oil-based when working with virgin wood.
What will you do with the exterior? It needs to be sealed with something or it will warp. Your finishing is just sooooo nice!

 

[Chickenaddict]

Beautiful coop! Your hubby did a GREAT job! Now I am super excited to get our new coop done, We have the same siding as you have on yours. I love the cedar accents.