Pennsylvania!! Unite!!

[AnneInTheBurbs]

Quote:
Sssshh! I'm getting there quickly. I probably should keep a side area clear "just in case" anyone goes broody.

 

[fisherlady]

Sssshh!  I'm getting there quickly.  I probably should keep a side area clear "just in case" anyone goes broody. 

Yes, create a 'people area' just inside of the door, a couple of feet deep and use chicken wire to separate it from the 'chicken side' .
Having a people area allows for handy dry storage and an area you can segregate injured birds or broodies, also a good place to work on minor bird things such as trimming toenails or mixing feed...it is just an awesomely convenient area to have.

...also, even if your location seems dry now be prepared for the area in front of the people door to end up muddy and sloppy. I suggest pavers like you would use for a sidewalk or patio, make sure you have them on a gravel base or something similar so they don't sink into the ground.

 

[AnneInTheBurbs]

Quote:
Thanks! I was already thinking how to make secure steps, but some pavers/bricks would probably be a good idea too. Just have to wait to find some for free on craigslist... I think I could make a people area, I just want to at least get some roost and nesting boxes up soon.

 

[hyzenthlay]

Whatever cheap paint I can find on the clearance rack. Hoping for a dark green, red or blue though. The paint is my last project before the cold sets in, however. I still need to install roosts, make an entrance/ramp for the chickens, and build a mini shed on the back to hold supplies. Maybe I will keep the supplies in the coop... I guess I have room now.

Those all sound like nice choices! This summer I painted my coop dark blue with white trim, and I think it turned out pretty sharp! Dark green or red would be lovely too.

 

[stake]

No, you won't, it will be too full of chickens!

that's what I was thinking.....think 30 is about right......

 

[Blarneyeggs]

No, you won't, it will be too full of chickens!

that's what I was thinking.....think 30 is about right......

No less than 35 sounds right to me. Makes it easier to draw blood.

 

[stake]

Hey Anne:

An easy alternative to building nesting boxes is to set up some old fashioned milk crates....my two cents.....

 

[dheltzel]

...also, even if your location seems dry now be prepared for the area in front of the people door to end up muddy and sloppy. I suggest pavers like you would use for a sidewalk or patio, make sure you have them on a gravel base or something similar so they don't sink into the ground.

Pavers would be a great idea. I use wood pallets to make a "boardwalk" over the muddy areas. Covering that amount of space in pavers would cost too much in money and time, but pavers would definitely be nicer to look at.

 

[AnneInTheBurbs]

Quote:

Quote: No less than 35 sounds right to me. Makes it easier to draw blood.

Hey Anne:

An easy alternative to building nesting boxes is to set up some old fashioned milk crates....my two cents.....

I forgot I have 2 (5 gallon) buckets already. I saw another post where someone had used them as nesting boxes. Looks like an easy and inexpensive setup. Just need a few more buckets. What's the rate again, 1 nesting box per 3 hens?

Quote: Thankfully I don't think I'll need pallets, a few pavers should work. It really is a well draining area where the coop is located, and there is not that much of a distance to the gravel part of the driveway.

Dennis, how big should the turkey nesting boxes be? 24x 24? Should they be closer to the ground or elevated? Those turkeys sure can fly. I saw one the other day on my roof above my deck...

Also, did you place the order for Sandhill?

*edited for spelling

 

[dheltzel]

I forgot I have 2 (5 gallon) buckets already. I saw another post where someone had used them as nesting boxes. Looks like an easy and inexpensive setup. Just need a few more buckets. What's the rate again, 1 nesting box per 3 hens?

Thankfully I don't think I'll need pallets, a few pavers should work. It really is a well draining area where the coop is located, and there is not that much of a distance to the gravel part of the driveway.

Dennis, how big should the turkey nesting boxes be? 24x 24? Should they be closer to the ground or elevated? Those turkeys sure can fly. I saw one the other day on my roof above my deck...

Also, did you place the order for Sandhill?

*edited for spelling

My hens seem to not like plastic buckets as nests. They lay on the floor instead. Maybe mine are just spoiled.

I have some larger nestboxes, about 24" cubes, and sometimes find 3 hens in there at once. The Midget Whites have nests about 15 x 18, and no top. I often see 2 hens in those too. I think they need a bit more height than chickens, but not much more. I will probably use 16" cubed if I make more in the future.

I haven't sent the Sandhill order yet. Plan to send it soon to get 2016 pricing