Pics of new Coop framed out...Be gentle...

[AtholCoop]

Built like a tank. I like it.

If you are going to use the space on either side of the pop door for cleaning access etc, you might want to think about sawing out that bottom plate (between the studs) so you can just rake the litter straight out.

What are you planning for a roof?

 

[FF]

Well first of all I am not going to be gentle. It isn't good. It is very nice! haha.

Sorry your my latest pick-on person. You really shouldn't have said that. You did a really good job. I wish I had the know hows to do that. Honestly you shouldn't have said that. Very nice! Good job.

What chickens are going in there?

 

[maryk117]

Can't wait to see the finished product!!! So many ingenious "peeps" on this forum!

 

[bowyorang]

'built like a tank" To say the least! Had to scoot it back about 10" a bit ago. I hope I never have to do that again!
I made the front where it has hinges and should be easier clean. I put the windows in on the sides near the top, but haven't yet put the screen in. I will make some shutter of some kind when it gets cold again next year. I think it is about to start warming up around here now.
I haven't put in the roosting dowels yet. Will do that before I get me some chickens. Do they have to be dowels, or will they like 1x1's just as well?
The coop will be staying under the roof, so no real need to completely water proof it. It is under a 12x12 roof and up against a storage building on the north wall. So that should cut out a little of the cold wind in the winter. They will have a 8x12 run under the roof as well as a 5x12 out of it. Anything I am leaving out..... Hmmm...I'm sure I will think of something.
oh...It is now about 90% painted thanks to my 8yr old.
Let me know what you think.

oh...someone had a question about why I put 6 hen nests. It just worked out that way in my head. Is that a problem if I only have between 3-5 hens? I just figured that would give them more of an option and they would probably find a spot that they liked.
I also though of putting down some vinyl flooring to help with clean up.

 

[bowyorang]

Hardware cloth...
Ok. I read somewhere someone said to use this. Why?
Can I just use Poultry netting? I was planing on using the netting for my run as well as overhead on my run on the outside. I figured I could just use it on the windows of the coop as well. Is this a problem?

 

[catdaddy66]

Dude, that frame ROCKS!!

You have the beginning of a SuperCoop - not for mere chickens! The Jeffersons' of the chicken world (moving on up...)!!

 

[BriteChicken]

Yes racoons can yank their heads off through hardware clothe and hawks can dive through it because it's just woven not welded get 1/2 in Hardware clothe instead you'll save money by buying it the first time in the long run! HTH's!

 

[DaveD]

I'm still waiting for my first batch, but from what I've been reading:
1) the chicken wire is too flimsy and the holes are too big. The hardware cloth is stronger and with smaller holes, can make it more of a [problem for things like racoons to reach through to hurt your chickens.

2) Make sure the fencing is also into the ground at least 12" because of burrowing animals

3) Your coop looks real nice, but to answer the question about the nest boxes, most are going to end up not being used, so better to make it storage space which is of more value. I think I read somewhere that you should have 1 nesting box for every 2-3 chickens

4) Yes, the linoleum will make it easier to clean up

-David

 

[sgtmom52]

Quote:
Actually chickens do well on 2x4's with the 4" side up as they rest on it and don't clasp their feet around dowels like other birds. During the cold weather their feathers cover their feet keeping them warm.

You may find that even with 6 nest boxes they will all lay in the same one or two. My coop has 8 nest boxes and they all line up and wait to lay in the same one!

Vinyl flooring is good as long as you cover it with something like wood chips so that it is not slippery when they jump down on it ~ esp if it gets wet.

 

[PandoraTaylor]

On the coop I would use Hardware Cloth for vents and windows, the use welded Wire mesh for the outside areas. I have used Poultry wire for the run only, and added 1/2" welded wire 1 foot below ground, and extending 3 foot above ground connected to the poultry wire to keep small chicks in and rodents out. The only place I didn't bury the 1 foot was my gate.
Which a mink showed me was a mistake! But I got him before he caused any injury or losses to my flock.

Great coop.....