Planning/Building my First ever Chicken Coop. Need help and ideas!

[Jkraft]

@ToniTalley Thank you! They have been using the ramp just fine. I was amazed to watch them go in the run on their own and walk into the coop. They have been using it since the end of August.

I have made changes to the run and coop. I added sand inside the coop for an easy clean up every day. I

removed the small waterier and feeders once they figured out how to use the big ones. I added a tire dust bath, a swing and am in the process of moving both the waterier ad feeder under the coop. The wouldn't use the chicken nipple waterier so I purchased a regular one. We also need to add a roof to the run.

All day they free range in the backyard and go into the coop and run on their own at sun down. My girls love me now. They use to run away now they run to me! The dogs get along great and I couldn't be any happier.

I rehomed one of my silkies as one turned out to be a rooster. I did not a rooster with neighbors all around me. I already want more chickens and have decided to also start raising quail.






inside the coop

 

[ToniTalley]

You have an Aussie!!!!! We have a red Aussie, his name is Red Dog.
I use sand in the coop pen, it covers the pavers we put under the whole thing to keep critters out, and it works fine, once in a while I rake it to clean out the dried up chicken poop. Inside the coop house, I use wood shavings on the floor and straw for the nest box. Your tire dust bath is a clever idea. I see a swing, do they actually use it? It's so cool how they put themselves to bed at sundown, and all we do is count them and lock the pen door. But when I go out in the morning to let them out they practically knock each other out of the way to get out!

 

[Jkraft]

Yes!! His name is Jack my first aussie and considered a mini. He is a 1.5 years old.I also have 2 shelties and dog sit occasionally. Jack is a wild child but has come to love the chickens and their poop and treats. LOL He really is the complete opposite of my shelties who are laid back and gentle besides the barking. I fell in love with breed. Jack is my baby and although I owned dogs all my life we have a special bond.

Do you have a picture to share of Red Dog? I would also love to see your chickens and setup as well!

The swing I just added yesterday so I am not sure. I got the idea from a coop on here, same with my whole setup. All borrowed ideas and re-purposing. My coop once was a duck house. I let them out in the am and they are so busy on the lawn I don't know if it will serve a purpose. The only time they are confined to the coop and run is when we mow and have dogs staying with us who don't get along. I saw chicken swings being sold (so expensive) so I thought I would make one. I already had everything I needed. I will let you know how it goes. I did pick one of my buffs up and put her on it but she was scared so I won't try that again.

I think I will leave the run as is until the grass dies or gets messy. They don't spend to much time in there so I haven't cleaned that area since we made it. I think it gets dirty or has issues I will add sand like I did the coop. So much more to learn!

Thanks for the feedback!!!

 

[ToniTalley]

I have to wait for my replacement phone to get set up before I can send pics, they are all on the phone backup...my purse was stolen and they took my phone and some cash. Thank goodness they did leave all my cards, license, and keys. Our Aussie is super mellow, and he is fine with the chickens.

 

[Jkraft]

Oh no so sorry to hear that! Glad they didn't take everything!

 

[ToniTalley]

I'll try to upload a couple pics, not sure if I can do more than one in each post from my phone. Yay, finally got the replacement phone up and runnung

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[ToniTalley]

 

[ToniTalley]

 

[Jkraft]

Thanks for sharing! Glad you got your new phone.You have a great coop and cute pups!!!

 

[ToniTalley]

I've modified the inside of the coop since then. I took out the top nests and put the roost up there.