Planning for a coop and run

[ansky225]

Hi

We're moving, and we're going to get chickens! Yay!

My husband and I are looking at making a coop/run a lot like this: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/99923685457355648/

We'd like to have 8-12 ladies to help us with eggs, and then some for meat on and off throughout the year. (I've been reading a ton on this website for months, but please tell me if I'm *off* on something.)

Our plan right now is a shed like the one in the picture, a 12x12 one from Home Depot or someplace, and converting it into a coop. Then attaching a run that is covered and completely enclosed, again like in the picture. We live in Michigan, so snow and cold is a concern of mine. I want a nice roof that won't buckle under the snow, and I'm not sure if I might need to put up plastic or paneling on the walls during the winter to keep out the cold. I did see a thread or picture somewhere of someone who did that, and I can't find it.

I don't think I've ever built anything in my life. I took woodshop in high school and made a toy car for an egg.... but that was a long time ago!

I found plans https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/mctees-chuck-chuck-house-rchuckss-chicken-coop that look like they'll help, those landscape timbers are pretty cheap, and I think I could make panels. What kind of fencing is best? I've seen a lot of different kinds in the plans. Do you think I could use pallet wood for the panels?

Any specific help would be great, I want to do this myself, but don't have a clue of where to start. I'd really like to go cheap if I can, like using free pallet wood, or other materials that I might be able to find, but I don't know what to look for.

Thanks!!!

 

[Michael OShay]

Those coops should work nicely. I don't think buckling under the snow will be a problem. As far as the cold, just make sure the coop does not have any drafts in it when you close the chickens up at night and they will be fine. Feathers are an incredible insulation. Also, I would get cold hardy chickens. If you use free wood in the construction of the coop just be certain that it is sound and draft free. Also, I would use 1/2 inch hardware cloth on the run instead of chicken wire to prevent predator entry. You would be surprised with how many predators have no problems with chicken wire. Also, I would run the hardware cloth across the bottom of the run to protect it from digging predators. You can then put a layer of dirt or fine pea gravel over the hardware cloth.

 

[iwiw60]

You've got some great ideas there for sure. Both those layouts are NICE! As for what type of wire to use on your run, if you have predators like I have it pays off in the long-run to buy 1/2" hardware cloth. More spendy up front but a lifesaver in the end.

 

[ansky225]

Hardware cloth like this? http://www.homedepot.com/p/Unbranded-1-2-in-x-4-ft-x-25-ft-Hardware-Cloth-308226HD/204331883

Also, a friend said that her neighbor has Buff Orpingtons, so we were thinking they should be okay for us. This winter, it was in the negatives a fair amount, but mostly just in the single digits. It was a harsh winter, we don't normally get below 0 more than a few days of the winter.

Thanks!

 

[Michael OShay]

Yes, that is exactly the right hardward cloth.

 

[Michael OShay]

Either Buff Orpingtons or Black Australorps would be great choices. Both are very cold hardy, friendly, and docile birds. The Australorps will lay a little better but the Orpingtons are a slightly larger bird for butchering.

 

[iwiw60]

Hardware cloth like this? http://www.homedepot.com/p/Unbranded-1-2-in-x-4-ft-x-25-ft-Hardware-Cloth-308226HD/204331883

Also, a friend said that her neighbor has Buff Orpingtons, so we were thinking they should be okay for us. This winter, it was in the negatives a fair amount, but mostly just in the single digits. It was a harsh winter, we don't normally get below 0 more than a few days of the winter.

Thanks!

Yes, that's the right stuff. By my-oh-my! How 'spendy' for a Home Depot price...yikes!! Shop around...I did. And I found that ordering it from my local town Ace Hardware is the best price overall. Also, be careful of the width of the hardware cloth you decide on. Why? You have to be sure to space your uprights on your run 'on center' so your hardware cloth can be attached easily. So keep that in mind when you decide on what "width" wire you're going to use. I'm 70 years old and not exactly a carpenter by any stretch of the imagination, and when I was planning my run I kept thinking in my head that the wire went horizontally around the coop...one layer at the bottom and another at the top....wrong! After pouring over all the great posts here at BYC the proverbial "light bulb" turned on and I saw that the wire goes on vertically in 'sheets' of sorts...DUH!!

One last thing I discovered. You know how the gazillion washers you'll need are ridiculously expensive at the stores? I saw where a guy took pennies (yes, pennies!) and used them as washers for his attachment to the upright....sheer genius! Just a thought if you're strapped for cash like I am!!

Good luck to you, have a happy day!!

 

[Michael OShay]

iwiw60 is right about the width of the hardware cloth and the spacing of the uprights. Otherwise you will end up having to either weave the edges of the hardware cloth together with galvanized wire or attach them with J clips and pliers, which while doable is a lot more work.

 

[iwiw60]

Well, thank you very much, Michael OShay!!

 

[ansky225]

Thanks! I will be sure to get the correct width, and run it the right way. I'll also shop around.

I'll keep the penny tip in mind too, that's a good idea!

What do I need to make sure I build? If I have 12 layers, then I think I've seen that 4 boxes would be okay, but is 12 overkill? Like if the wall is 12' long, could I just put a row of them?

Laying boxes, perches, water container, food container, chicken door from coop to run, ramp so they can get down. People door to run, people door to coop. Some sort of bedding in the coop, and bedding in the run. Toys. Lights in the coop so people can see? (Slight heat help in the winter too from the light bulbs?)

Am I missing anything that is needed?