post your chicken coop pictures here!

[Sylvester017]

Looks like you have enough room to hinge the ramp and put an eye hook on the end to hold up for coop cleaning.

The problem with lifting the ramp for cleaning (if it was hinged or hooked) is that there is a low perch bar (located across from the nestbox ledge on the opposite side of the coop) that stops the upward movement of the ramp when lifted so it would block us from being able to enter the coop or move around in the coop. The darn perch bar also makes it difficult to fit the ramp easily on a hook & eye assembly - not much room to maneuver the ramp - now we know why the original builder of the coop never did anything to secure the ramp. We were going to use hinges or hooks & eyes but it's hard to finagle and get the ramp hooked - besides it creates a gap/crack where chicken toes can get caught. Problems, problems, but thank you so much for the input. We are considering a T block at the back of the ramp with a piece of leftover scrap to see if we can make it free-standing. Something's gotta work eventually so keep ideas coming if you have more!

 

[Sylvester017]

I just used a door hinge, can flip it up if I want or pull the pin if I want to remove it....no pinched toes.

You might need to attach a length of 2x2 to both ramp and shelf to screw to door hinge into.

You could also attach a couple of long bolts to the ramp and drill angled holes into the shelf for the bolts to go thru.

Thank you so much for the input. We actually bought a couple hinges and wood screws but are returning them to the Hardware Store. We considered a door hinge also but nixed it because the wood used on the coop really isn't sturdy in our opinion to hold a heavy mechanism. The ramp won't lift up past the low perch so blocks any attempt to enter the coop or to get in to clean it. We considered shortening the ramp to clear the perch obstruction but then it would be WAY too steep. The hook and eyes method doesn't work either because the length of the ramp isn't maneuverable to attach because of the perch obstruction. We can't remove the perch obstruction as it doubles as a brace for the coop frame. We are trying to engineer a T block back to make the ramp free-standing. Somethings gotta eventually work! Now we know why the original builder didn't attach the ramp plus he chinsed on materials making a ramp only 6 inches wide. It's too narrow even for my Silkies to use. The chickens love using a ramp but the chinsey one keeps getting knocked down by the heavier hens.

 

[Sylvester017]

Most recommendations are that you allow 3-4 square feet per bird inside the coop - this is for large or standard sized fowl. You can go down to 2 square feet for smaller breeds like bantams. The recommended outdoor space if they are confined to a run is approx 10 square feet per bird, again less for smaller breeds.

Nope, not so. Bantams use the same amount of required space as LF. Our Silkies are about 2-1/2 pounds and with all their fluff take up just as much width space as their taller leggier 4 and 5 lb LF flockmates. Sorry, but because bantams are somewhat diminutive doesn't mean they need less space than LF. People also forget to calculate that feed, water, treat bin, dust-bath and nestboxes will use up the allotted sq footage space in a coop. We allow 5 sq ft per bird in the coop beyond the aforementioned food/water/nesting facilities plus we free-range them all day. I have to chuckle at the pre-fabricated coops that say suitable for 3-5 chickens when even one bantam would be cramped in those little coops. Eglu coops are another that advertise suitable for up to 10 birds when most customers say 2 or 3 is the limit.

Chickens are lovely creatures but very messy in small quarters. You will be glad you gave them roomier healthier housing.

 

[squabels]

I

It's not done yet but we are getting closer!! It started out as an old Pepsi container!

I love the it, please send in pictures when your finished. I have to build a seperate coop for the meat chickens and was looking at tricons. What was your way getting airflow into it ?

 

[iwiw60]

8x12 Coop, 12x20 Run.

WOW!! That is one nice coop and run!

 

[kimthom66]

My recycled chicken coop from pasture wood to decaptated buildings.

What size is this coop? Did you use any sort of plans or drawings? This is similar to what I am hoping to build and my husband could use some help with either more pictures or measurements?
Thank you!

 

[jtbass2756]

What size is this coop? Did you use any sort of plans or drawings? This is similar to what I am hoping to build and my husband could use some help with either more pictures or measurements?
Thank you!

Me too......exactly what I want

 

[jtbass2756]

It's not done yet but we are getting closer!! It started out as an old Pepsi container!

How did you get ahold of this...sure would be a great thing to start off with...

 

[jtbass2756]

My coop. Built it from lumber I cut on my portable band mill

Sure wish I had that insight and talent....LOL....maybe I could have had mine built by now...as is??...going to have to depend on friends to help me. Partially handicapped so this is highly frustrating for me... This i so pretty!!!

 

[anc44388]

I
I love the it, please send in pictures when your finished. I have to build a seperate coop for the meat chickens and was looking at tricons. What was your way getting airflow into it ?

Hi thank you! We actually put in 5 windows and did two spinning vents on top