post your chicken coop pictures here!

[ShrekDawg]

If the run is predator proof, the chickens will be fine. Mine had access to the run 24/7, summer, winter and the door was always open even on windy days. They were healthy and happy for 4 years. I just found vinyl coated Deer fence in 6' roles that will keep all predators out. Only climbing predators need to be discouraged. My plan is 1" chicken wire over all with deer fence on the lower 6 feet with concrete footer to attach the bottom of the fence to. The only predator who could cause trouble then would be coons. I can always add heavier wire if i see any damage. Getting started on it tomorrow. Got to hurry, chicks are outgrowing the brood pens.

Very true. I may leave the door open. Right now there's a big gap between the door and the corner so not sure it's safe but the new run will definitely be and I may try that. And aw good luck with it!

 

[lynnehd]

Husband wants to build a 8'x8' box coop 4' tall and to have a peaked roof that half folds down for easy cleaning. I'm going to suggest 1/4' hardware cloth for the bottom for cleanup and it will sit on 6 cinder blocks for air flow.

I saw a picture where someone had a peaked roof that opened like that and had installed the nest boxes in the other side. That way you can collect eggs, clean up and refresh bedding easily.

If you mean using 1/4" hardware cloth as the floor of the coop; I wouldn't. I think nails can get caught, there is a risk of causing bumblefoot, and poop simply won't fall through it. It would be more trouble than it is worth.
(perhaps I'm not understanding what you mean?)

 

[Sylvester017]

I need to add décor now. Also im going to install a auto open/close door.

I had the option to add an auto pop-door when I ordered my coop but decided against it. DH & I like to count heads at roost so an auto door was moot because we close it up ourselves with a hand cable after making sure every hen is accounted for. We waited until retirement to keep chickens because we wanted someone home most of the time while free-ranging hens. Since we're home at dusk as old folks we found no need for auto closers. Saved money by not getting it and saved weight in shipping costs. For some people's lifestyles an auto door is essential but I think the majority of owners find auto doors unnecessary.

 

[gpeters3]

When i was ranging them i also manually counted and closed the ramp/door. Now the run will be plenty big enough they wont need to range. All my birds were taken during daylight with me home and in the yard and i had no clue until i tried to find them to close them up. After losing 3 in just 2 weeks i locked them up. One advantage to ranging is bug control. I had no box elder bugs or lady bugs when they ranged. I will miss that :-(

 

[MeepBeep]

I had no box elder bugs or lady bugs when they ranged. I will miss that :-(

I hear box elders bugs are an acquired taste for chickens some eat them most don't...

I have dealt with box elder bugs my entire life and know for the most part they are harmless beyond their nusances, but a few years back my brothers tattoo shop became their new breeding ground, so I had to find a low toxicity way to remove them... What we found was that about a Tablespoon or two of Dawn dish soap in a 1 gallon pump sprayer is lethal to them, spray the walls and trees and they drop off in droves, the little bit of Dawn in the water kills them nearly instantly...

 

[Latestarter]

Not sure why you'd want to eliminate lady bugs... they are predatory and eat other bugs, notably aphids. I LOVE to have them around, especially in my flowers and garden.

 

[smokindave]

This is my first one under construction. The design was the only idea I could come up with using the very small amount of scrap material I had to work with. An A-frame used the least material per cubic ft. As you can see, they were eager to move in. Five years later they are still living in it. Many an egg has been laid there.

 

[gpeters3]

Not sure why you'd want to eliminate lady bugs... they are predatory and eat other bugs, notably aphids. I LOVE to have them around, especially in my flowers and garden.

Ever vacuumed them up in your windowsills. Dont they smell nice? We get them in swarms after harvest season when all their food is gone. You wouldnt like them when they swarm. Ive vacuumed thousands in a season, inside my house.

 

[valarok]

My Auto Close/Open door will have a light sensor and maybe a Bluetooth override.I'm building the system myself so far i have only $25 in parts. If it doesnt workout i can always use it for something else.

 

[lynnehd]

My Auto Close/Open door will have a light sensor and maybe a Bluetooth override.I'm building the system myself so far i have only $25 in parts. If it doesnt workout i can always use it for something else.

Tell us more about it once it is completed! Instructions would be nice, and you ought to post it in the 'Make your Own' thread (can't remember the exact name).