Problem hubby...

[KellyHM]

You should DEFINITELY cover your run with something to provide shade...unless the run is under trees or something. I just got done putting up a new tarp over my guys today...it's so darn hot out there!!

 

[Chickenmaven]

I totally do not "get" 3x5. Board comes 4ft. wide. That is a 4x8 coop.
OR...
You've got me thinking, here. A coop on stilts, so the girls can hide underneath. It could be 4x4 and only 4ft. from floor to ceiling, but being up on stilts would help with cleaning, etc. Hmmm...

 

[KellyHM]

You sound like you want a "real" coop, but if you're not set on it you can do what I did...my guys have a run (dog kennel) that's covered for shade w/ a large dog house so they can get out of the rain (the Silkies also sleep in there since they don't roost). They also lay in the dog house (but in a different spot than the sleeping spot

). It saves a lot of money building a coop...maybe you could use the money to get a larger run. I really like this design for FL b/c it lets the breeze through and keeps them cool. When it got really cold in the winter I just tarped off the sides too. Here's one of mine before I got the tarp over it:

 

[LovinMyHensInNC!]

Yeah.... my DH also told me 5 hens and that quickly turned into 13

!! They are addicting! Talk him into the bigger run in case you ever want to grow your flock you won't have to waste money building on or a whole new coop. Once he tastes the yummy eggs or sees how entertaining they are, I am sure he will change his mind! Good Luck!

 

[jjamerb]

From a "Husband" point of view, find the easiest coop to make that will provide ample room for your girls. Get all the plans (or even expand his to fit birds, figure out what you'll need (material wise). After that approach him with it and show it to him. Explain the chickens needing a certain amount of room and offer to help. Maybe seeing an easy to build coop, with ample room will make both of you happy.

May just be the last thing he wants to do after working all day is go out and build a chicken coop (yuck!!). But it has to be done for the health of the chickens.

Good luck.

 

[Chick - n - Rachel]

I truly appreciate all of your replys, today I had a break through, he said I could have it 5 x 4 now - whoop -de-do - ( note the sarcasm) giving the girls 4 sq ft each. The post about it a sheet of plywood being 4 x 8 made me think though. Ill bring up the subject again.

We both remodel houses for a living ( and run an A/C business) so I am very hands on, and have been offering help to build it, and yes Id like an attractive coop, but being right for my girls is top for me. Talking of tops, I have a cover for the run, to keep out the harsh sun and afternoon down pours we get here in Florida. Ill keep you posted and post a photo when its done - hopefully by this weekend.
P.S A word about my girls..... Oh there so wonderfull and friendly, yes I can see what all the hoopla is about chickens are great, and Ive only had them six weeks!!

 

[sianara]

Quote:
If you both remodel houses for a living why do you need his permission to get the kind of coop you want? Why don't you build it yourself? Believe me, what saved my marriage was my learning how to use power tools! I build all my own coops/runs and have for the last few years. The only thing I need DH help with is cutting plywood sheets on the table saw (my arms aren't long enough

) of which he happily does. He does not share my poultry addiction and I respect/appreciate he would not have the same enthusiasm as I do for the structures.

Since I learned how to build (and I am NOT a carpenter by any stretch of the imagination but I can build a habitable animal structure) we are both happier with the situation. I do what I want and he leaves me alone. In fact, he now cooks and I build - how's that one for ya? I LOVE IT!

Try it, you'll like it!

 

[Chick - n - Rachel]

You know I think I could build it myself if I had a good set of plans, plus Im not going for elaborate, I just never thought of it seriously as my husband is very capeable and was going to do it for me. Dont get me wrong - hes not a monster, just, well I dunno, this is a chicken forum, not marrige councelling........!!!!!

 

[sianara]

Quote:
I'm sure he's not a monster

but I have found things to be so much easier when I just do it myself in MY time and not have to expect HIM to do it in MY time as well. He was very helpful for the first coop, but it took a lot of time and energy and I think that burnt him out on the whole "coop" building thing! It's just not his thing but it is mine!

I'm sure it will work out for you whether your friend, hubby or yourself builds it. Just make sure to take lots of pix.

 

[wanda047]

If you both remodel houses for a living why do you need his permission to get the kind of coop you want? Why don't you build it yourself? Believe me, what saved my marriage was my learning how to use power tools! I build all my own coops/runs and have for the last few years.

Sianara, you took the words right out of my mouth. Guess what I've been doing this afternoon? Building another coop! Even though Hubby said he'd do it, I don't want to wait till next year for it to be done. I learned a long time ago to just do it myself and if he wants to offer his help... accept it quickly!!

Chick-N-Rachel- a suggestion... sinced you remodel houses for a living... use your skills and instead of building a coop from scratch, why not look around for something which might could be remodeled for a coop? Maybe an old shed or large wooden dog house. As you know, a few repairs and paint can make a world of difference...​