Rubbermaid coop... finally up! update 9/11/11 post#56

[Celtic Chick]

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I have one, and it is! Great luck!

 

[KansasBoy]

There's more info in my post "Rubbermaid Suggestions?!?!", it will be shaded probably 90% of the day until fall!

I totally understand the need for ventilation! So what you're saying is it wouldn't be too much then...? Maybe put it on a thermostat so it would only come on when over a certain temp? Or leave it on?

 

[Celtic Chick]

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A thermostat would definitely be a good idea, but I think I'd leave it on at least at night when the chickens are sleeping in there so they aren't breathing in any potential fumes.
And, no, it wouldn't be over the top. You'll find that as time goes by, you will be going out of your way to spoil your chickies.

 

[KansasBoy]

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Too late

 

[Celtic Chick]

Do you have any HOBO stores down there by you? (Home Owner Bargain Outlet).
I just saw on their flyer up here today that they have a resin 10' x 8' "Homestyles Elite" storage shed on sale for $899 including the floor kit. It's more expensive than the 7' x 7' ones, but in the picture it looks like it has at least one window on the side. It might be worth checking out?
We put a pet door on one of the doors of our resin shed & it was kind of a pain in the rump roast, so if you are looking for putting a window in, it would almost be worth it to get one that already has one in it.
http://www.hoboonline.com/specials/4_12_11/hoboad_4_12_11.pdf

 

[KansasBoy]

Nope never heard of those stores, pretty sure we don't have them. But I just picked up three windows (different sizes w/screens) from a guy on craigslist for $5 and they look like which ever one I decide to use will work fine. Ofcourse I'll have to break out the table saw, sawzall, and router... But should only take a few minutes (hopefully). Even if it turns out more complicated than planned it's still better than paying for the shed!

I'm just anxious to see how cheap I can pick up these galvanized nesting boxes tomorrow, cause I already know how cheap making a plywood one would be! I guess I may be a little anxious to get started, but just want to know I've got everything worked out!

Could use some roost ideas though... Sounds like 2x2's work well?!?!

 

[Celtic Chick]

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Wow. Great deal on the windows! And it sounds like you have plenty of toys to make your project easier.

2x2's work great. That is exactly what I have in our coop.
Good luck on the project. Hope everything goes well for you. You'll have to post some pics as you go.

 

[KansasBoy]

Yeah I've got just about everything... Was a mechanic or 8 years and woodworking has always been a hobby since childhood

Will probably put it together in a day if I get everything pulled together all at once! I'll definitely be updating everyone, but anxiously looking forward to seeing how this weekends projects are going for others!

 

[rocky41102]

Here's our setup so far! The shed is up. Hubby used 2x4's to frame the floor along with gravel we already had to make the bottom sturdier and help level it. We haven't put in roosts or extra ventilation or the run door yet. Our run is about 20' x 20'. We've got the first row of wire enclosed and hubby is working on the door to the run now. We will be putting another row of chicken wire for a total of about 5 1/2 or 6 feet tall and then covering the top with either chicken wire or vinyl fencing. The wire is buried about 6" along the bottom and since we've got lots of extra cinder blocks, we're going to put those around the bottom of the outside of the wire as an extra precaution.

Any suggestions on how much more ventilation is needed? I'm thinking 2 windows on 2 sides, about 6" x 12" for each-too much, too little? We're also redoing the windows in the door to add screens instead of glass. There's some vents at the top of the shed. I'll have about 8 full size and 8 bantams in there but most of the time they'll be in the run or free ranging. Other suggestions or issues noticed? Any ideas on how to cover the windows if it rains?

We're eating an Easter lunch/dinner and then cutting in windows and moving chicks out tonight! Hopefully!

Predators are a concern but the chickens will be locked in the coop at night and during the day our dogs run around so there's not too many daytime predators.

 

[Celtic Chick]

Happy Easter!
Looks good so far.
You do know chicken wire will do absolutely nothing to keep predators out?
I'd make at least one window big enough to put a fan in to help with the ventilation. I'm sure it will get pretty hot in there since it doesn't look like you have much by way of shade too near the coop. One window on each side should give you a good cross-breeze.
Burying the wire down 12" is preferrable, but it might do.
Looks great otherwise! Nice job!