Rustic coop almost done

[shughes]

Been working on a new coop in past couple weeks. Was able to find a lot of weathered wood to go after a more rustic tobacco barn look. We moved last year so had to say my good bye to my previous coop, https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/completed-our-amish-style-coop.385281

Built same 4x6 footprint on this one but went with A-frame and reduced the height.

Chicken door and feeder will be automated with a Particle Proton micro controller I programmed. I'll try and do a write up as an article when its all complete. Chicks are one week old so hoping to have the project done in the next couple weeks.

 

[Chermak1101]

Love your coop. Mines nothing impressive since I decided to use space in my garage. But this is a friends coop being built by her husband, amazing as well!

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

You do nice work.

 

[Chermak1101]

You do nice work.

Not mine. That’s my friends built by her husband. Mines in my garage and not fancy at all

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

Not mine. That’s my friends built by her husband. Mines in my garage and not fancy at all

Well yours is nice too, but I was complimenting @shughes

 

[shughes]

Well yours is nice too, but I was complimenting @shughes

Thanks @HenOnAJuneBug. The design is a combination of my previous coop, things I wish I had done after building first coop and some plans I found on Etsy.

Items I changed or doing differently from first coop that might assist first time builders:

1) Roost bar at least 15 inches from wall. In fact on this one I am making roosts span width of coop starting in front of man door to make it easier to clean out the poop.
2) Nest box will be divided. With 8 hens only making two nests. Rest of space is used for storage
3) Using gas struts to assist lifting the nest lid
4) running electric to the coop and programmed a Particle photon to automatically open/close chicken door and might also use for closing lid on feeders if I have rodent issues.

Items/ideas I am keeping from first coop:

1) stilts. the girls loved hanging out under the coop
2) ridge vent

 

[TexasWineGuy]

Hey OP, what are you doing for a Run? Free range?

TWG

 

[shughes]

Hey OP, what are you doing for a Run? Free range?
TWG

Free range but plan on having a run as well for when we need to be gone during day. Size is going to depend on the tree roots in the area but estimating 12'x25' run.

 

[shughes]

My son posted a video this week on the coop. He is going to do a series.

 

[shughes]

My son's 2nd installment of the coop