Started the new coop build

[Sono]

Today I got started on the new walk in coop build, ran out of screws so will continue tomorrow if I get the screws, deck is cut and down but not secured yet, once secured Ill start the roof then get the walls up. Going with 8x8 coop and run will surround it ( approximately 12x20. My neighbor was joking but I decided to paint the shop and coop KFC themed with a drive through LOL
Anyways here is the start of it, Using all reclaimed lumber from a deck and fence tear out.

 

[gtaus]

what is the best substraight to put on the ground to keep them out of the mud? I was researching and some are saying mulch ?

I would answer first by saying whatever you can resource for free!

In my case, I was able to get free wood chips from our local county landfill. After my chickens ate and ripped up all the grass in the chicken run, I laid down about 2-3 inches of wood chips in the chicken run. That worked great for me and kept the run from getting all muddy when it rained. If that is all I would have done, I think it would have been enough.

After a few months, I decided to turn my chicken run into a chicken run composting system. I started dumping all my grass clippings into the run. All the weeds from the lawn and garden would get tossed into the chicken run. In the fall, all my leaves got dumped into the run. I just kept on throwing whatever organic material I had into the chicken run.

The chickens love all that litter in the run. They are constantly scratching and pecking through everything looking for bugs and worms to eat. In that way, they are constantly mixing and turning the compost material, helping it to break down even faster. After about 6 months, I started to harvest some of the compost and it was fantastic.

Last fall, I had as much as 18 inches deep of wood chips, grass clippings, weeds from the lawn and garden, and leaves in the chicken run. Over our Minnesota winter, that has broken down and composted to about 12 inches deep today. It's just loaded with black gold compost ready for harvesting anytime I want.

Although I think wood chips would be enough to keep the run clean and mud free, I am so much happier with my chicken run compost system which provides endless hours of activity for my chickens as they forage for food in the mulch. The mulch never smells bad. After a heavy rain, the run smells like a forest floor - very natural, very fresh smelling to me.

If you garden at all, then a composting system would be a great option to consider. I tell everyone that my chicken run compost is much more valuable to me than the eggs I get from the chickens as a bonus.

Whatever you decide to use, I hope you continue to post your progress on your build and keep uploading those pictures. Everybody loves pics!

 

[Sono]

As Promised.... 92 degrees today but its getting done although Im done for the day.

 

[Sono]

out of commission for a few months, glad I got the coop finished before yesterday (still needs some tweeking and a door ) wrist turned out worst than the scan showed as the 2 major ligamints were shredded. 2 week in the splint then I get a cast for a couple months, then off to rehab. no fun here

 

[Sono]

Well, been a sad week. After moving the chicks a few weeks back into the new coop and getting settled in, sold the old coop right after my wrist surgery.... Then disaster struck, not sure where they came from but apparently there is a family of raccoons moved in close ( havent found them yet but when I do...BANG BANG BANG !!!!! Lost all of my egg laying hens and 2 of the littles,,, so the last 4 I opened the gate and said hell with it, let them run with the neighbors hens. I cant get up to fix where the coons are getting in at the roofline, the battery came in today for the solar fence charger but I already gave up after losing all the girls. To make matters worst Ill be filing for divorce and probly havin to sell the property anyways, Im just done, Depends how things play out, I want to say its been great here with all your help and guidance, The friendly atmosphere, the friendships made. Thank you for having me hereand look forwards to seeing everyone again if things take a turn for the best with my property.

 

[gtaus]

eliminating the heat lamp and getting a water heater for the water jug instead so it doesnt freeze in the winter as well as heat tape for the piping so they have water year round inside and outside of the coop.

I have the old fashioned metal 3 gallon founts and use a heated metal base for winter. It has kept the water from freezing even down to -40F in the winter. But, I keep my food and water inside the coop, so it is not directly exposed to blowing wind outside.

My chickens live in the coop in the snow months, so I have no need to provide any food or water outside.

need to bury about a 1' to prevent preditors digging under,

Lots of people are using a predator apron, extending maybe 2 feet out on the ground. They claim it stops the digging predators just as well, but a whole lot easier to install because you just lay it out on the ground, and then maybe throw some dirt on top of it if you want it hidden from sight.

putting a roof over the run to keep as much water out of the run areas ( it should actually stay 100% dry with a roof except for any wind blown rain getting in from the sides )

I would like to have some kind of roof for part of my chicken run so my birds would go outside in the winter. When they see snow on the ground, they will not leave the coop.

If you plan on having a chicken run 100% dry, then a chicken run composting system would probably not work. It's the rain mixed in with everything else that gets the composting going well. I know my dry deep bedding in the chicken coop does not really start any composting until I dump it outside in the run where it gets wet.

Anyways, sounds like you have lots of good ideas and I look forward to reading more about your setup.

 

[3KillerBs]

Chicken wire is secured inside to keep critters out.

Chicken wire is not predator proof. Dogs, raccoons, and coyotes tear right through it.

1/2" hardware cloth would be more secure.

 

[Sono]

got the pinch boards on and nesting box door completed. Gate, nesting boxes and enclose front of coop is all thats left. Once I get the gate on I can move them in while I plumb the water into the coop. And should I add a door knocker?

 

[Sono]

Today I decided to build a better poop free feeder for the baby chicks. the other container warped due to heat. This one cost me $10 to build using a walmart sugar storage container, solo shot cups, gorrilla gel glue and clear silicone caulk. I designed the ports after the originals using solo shot cups. A hole saw for the cups to fit into the container and cutting the cups it fit the applications. Put gel glue around rim and press in, then I used silicone inside to secure the cups so they wont come loose and fall out. Feed will not spill out, chicks cannot waste the feed scratching it out as only their heads will fit in to eat.

 

[Sono]

Today I got the fence stretched and secured, not sure if its going to get done soon as Im having surgery in a few weeks which will put me out of commission for a few months afterwards. Trying to get the garden in as well but looks like that wont happen either... Only 4 trees left in the garden area. Next is to make the gate and nest boxes.... sucks not having help.