Sub-Arctic Summer Coop Build

[SubArcticFowl]

The shed/hen house is 6'x8' and the run is 6'x12'. I will probably build a loft in each to give the chickens more space. Also, I am only "starting" with 3 hens.

 

[LaFleche]

Your best bet would be hot wire around the coop and run.

 

[SubArcticFowl]

I too am running like mad...

I got most things planted yesterday.

This is our third hot day... (as in we hit 60F)

How much snow do you usually get? Make sure the roof is sloped!

I don't get as much snow as you, but it doesn't all melt until late May. It is probably 3-4 feet of consolidated snow by late winter.

The roof has a good slope, 2 feet over 6, or 4/12. It is also going to be clear smooth plastic. I'm hoping the combination will get a lot of snow to slide off.

 

[Alaskan]

I don't get as much snow as you, but it doesn't all melt until late May. It is probably 3-4 feet of consolidated snow by late winter.

The roof has a good slope, 2 feet over 6, or 4/12. It is also going to be clear smooth plastic. I'm hoping the combination will get a lot of snow to slide off.

The slope sounds good.

I have heard of people using silicone spray to help snow slide better... not sure how well it works.

I used to have to use silicone spray for my car doors... so they wouldn't ice closed. The spray worked for that.. i think i would have to reapply every few weeks..

but,, with the roof slope you have planned, you shouldn't have any trouble.

Our snow melted this month... snow berms and such are still there... but most everything else is gone.

 

[Alaskan]

Your best bet would be hot wire around the coop and run.

Huh...

I haven't had a single fox issue.


Maybe all of the foxes around me are eaten by the other predators.

 

[SubArcticFowl]

I'm getting there, but need to step it up tomorrow. Chickens will be arriving as early as Monday. I need to get the roof up, build a nest box, and a roost bar tomorrow. I think I can do it.

Quick question, I'm thinking about putting leftover scrap laminate flooring in the coop. Is that a crazy idea?

 

[LaFleche]

I would consider a piece of linoleum or pond liner a better choice as it would come in one piece and therefore not provide as much crevices for mites to hide in, as laminate does (I assume you mean laminate parquet type).

 

[aart]

I would consider a piece of linoleum or pond liner a better choice as it would come in one piece and therefore not provide as much crevices for mites to hide in, as laminate does (I assume you mean laminate parquet type).

....and any water spills to penetrate.

 

[SubArcticFowl]

I would consider a piece of linoleum or pond liner a better choice as it would come in one piece and therefore not provide as much crevices for mites to hide in, as laminate does (I assume you mean laminate parquet type).

I would if I had spare scrape piece, but I don't.

 

[SubArcticFowl]

The chickens have arrived! I'm pretty excited. I've wanted chickens for so long. So far so good. I've noticed a little yellow by their vent, I hope that's okay. Also, my biggest concern right now is they are too dumb to figure out the water cups. On well, I'll get up early tomorrow to check on them.