Suspended chicken coop- why not?

[enrgizerbunny]

The larger run isn't happening with the current coop. The shed idea was because I didn't have any steel, but I've got plenty of it now so I can easily put a roof on what I build.

I'm thinking a 6x4x4 box with a 2ft tall run underneath. This will give me the height to provide proper roosts, covered nesting boxes, and feed/water dispensers. They have to stay caged 24/7. I don't care about their feelings, health and sanitation are the priorities. I can't do a tractor because I need to keep them generally out of sight, plus it'd be better to plan on predators.

For reference this is the underside of the shed, you can see the back of the current coop.

 

[duluthralphie]

The larger run isn't happening with the current coop. The shed idea was because I didn't have any steel, but I've got plenty of it now so I can easily put a roof on what I build.

I'm thinking a 6x4x4 box with a 2ft tall run underneath. This will give me the height to provide proper roosts, covered nesting boxes, and feed/water dispensers. They have to stay caged 24/7. I don't care about their feelings, health and sanitation are the priorities. I can't do a tractor because I need to keep them generally out of sight, plus it'd be better to plan on predators.

For reference this is the underside of the shed, you can see the back of the current coop.

Thanks for the picture. Not at all like I had envisioned.

 

[User395221]

For reference this is the underside of the shed, you can see the back of the current coop.

Why not create a large run area behind the shed and use brush fencing around the sides where you don't want the insides visible? It'll blend in with the landscape. If they had room to run around in, I think the coop is ok. If they're anything like my chooks, they huddle up together when the go to bed, they don't spread out and make use of the room inside, but they do need room to run around and peck and do all their chickeny things.

 

[enrgizerbunny]

It has occurred to me that the fencing I have should keep predators out, so I don't have to purchase netting, so this is a definite possibility, along with some changes to the coop, like a better roost, watering nipples, and covered feed bowl.

 

[enrgizerbunny]

Installed an automatic waterer today! Got 3 nipples out of an odds commercial house and rigged them up with a 5 gallon bucket. Much cleaner than the water bowl!

 

[enrgizerbunny]

Pictures of the watering device. How does it look for mounting? It's about their shoulder/head level.

 

[User395221]

Based on the "chook model" in the photo, it looks a bit high, but if they can reach it and operate it, then that's the main thing.

I wouldn't have put it in inside the coop, but outside in their run. If it drips a little bit, you'll get damp, and you do not want damp anywhere near birds. Also, they won't be drinking when they are sleeping, they need their water where they'll be running about.

(does it work ok with that big loop in the hosing?)

 

[enrgizerbunny]

Yeah it worked fine when I tested it. Gravity doesn't discriminate when you've got a sealed line like that. Also I mounted it on the side wall because if it drips it lands on the edge or under the coop. The sides of the coop have an inch and a half opening, so I can scrape poop to the ground easily, but mainly a product of lack of design/materials.

 

[enrgizerbunny]

Next up is to roughly double the run, since the current run is not predator proof and is too small. I'll be using treated 2x4s partially buried and some wire fencing that should keep out everything that could be lethal.

 

[aart]

Pictures of the watering device. How does it look for mounting? It's about their shoulder/head level.

Vertical nipples mounted at an angle might be more prone to dripping,
as they are designed to be installed straight up and down or the valve might not stop flow.
Should be a bit above head height.

Does that bucket have a tight lid?
There needs to be an opening in the lid somewhere, even just a small hole,
for vacuum relief or eventually the water will not flow.

The loop is fine as long as the nipple is below the bucket......
....but I too would be concerned about drips in the coop making a damp and thus unhealthy environment.