Temporary Coop Plan?

[mylilchix]

Does anyone have an idea for a temporary coop? We're building a coop for my 9 w/o flock. Unfortunately, the going is slow because it seems to rain or snow everytime we have time to work on it. I have a fenced area for them, but I need a temporary coop to get them out of the house until their coop is finished. They're getting really stinky!

Thanks,
Sonja

 

[CoopCrazy]

Old truck caps work well ... I dont know if thatsd what they are called ... How many chickens... I have seen folks use pallets , a lil tin and couple five gallo buckets for nest boxes... You get the drift

 

[ClairedeLune]

Well, my 5/w/o are doing well. It rained last night, but I put a dog carrier in their run w/ a towel over it and they were fine.

 

[tenderkat]

Hi Mylilchix,

You would not believe this, but I am in almost the exact same predicament. I got on the forum just a minute ago to post a similar thread, and here you are!! And guess what? I am also in Colorado, in the foothills west of Denver, a little town called Kittredge. Do you mind me asking where you are at?

We have actually had our chicks on order for quite some time, and need to pick them up in the next few days or so. The girls are approximately 8 weeks old. There will be 6 of them - 3 RIR's, and 3 BR's. I can't wait to see them, I already have their names picked out and everything.

Of course, we were also supposed to have our henhouse and coop up by now. But, OMG, this crazy Colorado spring. The same thing has happened to us, everytime we have had the opportunity to build, we've been dumped on by snow.

We are planning on putting up a quick mini coop today and tomorrow. We'll use simple 2x4 framing, and just make it really secure against predators. I do have a couple quick questions as well. I hope you don't mind me invading your thread, perhaps my questions will also address some of your concerns? Since my chicks are not yet full grown, can our temp house be a bit smaller? Also, is there really any reason to put nest boxes in the temp? Our girls won't be laying until well after we get their permanent house built . In addition, how tall does the mini coop need to be to comfortably perch at this young of an age? I plan on directing most of my DH's efforts towards constructing their very secure permanent run, so at least that will be complete.

Any ideas from all you experienced hen parents?

Mylilchix......I really look forward to any info you get on your post. Also good luck with your chix, please let us all know what you figure out, and your progress!!

 

[Chickenmaven]

Dog house from Craigslist. I used my dog's igloo house for an isolation area once (too many roos). I would secure them in at night, using bungee & a board.

 

[ducks4you]

DH suggested MY temporary coop design. Took 2 hrs to build 'cause we're SLOW, and longer to finish 'cause I put 3 coats of paint on it. If YOU build it and slap one coat one, it'll be done really fast. I notice that CO already has summertime temps. I like this design because it's airy, but protects against rainstorms. You only need:
(1) 4 x 8 3/8 in OR 1/2 in piece of plywood (or siding)
(1) 2 x 2, 8 ft long support, left long for roosting
(2) 6-8 ft 1 x 2's
(4) 4-6in, 2 x 4 scrap pieces (to support the 1 x 2's

Here are my pics in the posting:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=185353

Any questions? PM me.

P. S. MOST of us have been where you are in your building project.