Temporary coop...

[SunnyDayz]

My Mil and I built this in 3 days, as we needed something asap for my 6 chicks (5 weeks old).
I am wondering if I should enclose the end sides with sheating... we are in FL and it gets so hot in the summer~so I didn't, but now wondering if we should've.
I wanted to have as much ventilaltion as possible.

We used an old changing table that was being used as a shelf in our garage and a bunch of scrap wood... don't laugh!

This is my (and Mil's) 1st coop. We have plans for a larger one, but needed something to get us by for now.
This one is 3.5x8. I will have the chicks free ranging during the day when they are a bit older...

Should I close up the sides on one end??

*edited to add that the cinder blocks are only there until tomorrow when we can bury the apron, lol. It looks tacky, huh??

 

[bahamas]

cool luv it. how many can fit in there ?

 

[Doopy]

No, I don't think it looks tacky at all. I think you did a very good job on it. 3.5'x8' should be OK for 4 or 5 bantams. As far as closing in one end I think I would . . . hens do like a little privacy when laying. Just make sure you allow for ventilation at the closed end. Also, it's time to start thinking about what you want to do for cold weather season. Northern FL gets some freezing temps each year. Maybe a removable partition to close in the closed end a little more???

 

[kipoley]

Great idea! I love rebuilding and salvaging items!
~K

 

[newchicksnducks]

For a quick set up, your place looks great! I would add some solid walls. Not only do they like privacy while laying (of course at 5 weeks you have way to go) but they should have somewhere to go incase of inclement weather...rain, etc. You said this is temporary, so as long as they have free ranging time, it should be fine for a while. Necessitiy really is the mother of invention! Great use of a changing table!! (which you could enclose w/walls to make a dry zone for your girls)

 

[teach1rusl]

I think that's a great temporary coop. I would still "box in" three sides of one end...maybe a 3-4 foot section in case of blowing rain. Since you have no overhang on your roof, it could get pretty wet in there with gusting rain.

 

[SunnyDayz]

Thanks for the replies!
I plan to have a more permanent coop by the time we get eggs (assuming I don't have all roosters, lol!) so nest boxes will be in the future. I think I will enclose the sides soon, rainy season is coming.
They are so happy to be out of their brooder though!!