The babies moved out to the Coop! (Pic Heavy)

[hannakat]

Those are great! You guys really moved on this and got it done.

I have a question about the sand. Thought about using it in the new run but I'm not sure now. Have you used it in the past? How does it do with rain and snow? I can see us shoveling a path and ending up with sand where we don't want it or something.

 

[GoldDogsMom]

Thanks hannakat! We wanted to get it done while the weather was decent! I would say just in the nick of time!

I did sand because just dirt got too mucky and stinky, pine bedding absorbed the muck but got stinky after awhile...with the better drainage underneath the sand we are hoping to solve the problem. With the roof on both runs now it should help keep some of the snow and rain out and any sand runoff will just go "back to nature"!

I also plan to landscape the area beside the big run and coop with butterfly bushes and perennials and a path to the run door, then add some chairs for chicken TV.

 

[dmccann]

Wow u scored!

 

[GoldDogsMom]

thanks dmccann! I am really pleased with the outcome...my DH has been very tolerant (and helpful) ever since I said "hey honey I found a free shed, let's make it into another coop!"

 

[hannakat]

Quote:
Did you put gravel below the sand? I'm really confused about what to put in our run. Even roofed, it's gonna get wet from wind blowing rain/snow in.

 

[PixieChixie]

Couldn't help but notice you just haf chicken wire. I'm sure you've heard this before, but chicken wire will not keep predators out. Make sure your coop is impenetrable, as critters can tear through it.

 

[mstricer]

If your winters are like ours here in Ohio, I would put insulation up or your electric bill will be high. Our coop got pretty cold last year even with insulation.

 

[OvertheHenHouse]

Quote:
X2. Your coop is adorable! And you got the shed for free? I'm so jealous!!! I started with free crank windows on craigslist, but then had to go out of pocket for everything else. Ouch! As for ventilation, I used an attic vent framed and built into the back of my coop along with the crank windows for cross ventilation. I really think I'm going to add another attic vent on the front for more ventilation. I'm also going to add hardware wire (1/2" squares) to the window openings (currently have regular window screens) so that I'll feel more comfortable opening the windows wider.
Absolutely adorable - and your girls look really happy in there

 

[GoldDogsMom]

Hannakat, yes we put med sized gravel (2B) then sand then the run and then filled the inside with sand. It's been raining almost nonstop since Tuesday night and both the runs look great. The drainage is definitely working, all around the coop/run areas the ground is muddy and muck but not in the runs! I know snow will blow in this winter so might add some tarp around sides for then.

Pixie, I know chicken wire is not the preferred choice but price dictated...My coop is secure and they are closed up at night for safety. I might consider adding hardware cloth around the bottom half (of both runs) in the future...

Mstricer, My other girls did fine last winter with no heat/insulation and I only open the run door on the more temperate days so I don't let ALL the cold air in. I don't forsee any issues this winter but of course will keep a close eye on them!

Thanks HenHouse! I was very lucky to find a free shed, and it was nearby and in decent shape! Tuesday I added ventilation to the coop and in the spring I am going to add 4 window openings for the summer that can be closed in the winter. Definitely cover your screens with wire, that's the only "attack" we've had in our first coop. One of the windows had a reg screen and a weasel ripped a hole and...2 dead girls...

Thanks everyone for for your compliments and for looking and adding suggestions!

 

[OvertheHenHouse]

Wow - timely info, GoldDogsMom, because I only recently found out that we have weasels here...ugh... So I'll be wiring the windows this morning. Thanks for letting me know, and so sorry you had to lose your 2 girls...