The Coop...

[bobhoke]

Well...I'm tired. I have been building the future orpingtons coop all day and 80% done.

Our wood fence (free) is old and needs to be replaced...

Our daughter is too large for her play set (free) so it has no purpose 4ft x 4ft sq x 6ft tall...

Some branches on our cherry tree need to be cut 3.5 in. dis 48 in long x2...

(+) 50ft of chicken wire and 64ft of wood fence sections squared off.

Now we just need to staple the chicken wire inside of the fencing and frame and net the top...

I will post a photo when I'm completely done and when we finally get some chickens, but I am not spending near $100 on three chickens. ($48 for the birds and $65 for the shipping).

I have spent $70 on the coop. (Hardware, 5 pieces of wood (roost), and 50ft roll of 4ft chicken wire.

 

[iwiw60]

Man, I'd be tired, too!! Sounds like you've put in a day for sure!

I have one piece of advice and I hope you take it as it's intended...for the safety of your flock. Buying that 50' roll of plain 'ol chicken wire is a huge mistake, mainly because of the area you live in..........talk about predator heaven!!

May I suggest that you re-do your wiring with 1/2" hardware cloth only, screwed in with 1-1/2" deck screws and fender washers. This material goes on vertically as you proceed around your setup, kind of like wallpaper hanging. Leave at least 12-14" at the bottom which you should 'apron' like these example pics, down and out:



Please take my post in the manner in which it is meant...to help you protect your new little flock so they will live to see another day. We all have been there, learning, changing, re-doing, etc. Trust me, I've been there, too!