The hoop coop build

[kwhites634]

Hey guys what your take on a brown tarp for the top. Im wondering if the chickens will bake in the summer with a darker color. I was gonna do silver but just wanna know your opinion.

I'd go with silver.

 

[kwhites634]

Not sure where you're physically located (you really should add it to your profile - mouse hover over Account top right and a drop down will appear. Click on Personal Details and scan down. You'll see the spot for Location. Then go to the bottom and save changes). It appears it's a place with winter. I use tarps on my hoop shelter for my goats. I use the brown "heavy duty" ones from Home Depot.

They don't last.

I would strongly recommend that you consider covering the entire coop exterior with corrugated roofing. That's my plan with mine. I'm using the polycarbonate stuff, not the steel. Lighter and see through. More expensive, yes, but I can tell you, it's no fun replacing tarps every 3-4 months. The sun bleaches them right out (yah, they supposedly have UV protection ). You can get translucent panels that will let some light in but keep the UV and heat down.

I've used the same silver tarp for about 3 years now, maybe more, and it'll go at least that many more, I expect. Granted, it's under a large Maple, not in full sun, but it's stood some pretty stiff breezes, like the 60 mph breeze we had last week; not the 1st sign of a tear. It's what's left of one of those hoop style, tarp-covered shelters that the wind took down several years ago.
I'm building another hoop coop, will be used as a greenhouse. I'll roof it with the poly panels you referenced. How did you fasten them down to the livestock panels? I'm thinking hd zip ties.

 

[mikeyv0295]

It's good that it's in the shade all day.
So this is the coop and the run?
Might be good to add another hoop in front for a sunny run?

Yep coop and run, I’m gonna run the deep litter in the whole thing so I had to cover it all to keep the rain out.

 

[aart]

Yep coop and run, I’m gonna run the deep litter in the whole thing so I had to cover it all to keep the rain out.

I have deep litter in my uncovered run and it gets rained on all the time.
They probably need some place to get some sun when they want.

I've used these tarps, good price at flea market(16x10 for ~$20).
One on old shed roof in full sun lasts 2 years,
another on half done hoop coop has been fine for 2 years now too.

 

[mikeyv0295]

I have deep litter in my uncovered run and it gets rained on all the time.
They probably need some place to get some sun when they want.

I've used these tarps, good price at flea market(16x10 for ~$20).
One on old shed roof in full sun lasts 2 years,
another on half done hoop coop has been fine for 2 years now too.

View attachment 1284365

I could build an open hoop run to attach it too in the future. I was considering cutting a few screened windows into the back portion to let more light in.

 

[mikeyv0295]

I have to imagine that in the heat of the late spring and all summer here in nc that they wouldn’t wanna be in direct sunlight anyways

 

[Latestarter]

I was going to use the regular poly roofing screws through the panels and cattle panel then anchored into 1x4 boards.

 

[mikeyv0295]

Everything is hung I’ll adjust it all once the bedding goes in. Also added a chicken door, I’ll add a ramp when I have time.

 

[aart]

I hope they don't roost directly over where the feed/water are hanging,
ya might have move move that.

How many birds are you getting?
(I'm too lazy to scroll back.... if you've already said, sorry)

 

[mikeyv0295]

I hope they don't roost directly over where the feed/water are hanging,
ya might have move move that.

How many birds are you getting?
(I'm too lazy to scroll back.... if you've already said, sorry)

They can’t get on the bar that the feeders are hanging from its really close to the cattle wire so there’s no headroom for them. If they do get on it they should realize how uncomfortable it is and get off. But if not I can always adjust it. Also the perch is a good 18” to 2ft away from it. This will all be trial and error anyway, we’ve never had chickens.