The run is almost finished!

[shopchicks]

Someday I will relax on a weekend instead of busting my hiney on projects!

Anyway, of course I had to run out and get chickens as soon as the coop itself was inhabitable, so since then I've been working hard to get the run set up so the girls can come and go all day. Last week they were only able to go out for a few hours when I got home from work. This weekend, I got the hardware cloth on the lower section, made a 5 gal nipple waterer and 5 gallon hanging feeder, and got the "roof" framing up and stapled on the welded wire. Good thing, as DH spotted a VERY LARGE hawk or eagle of some sort up in the tree above the run the other night, scoping out the chickens.

All I have left is to put down the wire apron, finish painting, and put a better latch on the screen door. Phew!

Feeder (there is a lid for that bucket, just can't find it ATM):

Waterer:

Front of the run:

 

[crzychickenlady]

Very nice!
Can you elaborate on that waterer? It looks pretty efficient and would surely stay clean!

 

[shopchicks]

Yes, it is just a 5-gallon bucket hung up with 2 poultry nipples screwed into the bottom. You'll also want 1-2 very small holes drilled near the top of the bucket to allow air in so a vacuum is not created.

QC Supply seems to be the cheapest place to order the poultry nipples. Cost about $6 to make - cheaper if you have a spare bucket laying around.

I hung it up yesterday afternoon and the girls were already drinking from it like pros today with no coaxing from me.

 

[Chicken Chat]

That is a really nice looking coop and run.
Also, is that a faverolle in the picture with the feeder?

 

[shopchicks]

Thanks, and yes, that is my little Faverolle, Daisy.

 

[nvmycj]

Quote:
Shopchicks: How do you train the chickens to use the nipples from the buckets? Do you have one in the coop?

THANKS!

 

[Chicken Chat]

Your Daisy is beautiful! I just incubated some Faverolles this spring which is a new breed for me. I just love them. I wish I had known about them years ago. Mine are just starting to get their muffs in and they look so goofy.

 

[ThePigeonKid]

That is a really nice looking coop and run!

 

[shopchicks]

Quote:
Shopchicks: How do you train the chickens to use the nipples from the buckets? Do you have one in the coop?

THANKS!

No, I just set it up out there and they figured it out. If I put one in the coop, I would use a much smaller bucket.

 

[Carpe DiHen]

Nice set up! Very pretty! We just finished our coop this weekend. Last minute details...trim etc. I was a lot of work and we bought our coop!
Pretty birds too!