The tale of the Henitentiary

[steny03]

Hello! I'm starting this thread with the intentions of treating it as journal of my chicken adventures. I'm hoping to be able to look back on this thread and see how I've improved, etc. Sort of like having a record of what works and what didn't

.

I'm extremely new to chickens! In fact, I don't even have my girls yet! I ordered 4 started Australorp pullets from McMurray and they're due to arrive this week! I couldn't help myself and got all the supplies I think I need about a week ago...

My supplies:

Layer pellets
Oyster Shell
Grit
Feeder
Waterer
Apple Cider Vinegar (with the Mother!)
Sweet PDZ for the coop
Treats (scratch from the Co-op)

And of course...one needs a coop and run......which my hunny bunny was kind enough to build and nickname the Henitentiary. I admit I wasn't fond of the name...but it sort of grows on you.

The run is 8x8 feet, and I'm using sand in the run. It is ridiculously tall....my hunny didn't feel like trimming the timbers.....It's not complete yet either. It will also eventually have a solid roof. But for now there is wire on top so it is fully enclosed. We also draped the wire on the ground and buried it. I'm also hauling some large rocks we have available and piling them around the perimeter.

Tomorrow I'm hoping to level the coop, add a little more sand to the run, and finishing piling rocks around the run.

I'll post a picture as soon as I find out how.

steny

 

[StephieSky]

I can't wait to see pictures! Sounds like you planned ahead and should do really well

 

[steny03]

I hope so....I've spent quite a bit of time reading here on the forums, and tried to absorb the best advice I could ahead of time. I didn't want to learn some lessons the hard way.


(Grrr....my internet service is too slow to upload photos currently...I'll try again later. )

steny

 

[b.hromada]

I love the name!! It does grow on you, fast too! Congrats on your new girls. I believe you're going to be quite happy! Enjoy!!!

 

[steny03]

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Here's the Henitentiary! It's a work in progress...an actual solid roof will be built eventually (in 2-3 weeks time), the rock border needs to be finished, and the actual coop needs to be leveled. Please disregard the sad state of the yard...we are in the middle of re-seeding the entire thing....

 

[theoldchick]

 

[steny03]

So despite the heat I was able to finish pretty much everything I needed in order to make the Henitentiary ready for the ladie's arrival this week. I finished placing rock around the run, attached the coop to the run, added more sand, and placed some pavers/bricks down. The two concrete blocks are for their feed and water. I wanted to elevate them, to keep them cleaner. I might add some hanging planters for additional shade. I'm so happy I got everything done today!!!

Please forgive the fuzzy pic, I took it on my phone.



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steny

 

[StephieSky]

Wow! Nice! I love how tall it is. What a stellar idea. It seems like it would make it more comfortable to be inside of. I'm not sure the hens care but I always feel more comfortable under a high ceiling. I could sit in their run for hours myself with a lawn chair a good book and some chicky treats if it was designed like yours! I'm definitely going to go high on mine too!

 

[steny03]

Thanks StephieSky! I was a little worried...I mean, I cruised on here a bit and didn't see anyone build a run taller than it absolutely had to be...but I didn't want to be too picky since my boyfriend was building it for me...I just told him that it can't be taller than our house! I do still need to find a wooden sliver/shim in order to level the coop....

steny

 

[NovaAman]

My run has a hoop roof. It's 10 feet at the center. ALSO, you might consider a way to provide the girls some shade while they are in the run. Put roosts up in the run. If the run is predator secure, you might find that they prefer to sleep out of the coop in the run on those hot night. Mine roost in the run spring through fall, and then I have to force them to return to roosting in the coop in the winter to avoid frost bite... Silly birds. (Michigan) Anyway, I think, the bigger the better on a run. That includes in height.

Welcome to BYC. Looking forward to your continuing thread.