Things you've learned while building your coop...

[BayouPoules]

When I found this thread I was tickled pink but it was late so I told myself I would just read a few posts and read the rest tomorrow,.. well,.. it reads like the best "How to ( and how NOT to ) Book there is on coop design,. I read the whole thing! I feel like I am very well prepared and I am so glad we are in the beginning of building and can implement all the great things I've learned! Thanks to everyone for all the awesome advise and the funnies.

 

[write2caroline]

Think about ease for cleaning.
Make the walls hinged so you can open it up and spray it down and really clean it out
or at least wider doors on opposite sides.
Paint inside and out - oops paint is great and inexpensive.
I put taller legs so I don't have to bend so much and my chickens don't mind the taller longer ladder
Caroline

 

[bburn]

My DH left this morning to go out of town to work. First week he will only work four days. Then home for three. So I have enlisted my DSS to help me built the chicken tractor I have been wanting that DH said no problem....will build in a couple of hours! When? So am heading to town today to pick up all the supplies that I need for said tractor....and my DSS and I will build it.

After all the tools are all in the garage.....and there is an old wagon out there with wheels on it that is begging to be taken apart.

I can DO IT!

lol.....

 

[sreihart]

Quote:
Yup, me too!

 

[jomercer]

Decide how long it will take to build the coop, then multiply by 2.

And then multiply THAT by 3--at least.

 

[aussieheelr]

It would probably work better to get the building permit before begining to build.

 

[gmendoza]

invest in extra thumbs.Mine are sore and bruised.

 

[Crabella]

When designing your coop's roof, don't use a 12/12 pitch, no matter HOW cute it looks, unless you are a professional roofer or have someone very tall to reach the peak. I invested in scaffolding, after determining it was much cheaper than a emergency room visit, and I STILL cannot reach the top 15". Have 3/4 of the shingles on and now am waiting for one of my much taller brothers to come to the rescue.

sigh......

 

[JustDawn]

You give 6 birds 8' of roosting space, they are all going to fight over the 3' by the window.

You give 6 birds 4 nesting boxes, they are all going to use only one.

You give 6 birds 180 square feet of run space, they are all going to use 14 square feet to hang in.

 

[lorrir]