think (can post link if anyone is interested).Japanese gazebo coop

[Bossroo]

I would give myself more head room for the octagon section as I don't like hitting my head on the rafters while cleaning the floor. For the 4 x 4 section... it is way too low to the ground as I would have to be on my knees to clean it out or have an aching back trying.

 

[OverEggstended]

Quote:
I am only 5 ft tall... with low heels on! LOL
I may keep that in mind... and make one of the teens clean it though! LOL

 

[OverEggstended]

Quote:
Granted... not sure on covering that run yet. Was thinking that if it came to that, might make arched PVC header and cover with fruit tree netting or the like.

The ramp will drop onto and attach (tounge and groove? pinned? something of the sort) to a 1x1 that is on the face of that area below the door... so the door will never be an issue. May need to split that door though, may be too heavy for hinges to hold up well.

 

[possumqueen]

WOW!!! Think of the spring coop contest!


NO WAIT!! DON'T think of the spring coop contest!! Forget I said that!! I'm the one gonna win that contest!!! Stay away!

 

[kcsunshine]

That is unbelievably beautiful - talk about fitting into your landscape! Post lots of pics as you progress.

 

[PandoraTaylor]

Very nice.....

I love the design.

I think it is very workable, But for me it would need to be taller.

 

[alicefelldown]

If you have predators of any kind, you WILL want that run to be securely covered. There's way too many horror stories to even risk it.

I know you have a 'sandbox' area planned for them to hang out in - but I would also suggest covering a bit of the run with a solid roof if you plan on letting them out in inclement weather. I hate keeping mine 'cooped up' when it rains and let them into their half-covered run. Mine like to stay in the covered area but I've heard of silkies at least that love to get all wet. Your call really. You don't mention (or I missed it) what area you are in - East Coast though yea?

Also, highly recommend using construction sand for the run instead of dirt. There's a good thread on here somewhere (forgive my not searching properly for it, impacted tooth and pain killers make thinking hard - woe is me) on the how's and why's - but basically, you dig down a bit, put some kind of cloth barrier and then load the thing with the sand. It drains better, and dries out the poop so you can just rake it out.

 

[Chickie'sMoma]

i'd love to borrow your design for my own yard. i'm planning on putting in a koi pond and have all my parts for it, i just have to dig the hole when i have the time and my back could take it.

if my dh was one to follow construction directions i would have him help me, but i would be the one doing almost the whole thing. i would make a slight modification to the windows. i do stained glass and would love to make some windows that would be functional and open for the spring & summer. i would still use the chicken wire/mesh just as a precaution.

btw, it would look good even as an aviary for some pheasants or peafowl too!

 

[OverEggstended]

You want a koi pond... heaven help you! I said that once. What is that old saying? Something about "be careful what you wish for... you just may get it"? LOL

We really do love the pond. It is just more work than I would have ever imagined. Not to mention the cost of feeding them!

 

[Chickie'sMoma]

i've had 3 of them while i still lived with my parents. they still have the ponds but they no longer keep koi in them. they will sometimes keep pond comets instead since they aren't as pricey at the pet shop.