waffling-decisions, decisions...

[Judy]

The book, Building Chicken Coops for Dummies, has helped a whole lot of un-handy-feeling people do it themselves.

I like the idea of buying the readymade shed for $650 (I think you said) and using your materials for the run, to alter the shed, or any other projects around the house. And I would DEFINITELY go get the free shed -- just too good to pass up. It is wonderful to have a partly sheltered run in snow areas, as it gets the chickens outdoors and not feeling "cooped up" -- chickens don't mind cold a bit but generally hate snow, in case you haven't run across that yet.

I think lots of people who feel unable to handle tools and basic building projects really just don't have much experience. And it's not like you're trying to build a house or even a finished piece of furniture.

 

[TN_BIRD]

Go cheap. Wood trim and paint can dress things up nicely.

Get the handyman to help tear down the shed and move the materials...maybe even get him to help with the foundation and framing (most everything else is tedious, but not difficult. . Maybe you can hire the handyman again in a couple weeks once you have a better idea of what needs finishing (don't want to hire the guy and have him standing around all day while you try to make up your mind about things).

 

[gottadance]

Still trying to figure this out - would feel better if bf offered any kind of assistance at all - he has not said, gee, why don't we build it together or we could probably do that...I don't think he has any interest in building - he'd probably help me paint. Maybe I'll pick up the book and see if I think I can do it. I've done some stuff by myself - installed kitchen sink, stained paneling, built garden fence, etc.

I did get a couple of great deals at ReStore this weekend - picked up two large vent covers and a caulker/caulk. Saw some hinges there very reasonably priced. The windows were pricey, I thought. Still trying to see if I can pick up these windows I liked from this guy on CL.

I think I am going to get the metal shed - you never know what that could be used for. No responses to my barter ad on CL. A lot of the guys on there want electronic stuff - or guy stuff - tools, etc. I don't have any of that...rats!

It appears handyman has some really big jobs he's now working on...I think my little jobs are not all that important to him. Well, I'll keep trying to figure this out...

 

[urbanfarmette]

I like your bunny by the way. Looks a lot like our "Honey-honey".

Not sure if the pictures will work...first time posting pics

edited to try again at posting pics

 

[Judy]

For windows, many just use wire mesh then have a wood shutter that can be lowered in bad weather.

Or google barn windows. For example:

http://www.google.com/products/cata...i=XFWjTYZNo-nSAdqwwZgF&sqi=2&ved=0CCwQ8wIwAQ#

 

[gottadance]

Quote:
Love all the climbing spots - until I got buns, I had no idea how they liked to climb.

OK - back to chicken talk.

 

[gottadance]

Picked up my windows tonight - awesome - $20 each, Pella prairie style - very farmy looking and large. Just perfect. They look something like this: http://kettlewellconstruction.com/windows_pella_casement_arch1.html