Washingtonians

[Imp]

On a side note I was in Costco the other day and they have a large rubbermade type shed 4x4x8 with a floor. I was thinking of purchasing it and turning it into a coop for the ladies. It has windows and a nice thick floor(no rats) does anyone else think this may work. I really do not have anyone to build a coop and what they are in now works but I am afraid I want something nicer for them.

craz...

I use a rubbermaid shed for my coop. I have had it for 6 years now and would probably never use anything else. I think it's a good choice for western Wa., and our mild climate. Always spotlessly dry inside, easy to maintain. If you want pix or have ?s.

Imp/Russ​

 

[Gwen]

I would like to see pics of the Costco shed! I'm about to spring for a wooden shed from Garden Solutions in Woodinville. I have 4-week olds in a brooder in the garage and am dying to get them out of there!

Sure wish I'd known ahead about the Bainbridge coop tour. I drove down to Portland to see their coop tour yesterday. Bainbridge is just a tad closer for me.

But I did have fun visiting with my oldest son Fri night, who lives and goes to college in Forest Grove.

Any upcoming chicken events in Washington anyone knows about?

 

[Imp]

OK Here's a couple pix of the shed/coop. Not exactly beautiful, but it works for me.

Imp

 

[Gwen]

Whatever works is right!

I'm surprised you don't get condensation in the winter, from the chicken's 'breath.' Are there windows that I can't see? It certainly seems like it's working well for you! And easy to clean out and hose down too.

 

[Imp]

Quote:
No condensation. I only have 4 hens, and it's tall with vents in the top. No windows, but I'm looking for the perfect stained glass one. The hens are only in it at night, and never use the run. It's mostly just a secure place to lock them up at night. The inside comes completely apart and out for ease of cleaning. It originally was just going to be temporary. I was in a hurry, but now it's home. In the winter the neighborhood cats go in for naps in a warm nest. I can see where it wouldn't work well for a lot of situations.

Imp

 

[crazychickenluver]

Ok so here is my first question. My hen hatched her first set of babies. She has been spending the day staying close to the nesting area and showing her new kids the ropes. My only question is that the other hens seem to have stopped laying. I was getting several eggs per day and now none. Does anyone know what might be going on?

THanks

 

[Chicken Rustler]

Well we survived the trip to the dunes. We left down there @ 2:30pm today and it was a very nice 70's then we arrived home @ 5:30 to this way too warm stuff. I am really considering just heading back to the sand after a few minor repairs to the BAJA. Like a total engine rebuild. O well dung occurs.

Wife was very happy to find that while we were gone the girls gave us 36 eggs. the neighbor had gathered and put them all in the barn fridge.

 

[AnnesChicks]

I was waiting for a report on your dunes trip! Lucky guy.

Quick tip on hot hens, I was watching them dig down in the dirt in the shade underneath their coop. Like my labrador I think they were digging down to the cooler damp dirt.

I had a brainstorm about soaking part of it the dirt, ran the hose long enough to create a puddle before soaking in. They were standing ankle deep in the water pecking around, and within fifteen minutes several had hollowed out a spot in the damp ground to day in.

 

[Rare Feathers Farm]

Quote:
be careful of cocci with heat & damp....

 

[weaveagarden]

Anybody know when the auction in Oakville is? I have a feeling I missed it this weekend.

The shed conversion looks great! I wish I had a small shed like that. Big enough to accomodate 8-10 hens I would think at least. Just the size I need.