Our coop is now 90% complete. We moved the girls in today! Following is what I learned:
1) Whatever the budget, double, ummm triple it!
2) Just because one is an architect and former construction superintendant (i.e. have seen things built) doesn't mean you can build a darn thing!
3) Tools are jokesters! They like to play hide and seek especially when you need them most!
4) Those 30 minute trips to home depot can blow an entire Sunday especially after the third one! **Hint**Buy sheet rock screws in every length. It will save you time (see lesson #3) and plenty in gas!
5) Stick with your first instinct when it comes to a color scheme or become very good friends with someone that works the paint counter at home depot.
6) Never underestimate the usefulness of a square or for that matter a level!
7) Once in a while act helpless. It will make your husband feel manly.
8) Enjoy the process. No matter what the outcome the chickens will love it! Ok they will be totally indifferent but it will give you a tremendous amount of satisfaction when you finally move them into it! Actually my girls laid 3 eggs immediately after being moved in! They DO love it!
and finally after seeing evonne's finished coop...
9) My fear of inadvertently locking myself in the coop is probably unrealistic so the chicken door that I could wiggle thru probably was not necessary. Chickens don't need gianormous doors... they can limbo!
Perhaps you are wondering why I went on and on? My little darlings are in their new coop 150 feet from the house and I can't sleep!