Why wasn't I warned.. not to build a coop, or heck get chickens... Oh well too late now. New build started this weekend.

[Percheron chick]

Like that location much better. That was too close to the neighbors. Just asking for problems.

 

[Windrider]

You are amazing to have moved this without taking it apart! I ALWAYS use screws to build things because 1) I can't drive a nail straight to save my soul and 2) there is always the possibility of disassembling with screw construction.

I agree, this location is so much better! Chickens can be noisy and you really don't want them right next to your neighbor's house, especially if they are supposed to be "stealth chickens" and not really allowed. Are the the trees to the south or west to provide shade? If so that is a big bonus.

My only reservations about the new site is that if it is at the bottom of the slope, make sure any rain run-off doesn't wash down your whole yard and into the run.

 

[omextreme]

You are amazing to have moved this without taking it apart! I ALWAYS use screws to build things because 1) I can't drive a nail straight to save my soul and 2) there is always the possibility of disassembling with screw construction.

I agree, this location is so much better! Chickens can be noisy and you really don't want them right next to your neighbor's house, especially if they are supposed to be "stealth chickens" and not really allowed. Are the the trees to the south or west to provide shade? If so that is a big bonus.

My only reservations about the new site is that if it is at the bottom of the slope, make sure any rain run-off doesn't wash down your whole yard and into the run.

I built the whole thing with screws, the roof sheathing was glued for strength but alas I was too lazy to disassemble. I do have to reverse the walls though since the side with cleanout access is now against the fence. But the walls were built flat then attached so it should not be too difficult.

The trees are due west. And thanks for the reminder on the wash, the whole "run" will have a sandbox type border but I may berm up hill a bit to redirect any wash from hitting the sides. I am going to plant a hedge/evergreen row alongside the coop to help visually and sound. I am thinking some arborvitaes maybe?

 

[aart]

I built the whole thing with screws, the roof sheathing was glued for strength but alas I was too lazy to disassemble. I do have to reverse the walls though since the side with cleanout access is now against the fence. But the walls were built flat then attached so it should not be too difficult.

Why not just pull it away from the fence enough to have 3-4' of clearance for the door,
not to mention access to put down anti-dig apron and maintain the outside.

 

[RoyalChick]

Why not just pull it away from the fence enough to have 3-4' of clearance for the door,
not to mention access to put down anti-dig apron and maintain the outside.

And to maintain the fence if that ever becomes needed.

 

[samanthaoverton]

Im assuming he doesn't eat eggs either ?

hah, yep. Mine says he doesn't care if I keep animals as long as he doesn't have to do anything.

 

[omextreme]

Why not just pull it away from the fence enough to have 3-4' of clearance for the door,
not to mention access to put down anti-dig apron and maintain the outside.

It is just shy of 3' currently. Enough room for the apron and fence maintenance needs, didn't want to pull it out further, trying to preserve line of sight from pool deck to swing set/tree house. Also I made the swing out door 2/3 the total length of the coop to allow easier cleaning. (so more like a swing out wall) Lots to learn on this whole coop building thing.. that plus trying to keep it as stealthy as possible keeps it interesting.

 

[omextreme]

Footers poured, roof shingled minus ridge vent.

 

[Macchick]

So the wife bought 4 chicks from Tractor Supply, I know story old as time..

But alas here we are, First thought was Eglu Cube w/run, 2nd thought was cute but too small and heck I can do better for $1800

Well goodbye greenhouse hello coop spot.. and a busy weekend later and the new coop is taking shape. Not sure what the final shape will actually be since I am not one to use or draw out plans.

But the basics are - 6x7 coop and attached 6x10 run plus 75% of the coop is high enough off ground for more run space. Shingled roof over both parts (I live in a HOA community so best it looks like a shed) Coop has 4' walls and is 6' at highest roof portion. 2/3 of the side will swing open for cleaning. Going with the "best nest box' type of nesting box. 3 x openable windows and gable vents for fresh air..

So first off.. Holy heck $9 for a 2x4x8 non PT Pine!!!!

Questions...

1. Is there such a thing at a too tall run? given the slope of the yard the far end of the run will have 8'walls with 10' to apex of roof. is this ok?
2. Is it ok to wall off the back of the run with a solid material? the other 2 sides will be mesh but the back I want to cover with something so the neighbors dogs cannot see the birds. I assume this is fine but better to ask..





View attachment 3031658View attachment 3031659View attachment 3031660View attachment 3031662View attachment 3031663

So the wife bought 4 chicks from Tractor Supply, I know story old as time..

But alas here we are, First thought was Eglu Cube w/run, 2nd thought was cute but too small and heck I can do better for $1800

Well goodbye greenhouse hello coop spot.. and a busy weekend later and the new coop is taking shape. Not sure what the final shape will actually be since I am not one to use or draw out plans.

But the basics are - 6x7 coop and attached 6x10 run plus 75% of the coop is high enough off ground for more run space. Shingled roof over both parts (I live in a HOA community so best it looks like a shed) Coop has 4' walls and is 6' at highest roof portion. 2/3 of the side will swing open for cleaning. Going with the "best nest box' type of nesting box. 3 x openable windows and gable vents for fresh air..

So first off.. Holy heck $9 for a 2x4x8 non PT Pine!!!!

Questions...

1. Is there such a thing at a too tall run? given the slope of the yard the far end of the run will have 8'walls with 10' to apex of roof. is this ok?
2. Is it ok to wall off the back of the run with a solid material? the other 2 sides will be mesh but the back I want to cover with something so the neighbors dogs cannot see the birds. I assume this is fine but better to ask..





View attachment 3031658View attachment 3031659View attachment 3031660View attachment 3031662View attachment 3031663

This looks great! We have added walls to sides of run to block snow drifts so I don’t see why you can’t add walls on one side. Only concern would be ventilation, but with two sides open should be fine! Have fun!

 

[tennisgal]

We live in OH. My chicks have had not problems with the cold weather. Most of the coop is shaded by trees, but not all. I've also used a fan that blows into the run whenever it reaches around 90 degrees.