Wine Barrel Coop - used, and needs cleaning

[HEChicken]

Quote:
I actually had that thought as I was writing it, since I don't subscribe to a newspaper either. We get a weekly rag they drop in our driveway for free but that wouldn't keep me in newspaper for long either. Perhaps friends/family would be willing to let you have their old newspapers....

 

[chickenwhisperer]

I would build a run that is removable and light enough to move around.
Something along the lines of a tractor-like run, attaches to barrell with hooks.
So youd have 2 pieces to move, not too bad . . .

I wouldnt cut any holes for daylight, that what the run is for.

I still like the idea of changing most of the bottom to a trap door for cleaning.


You definately have the most interesting mini-coop on the board, you should be very proud and thank your husband, he did good!


Hey, is the wheel made of wood or metal, looks like wood?

 

[jab91864]

Oh my but that is so cute!!!!!

 

[JulieAdams]

Chickenwhisperer, my husband thanks you! I love the trap door idea. Will keep you posted as to whether we get that industrious!

 

[jeaucamom]

That really is the cutest coop!!

The other thing I would fix is the latch that goes into the nest box. A single hook like that is NOT raccoon proof at all, they will be in there in a heartbeat.

Other than that it looks great!!

 

[JulieAdams]

Jeaucamom - Yes! Just went out and measured them. Thank you! Going to replace those with spring-loaded hooks I've seen on other coops.

Ventilation update: That little handle-like thing on the top has 3 holes in it and there's three holes down into the coop. Also a big hole on the bottom -- not a trapdoor, but a drain for ease of hosing out.

 

[Gallina Vecchia]

I found this on Ebay UK, not as cute as yours, but good for ideas...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Wine-barrel-C...temQQimsxq20100227?IMSfp=TL100227134002r20775

 

[JulieAdams]

That one looks more sensible than ours! LOL. The wheel, by the way, is wood with metal around the edge. Will post more photos later, interior also. Just discovered that the nest box comes out -- we're doing the deep clean today.

 

[wishful]

I think I saw those on Craigslist once. Or...somewhere. It definitely looks familiar. I had wondered how you'd clean them out and stuff. Do you put bedding in it or anything, or you're just going to do the newspaper idea (if you can get enough newspaper

)?

 

[JulieAdams]

Heh! I think newspaper on the bottom with pine/fir shavings on top, if they would just stop eating the shavings... I'm hoping their taste buds will improve in a week or so.