Wisconsin "Cheeseheads"

[wyoDreamer]

@AppleMomma65
Happy to see you here. That is a pretty neat coop, the extra run space will be invaluable!

Is that a closed in area on the top half or is it a walk-in coop with walls that are open on the bottom? I am wondering about blowing snow and if the birds will have a closed in area for winter when the temps drop.

 

[wyoDreamer]

@jvls1942 DH finished changing out the swinging doors of the machine shed to regular (oversized) garage doors. We love that we no longer have to dig out the doors to open them to get the tractor out to move snow.
But, we have had one of the garage doors "freeze" shut after a heavy wet snow slid off the roof. We have a 1' overhang above the garage doors, but there was enough slop that slid off, that it seeped up under the door and then that night it froze. The middle door was still a double swing door, so that one was completely frozen in place and useless. Luckily, the frozen door was for my truck, the middle door was for the boat and the garage door for the tractor was able to open.

 

[Raeja]

Welcome AppleMomma65! I live in Whitewater, WI and am a backyard chicken mamma. I have a Rhode that will be 2 in Sept. I also have 5 chicks born March 31 ~ Easter Egger, 2 Australorpes, Polish White, and a mystery chick. We are thinking it might be a light bantam because of the coloring and feathers on the feet.

 

[AppleMomma65]

@AppleMomma65
Happy to see you here. That is a pretty neat coop, the extra run space will be invaluable!

Is that a closed in area on the top half or is it a walk-in coop with walls that are open on the bottom? I am wondering about blowing snow and if the birds will have a closed in area for winter when the temps drop.

The coop (front) has plastic panels that I can insert on all of the exposed wire - including on the back - which is inside the run. The run doesn't have any protection yet, but I'm thinking when winter comes, I may wrap part of it with a clear tarp to keep light inside but keep wind and snow out. Other thoughts?

 

[babylady4]

This is my setup. Electric fence to deter the preds (and obviously some chickens think field trips are mandatory). Have not had an issue IF the fence is on..... and the birds are let out everyday, no matter what the weather. I have only kept them in the coop when it has been extremely cold, thankfully that has not been too often and I try to keep them busy when I do.

And some cuteness to end the day..... they are growing like weeds....

 

[jvls1942]

Is that spotted duck a muscovy ?
when I look at your coop, it looks like a face of a chicken .. You have to use your imagination a bit.
I picked up the lumber to build the green house. however Menard's was out of the clear corrugated panels I need for the front.
going to try homdepo ..
.....jiminwaUSAu.....

 

[jvls1942]

Is that spotted duck a muscovy ?
when I look at your coop, it looks like a face of a chicken .. You have to use your imagination a bit.
I picked up the lumber to build the green house. however Menard's was out of the clear corrugated panels I need for the front.
going to try homdepo ..
.....jiminwaUSAu.....

ETA: I checked everywhere within 50 miles of me. Nobody has those panels.
So, today I ordered sheet plastic UV resistant . I will build wooden frames . Overall it will cost about 1/4th of what the panels would have.
......jiminwisc......

 

[babylady4]

Ancona ducklings, all 5. I found a breeder nearby...... still wanted to get some Cayuga, but I guess I will have to wait until the fall.

 

[bigzio]

Welcome to the Cheeseheads AM65 and good luck with the chicks. One of my coops has a 12X12 covered pen that I place clear plastic around for the Winter months. The birds really enjoy the dry out of the wind area all Winter long. I have straw and shavings in there and it keeps them busy looking for goodies. My other coop has a 16X16 that I need to shovel out for them....that can be a lot of work some Winters.

Stay Safe..... bigz

 

[babylady4]

More coop pics. The coop is 10x10; the maximum we could build without getting a building permit.


People door with overhang and board at the bottom of the door to keep the shavings inside.

Roost attached to the wall with hook and eye for easy removal when cleaning.

The nesting boxes my FIL build when they had chickens.

Ramp with slats for traction (there should be gaps in between but hubs did not follow directions).

All the gaps are covered with 1/4” hardware cloth.

The chooks out free ranging.

Busted!