Woo Hoo, DH's gone and i'm finishing the coop!

[MsMcChick]

He left yesterday for a week long trip. I left today for Menards

I got the vast majority of stuff to finish the coop. When the kids and I got home, I had my son help me with the flooring. After about 15 minutes of work he looked at me and said "I wonder why Dad thinks your an idiot? Your way better at this than he is!"
I took that as my kudos for the day

(his dad's from a family of licensed builders)
We are building an 8'x12' coop, with room for the caged birds and 2 pens for the layers. When that's all done the breed pens will be built and set out back and the outdoor pen will be 150' of 6' high chainlink fence (once i figure out how to put THAT up).
It's made of all rough sawn lumber, except the 2x4's and floor beams. I saw the Menards ad and had this brilliant idea to do this. The first floor layer is rough sawn boards (approx 1/2"), then it's 1/2" fiberboard sheathing, and then 1/2" osb. Hopefully this will keep the cold, damp, (and critters) from creeping in come winter. I've got 3 walls done and 1/2 the roof. Eventually i'll have to figure out how to put in the windows and the door, but first things first, LOL. At some point I'll post some pictures. Wish me luck, he's supposed to be back next week.

 

[Stumpy]

Wow! Sounds like you've gotten off to a great start. Can't wait to see photos! Won't DH be surprised when he returns!?!

 

[gumpsgirl]

Isn't it always reassuring when out kids don't think we're idiots?!?!

Good luck with everything! I hope you get it all done before your DH gets back. That would be great! Be sure to post pictures when you're done.

 

[Farmer Kitty]

I started my kitchen floor earlier this spring when DH left for the weekend. Between running for the stuff and having milking and chores to do alone I didn't have it done but, the floor that was suppose to be replaced 9 years ago was on it's way when he walked in!

For windows you build a frame of 2x4's (or whatever your walls are) to fit the window and cut the hole in the wall.

Good luck with your project and keep dazzling your son!

 

[WoodlandWoman]

What fun! Good for you!

 

[Jades Chickens]

Well it is fun to build stuff isn't it?

I just had to write and tell you though. You do not want fiberboard or osb on the floor. The reason is the moisture. Fiberboard and osb just get ruined by moisture, which there will be plenty in a chicken coop. I would never use it in a chicken coop. I think there are really three options, solid wood planking, exterior grade plywood, or normal plywood. For the plywood you probably want just normal plywood, the reason is #1 it isn't treated with chemicals. I know alot of people don't want treated wood around animals. #2 it is cheaper than exterior grade. Well I am sure it will go good.