Woods-style house in the winter

[Highcotton]

I love the look of it and they all seem very happy. I think that I would have done a bit more of an overhang on the front just to give it a bit more cover from rain and snow that may have a little wind force behind it. Otherwise, I really like it! Thanks for sharing!

And make sure the roof slopes to the back so the water off of the roof doesn't get you wet.

 

[Utard]

I love your coop. I really like the walkin design.

I got through about half of this thread. So I did not really see any updates.

So I just wanted to see after 3 1/2 years have you found any cons to this design?

Is there anything you did in addition to the design that you really liked? Like the rubber coating for the floor? I really like that idea.

Anything you would have liked to do differently from the start?

Thanks

 

[JackE]

Outside of building it with board and batten style siding(I like the looks of it), there is nothing I would have done differently. I have had zero problems with the coop. And I didn't expect any either, since the man that designed it, spent a lot of time working out the faults. If there are any cons to it, I haven't found them.
The only changes since I built it, is that I have run electric down to it, for the 600' of electrified poultry net that surrounds it, and for the water fount warmer in the winter months. I also built some temporary chickenwire walls I throw in there to separate new pullets from the hens. Once they get old enough, the walls are easily removed to open the coop back up.

 

[Arielle]

JackE-- I"ve forgotten, how many birds do you run in that structure? ANd do they come out into the fenced area during the winter or are they strickly inside for the winter?

 

[JackE]

JackE-- I"ve forgotten, how many birds do you run in that structure? ANd do they come out into the fenced area during the winter or are they strickly inside for the winter?

I only have 19 right now. Probably add some in the spring. And yes, they come out all winter. The popdoor is opened everyday.

 

[Shellz]

My hubby promised to build me one in spring. Going to need it! I'm branching out to a 2nd breed in 2014. I currently have 19 LF & 3 standard hens in my 8'x12' coop. How many LF would fit comfortably in a Wood's style coop?

 

[JackE]

Depends on what size you build. My 16X8' can handle 30 or so. In the book, there are plans for a 10X16' That the author and designer of the coop says can handle 40.

 

[Shellz]

That's great! The 16'x8' should be ample. Thanks JackE.

 

[Utard]

Thanks for the info.

How do you like the electrified poultry net? Any problems with it? Other than forgetting its on an touching it? lol

 

[bluebirdnanny]

GW-- nice that you can add a heated base. No such luck with my set up, some 500 feet from any outlet. 

Blue-- did you finish your coop then??  I would take up those cords too as I have been known to forget thema nd run the snowblower over them and on occassion cut the the cord--oops.

No I was unable to get the monitor windows in. I found I could not lift. I just asked another construction worker that got laid off for season to call me. All I could do was but up layers of frost blankets which will still breathe and lets light through. But it does stop the rain and snow from blowing in. Only 4 chickens and a rooster. Still getting two eggs daily so I guess they are doing ok. (Only two in laying age).

 I only have 19 right now. Probably add some in the spring.  And yes, they come out all winter.  The popdoor is opened everyday.

Mine don't choose to come out everyday but they have the option. Sometimes they come out then turn right around and go back in. Funny as first out is trying to go back in while last is trying to come out! Clamoring in over the back of one coming out. Thought they were going to wedge and get stuck in doorway.