Homestead

Welcome all to my Chicken Coop and Run build article! I appreciate you taking the time to stop by to read and/or just look at the pictures.

Just a bit of forewarning, I tend to OVER TAKE pictures as I like to to capture the whole process from start to finish.

Background:

A year ago, my family and I moved out of the city and further into the country (for many different reasons, we will leave it at that! 😏). I've never lived in the country before (yes, I was a city person my whole life), so this has been an exciting new adventure - in its own way!

The farmer next to me, whom has become a good friend, has hundreds of chickens and the kids loved (so did I!!) going over and watching them. The farmer taught them all about the chickens, how to feed them, pick up eggs, and wash & dry. They were having a time of their life!

The first time we ate farm fresh eggs, I knew I never wanted to go back to store bought eggs.

Fast forward to now, the coop and run is completely built (I am still finishing up some small stuff here and there) and we have 12 chickens (11 hens and 1 rooster). All were supposed to be hens, but the hatchery accidentally gave us a rooster!

Honestly, I should have created the build log as I was working on the coop and run, However, this is the first time I have EVER tackled a project like this before. I am not very handy, but have learned a TON from this adventure!

Before I go on, I want to give a special thanks to a couple of folks. Without the help from them, this project would not have been possible.

First, to Farmer J, for teaching me the basics about builiding and using air tools, helping me design and prep the area for the foundation, and just overall helping with the build! You are truly a great neighbor and friend!

Second, without the hand holding help from @U_Stormcrow , I would not have one AMAZING roof, porch, or even a finished coop and run. I cannot thank you enough for the time you spent drafting a roof for my build, documenting the steps on how to build and install it, answering my hundreds of questions I asked along the way, and even teaching me how to measure and cut birds mouth for the rafters!!! For someone to help a person whom they never have met, let alone a stranger on a chicken forum, really speaks volumes about what a great person you are. I never once took what you did for granted and I hope the hundreds of pictures I sent of the build process along the way shows my appreciation for the time you put into drawing it and seeing it come to furition. Thanks again!

Okay, so what's next...yes that's right, the planning...BUT, before we head into it, I have to show you the my baby chicks and the brooder I made for them!
Next page: Brooder & Chicks