So I've been on here for years, getting info, trial and error, etc.
When I built my coop, I had a small narrow area, and not a lot of cash for new material. I used all surplus, piece of metal for a roof, a pallet, rought iron gate, a roll of wire mesh, and an entertainment center.
The area is 5' x 20', already bordered on three sides. I created a roof covering for the entertainment center/roost area, iron gate for the door, and the wire mesh completed the protection from raccoons etc.
The front oak of the entertainment center became the roosting bars.
Just got our third batch of chicks, and here are my findings with this setup:
The open air design works great. The winters are not too harsh, and the chickens have done fine. I have to cover the door with a towel as the afternoon sun bakes a bit during the summer.
The entertainment center is enough for double the chickens we have, and all the chickens seem to only want to use one bay.
We've tried different ground covers over the years, from hard packed rough sand, to thick hay (deep fill style).
We prefer the hard packed ground cover, bit this year are going to try having half solid and half lose soil (for dirt bath areas).
Hopefully someone can use my experience in their coop and run design.
When I built my coop, I had a small narrow area, and not a lot of cash for new material. I used all surplus, piece of metal for a roof, a pallet, rought iron gate, a roll of wire mesh, and an entertainment center.
The area is 5' x 20', already bordered on three sides. I created a roof covering for the entertainment center/roost area, iron gate for the door, and the wire mesh completed the protection from raccoons etc.
The front oak of the entertainment center became the roosting bars.
Just got our third batch of chicks, and here are my findings with this setup:
The open air design works great. The winters are not too harsh, and the chickens have done fine. I have to cover the door with a towel as the afternoon sun bakes a bit during the summer.
The entertainment center is enough for double the chickens we have, and all the chickens seem to only want to use one bay.
We've tried different ground covers over the years, from hard packed rough sand, to thick hay (deep fill style).
We prefer the hard packed ground cover, bit this year are going to try having half solid and half lose soil (for dirt bath areas).
Hopefully someone can use my experience in their coop and run design.
