My oldest coop is 3rd hand so it has done me and the chickens proud. I've had it 5 years and battled mites in it every year. It's also the coop Stan sleeps in so I'm hoping a change to plastic will exclude more allergens that might be affecting his breathing.
Of course! I forgot she has both. Hopefully she'll be able to give me some intel when she has time .
When I first got two coops (one for the pekin bantams, the other for my full-size girls) everyone decided the new, mini coop was the place to be and all crammed in there to roost. The original coop went unused for about 7 months until one of my bantams went broody. She's also very placid but I was worried the 14 eggs she was pancaked flat over would be crushed in the scrum. I think our roo was too, as he ushered the girls over to the original coop at roost time.
Chickens ♡
I often thought of the blue pool thing but, was also thinking I would have the same results, wasted money and effort - and terrified chickens. I also thought a Pasco liner may work, be a little less terrifying, plus I could make it shallow and to whatever size and shape I needed, but, I have done neither. Instead I ran a hose up to a tree and turn it on low. I get to give slow needed soaks along along with drawing up bugs for the chooks. I even toss in frozen fruit in the puddles during the worst of the heat.
If you go through the effort and find somethings that work, please let us know♡♡♡!!!
I wonder if you put in transitioning objects of interest, like logs and bricks so they could hop and get used to getting their ankles wet first....
Wow, I'd love to know more about this solar tap timer thingy. Sounds pretty darn cool and useful
I do have plastic coops and they are superior in every way with regards to cleaning and mites. They are not any better with regards to rats and a bit worse for that because it is not easy to patch up plastic once damaged. They are pricey, but they are definitely worth it when it comes to low maintenance cleaning and keeping the mites down. There's just nowhere for them to live when kept clean enough, so it keeps things at bay. My birds don't prefer the Omlet coops because there are no roost bars for them, but when there is no other option for them, they like them just fine!
I just love the coloration on them and Bruno could use some new blood to add to his ladies. Biscotti has grown into a very pretty girl! I hope she is able to withstand the AZ weather, her genetics have to be pretty solid if she managed to make it as the only hatch!
