The Poultry Keeper

EGirl · Joined: 01 Nov 2007 Posts: 704 Location: Dublin, Ireland

Hi all,
Thought I would share some photos of the new coop I've built over the past couple of weeks in odd moments. Never made a thing before so it was trial & error so I'm inordinately pleased with the result. Of course, the chickens won't actually go into it and continue to sleep in the penthouse Evil or Very Mad

Still, it gives me the perfect excuse to get a few hens to fill the new accomodation Laughing

Anyone have any advice on how many would comfortably live in it?

Original config. of various parts -

Cat reviews my first attempts -

Now if I could just work out how to hang a door....???

Perches -

Int - Nest box - took me ages!!!!!

Ta DAAAAA!

Also, was thinking the perches might be better flat, just a couple of inches off the floor, they're not permanent so the whole unit can sit on the floor, any thoughts?
Oh and this handsome chap is my Bob, 11 years old & my bestest mate!

Henwife · Joined: 31 Jan 2006 Posts: 2620 Location: Monmouthshire

Keep ladder perches - my chicken love them and prefer to go 'up' to roost

Dopey · Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 11:05 pm Post subject:

very nice job well done, can i make just 1 suggestion though? get some cheap silicone mastic and go along the edges with it, just think like a small bug!! if you can creep under.inside it, mastic it, the less nooks and crevasses you have the better, that's what i did with mine anyway, i think it helps a little

EGirl · Joined: 01 Nov 2007 Posts: 704 Location: Dublin, Ireland

Yeah, there's a lot of fresh air in there, you're right. The floor is designed to be removable though. I might line it with some kind of plastic sheeting if I can find some, then mastic the joins, have some of that nasty clear silicone bought in error...thanks.

Henwife · Joined: 31 Jan 2006 Posts: 2620 Location: Monmouthshire

Before you get carried away with the mastic remember two things. Wood swells when damp and shrinks when dry. Chicken will peck out anything that looks interesting, although you look like a neat and tidy worker so they'd not find any loose bits to start on!

Dopey · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 4:33 pm Post subject:

When you put the mastic on, smooth it down by using you finger, wet your finger, just put it in your mouth and wet it, if you feel the silicone "dragging" wet it again, keep a kitchen towel handy to wipe your finger of the excess

Welsh Duck · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 9:55 pm Post subject:

I'm really impressed, well done you. Very Happy

nell · Joined: 23 Feb 2008 Posts: 14 Location: Dover, Kent

This is lovely; you are clever. What type of wood did you use? I am only asking as I am considering making a coop for 3 Brahmas. I understand that they do not like climbing ladders. Nell

EGirl · Joined: 01 Nov 2007 Posts: 704 Location: Dublin, Ireland

Shucks guys, Thanks! Don't worry Dopey, I'm a dab hand with the silicone gun, plenty of experience with new kitchen, filling tops of skirting boards etc, so I'll manage. Wink

I'm a bit of a perfectionist Henwife, can't stand mess & disorganisation. Just got the auto pop hole opener today so my first foray into electronics too.. Shocked

Nell, I used a 2 x 1 frame and screwed decorative panelling to it, it's very light so needs to be well secured in small sections. The back, which slides up and out in two sections for cleaning, is made of ext. ply. I was lazy and bought stair uprights (soldiers?) for the perches, as my Dad took back his sander - these have smoothed edges so perfect for perches.
Have to review the floor though, maybe put slabs underneath...Still a little way to go before I put any hens it it. Plan to buy a trio of silkies at a show in early May so plenty of time.

JaxMax · Joined: 06 Feb 2008 Posts: 70 Location: Dublin

Wow Elaine - you have been busy, I'm very impressed! Love the new accomodation. What kind of mastic will you use? I was thinking about something like that myself to seal up a few gaps in my henhouse but wasn't sure if it would be ok with chooks.

Can't wait for the show in May, I just hope I'm all ready so I can buy some girls for myself there.

Jackie