Coops

[ReTractor]

I'm clearing the spot now where I intend to put a chicken coop. Anyone got a good lead on chicken coop plans? I'm not looking to build the Taj Mahal but something decent that won't cost and arm and a leg with enough room for say up to 8 chickens.

[bob in CT]

Google "chicken coop plans"http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/2902/2902-1092/2902-1092.pdf

[ReTractor]

thanks Bob..that's a good link. Lot's of things I can use in there

[ellen]

Try this one Lots of good info not just on coops but on other chicken issues.. I miss my chickens
http://www.backyardchickens.com/

[daddydip]

http://home.centurytel.net/thecitychicken/tractors.html chicken tractors are pretty popular.

[Eugene]

Small farm and homesteading magazines frequently have articles on raising chickens.

[Peter Person]

Another good reference;


Author: Gail Damerow

Peter

[Bill Hudson]

Retractor,

Here are some links to various publications that may help you out.
http://animalscience.ucdavis.edu/avian/plhouse1.pdf
http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/abeng/plans/6232.pdf
http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/abeng/poultryplans.htm -a whole host of detailed poultry plans
http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/2902/2902-1092/2902-1092.pdf
http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/2902/2902-1099/2902-1099.pdf

I hope this helps.

Bill

[ReTractor]

man this project is taking for ever mostly because the site is not level. finally got to pick up material for inside the run. used the lo-boy and my utility trailer to haul the coop from the gargage where i built it to where it's gonna sit connected to the run. hope to have the birds in 30 days or less...then the fun?, starts (I think)

[ReTractor]

Still at this. Putting the wire on the run now. I'm keeping it fairly tight by taking my time but wondering if there is a better way to do it. Anyone have any tips for putting on the wire and keeping the wire tight? I'm using 1" chicken wire 6' wide roll. May not have birds by month end.....hate to have to wait until spring but if that's the case it'll be something to look forward to after winter.

[Michael Beck]

Use two 1 inch boards 6 foot long. I usually use a 1 x 4 and rip it in half. Whatever you have laying around will work. Lay boards on top of another and drill a hole toward the top, bottom, and middle. Pull wire as tight as you can by hand to post you are going to staple it to. Place one board on each side of wire past post and bolt them tight using the holes you drilled. On the bottom and top bolt attach a piece of small chain on bolt before installing nut and then tighten. Hook puller to middle of chain and stretch it tight. This will keep the wire even across the top and bottom. In a hurry typing this so if you need better explanation let me know.

[ReTractor]

well i'm only a few months behind schedule but I finally got some birds yesterday to move into the coop and run project that i started in may of this year. I wanted adult hens since i did not want to mess with chicks going into the colder months. I was having a hard time finding them. I ended up buying leghorns from UCONN. They have a significant agriculture program there with coops and stables and all kinds of farm/animal related things. I was on their website and low and behold they will sell adult chickens (still laying) for a very reasonable price. Bonus...I got to visit with my daughter when i went up to get them and she recorded the event for(what else) her facebook page. they are still a little skittish right now until they get used to the new surroundings but I'm glad to have them. have to introduce the dog to them too.

[River Lizard]

Here's a shot of construction about halfway finished on my coop. I haven't uploaded any updated photos from the project but some can be found here: http://riverlizard.com/homeprojects/coopproject/index.htm

[KETCHAM]

WOW!!!! I have a much small coop[15 hens]and hoping for eggs in a few weeks.Takes 20 weeks to get them to lay.Fun to sit and watch them a times .Kevin