Chickens, and things related

[bmac]

bmac,

Is the coop something that you plan on having for awhile? Or is this sort of an expriment that you don't want to put allot of money into?

What type of foundation do you have planned? Cement is the best, easiest to clean and the most secure to build on. If you do it yourself, it's also allot more work then wood and will require help. Wood is pretty common and should last for years. It will wear out and require maintenance that cement doesn't. You can build the floor on top of blocks, or sink posts into the ground. If you sink posts, you can make a small scale pole building. Do you have a post hole digger?

What were you planning on using for the exterior siding? Plywood type products are the cheapers per sq ft, but require the most maintenance. Mostly paint. The most commmon is T1-11, which some people like, and other hate. It's really personal taste. For higher quality and longevity, it's hard to beat James Hardi siding. You can choose between 4x8 sheets, or lap siding. The Hardi siding takes a few specialized tools, so that might be a problem. Cutting it and nailing it are the main concerns.

As for your roof, it depends on how you plan to cover it. Shingles or metal? Both have different requirments and skills.

For such a smal building, I would use 2x6's on top and a 2x4 on the bottom to create your triangle. Then I would use a 2x4 standing straight up in the middle. That will give you a very simple truss that will be plenty strong.

Don't forget to use headers with jack studs next to your king studs and cripple studs above and below your openings. It's the simple little things that people leave out of their outbuildings that cause them to fall apart so quickly.

Eddie

Hi, Eddie

The coop will be used for as long as my daughter wants to raise chickens. If I'm to go to this much trouble / expense, I'm hoping for a few years anyway. No guarantees, though. Their interests change like the wind.

My plans for the foundation are to sink ten PT 4x4 posts (4 across each long wall and one in the middle of each shor wall) in the ground 3' or so, add some concrete to the holes) and nail PT 2x6s to them as rim joists (thinking double) then cut the 4x4s off flush with the top of the 2x6s. PT 2x6s 16" on center for the floor joists. 3/4" exterior plywood for the floor.

I haven't decided about the exterior other than some sort of plywood product. T1-11 is on my list to consider, but I think there are other products that I might like the looks of better. I have HardiPlank siding on my house so I think it would look good on the coop. Installation tools and technique have me a little hesitant to use it, though.

I plan to use shingles on the roof. Is 3/8" OSB what I need for sheathing material on the roof?

Thanks for the reminders on the use of headers, etc. I have included them on my detailed framing drawings. I just did not send them with the attachment. I'd be happy to attach those in another post if anyone cares to review them. I'm sure I've omitted something important.

Thanks for your help, Eddie. Have you ordered your turkeys yet? I need to get mine ordered soon.

 

[Tororider]

Cement is good and durable, but not great for chicken feet. Not that you can't use it, it would just need to have a good covering of shavings or something.

I am still waiting for it to warm up here in Michigan so my new(to me) chicken tractor will thaw out and I can bring it back to my place.

More news on the sister and new brother in laws place, they have a real coop and large run. It needs a little work, but hoping to get it going this summer and maybe do a batch of cornish cross's. Only time will tell.

 

[Tororider]

My son and I found a few worms on the way to the garage to check on the chickens this afternoon. Boy did they think that was cool. Didn't take them long at all to figure out they were delicacies.

 

[bmac]

I've been thinking a box of crickets from the bait shop would drive the chicks over the edge. Been a looong time since I've been fishing. Do bait shops still carry crickets? Are they seasonal or can they be had anytime?

 

[Tororider]

Probably depends on the bait shop. You could definitely get them from a pet store though, I have heard that meal worms make them crazy as well.

 

[schmism]

update, little girls and big girls have been combined in the coupe.

worked up an enclosure for the chicks that will allow them to come and go and mingle with the big girls.

Couple of weeks confinement and we well put them all out together.

 

[tiger9297]

I am thinking about getting some chickens for my little "farm". I have two little girls that would absolutely love them. However I know NOTHING about chickens except breakfast and dinner, so please bear with the "newbie" questions.

- Can you only buy baby chics during the Spring? Seems to be when everyone buys them.

- What is the difference between a brooder and a coup?

- How old are they before they start laying eggs?

Thanks. I'm sure there will be more to come.

 

[Tororider]

I am thinking about getting some chickens for my little "farm". I have two little girls that would absolutely love them. However I know NOTHING about chickens except breakfast and dinner, so please bear with the "newbie" questions.

I was there not too long ago, in fact I still consider myself a newbie.

- Can you only buy baby chics during the Spring? Seems to be when everyone buys them.

Now is the time of year when most feed stores and tractor supply company's get their chicks. Check for those types of places around you. If you don't have anyone around you that is selling them, there are a ton of hatcheries you can mail order through, but only a few that will allow you to order small numbers. How many are you interested in getting?

- What is the difference between a brooder and a coup?

A brooder is kind of like a nursery for the chicks, it is normally smaller and has the ability to control the temperature precisely. Some people use a portion of their coop, partitioned off, as their brooder.

- How old are they before they start laying eggs?

Depending on the breed most pullets start laying between 20-25 weeks of age.

Thanks. I'm sure there will be more to come.

BackYardChickens.com - Raise Chickens, Build Chicken Coops, Hatch Eggs is a good site to learn a lot fast about all things chicken.

 

[davitk]

My son and I found a few worms on the way to the garage to check on the chickens this afternoon. Boy did they think that was cool. Didn't take them long at all to figure out they were delicacies.

Just wait 'til dandelion season, they love the greens.

 

[dooleysm]

Mine are about a week and a half old now and getting more active. Thankfully, they don't grow nearly as fast as the ducks. My ducks are two and a half weeks old and they are HUGE. The one white pekin is almost as big as a full grown wild duck. They go through a quart of water and a pan of food in about 10 minutes.

Anyway, I've been wanting to feed the ducks and the chickens some treats. Sounds like bugs and worms are the thing to try. But, do they need access to grit before feeding them something besides chick starter? I thought they needed something in their gizzards to digest anything but the special chick food.