So the time finally came to get the chickens out of the brooder (and our house) and into the real world. Normally I build my own coop but this year I got called away suddenly for a week long training and the only way to have someone look after the chicks was if they were outside. So off to Tractor Supply I went to buy a coop and $250 later my chickens have a new home. The coop is great and I have not complaints but as you might notice from the pictures I couldn't help but make some after market modifications to the coop.
Every year we try to move the coop around the yard to a new location frequently. This cuts down on the chicken smell that can get us in trouble for the people on the other side of the fence, but it is also much healthier for the chickens. This year I decided to try something new. I made a PVC sled for the coop to ride on. To my surprise it works GREAT! It makes moving the coop solo possible and has the added benefit of protecting the wood on the bottom coop from rot, so in theory this should help my coop last longer. The only addition I"m going to make is some PVC uprights at both ends to give me a better lifting/pushing point.
If all goes well I should be getting the raised bed gardens installed this weekend. Not planted mind you because even though it's the middle of May SNOW is in the forecast. But so far the chickens are happy, the kids are having fun and some day soon summer will get here.
They look good and are definitely happier....and I don't have anymore litter to clean up off the carpet. Yay!
ReplyDeleteHi... I was at Tractor supply down here and I saw that chicken coop but the one they had here was red. Your looks nice too.
ReplyDeleteIt hasn't stopped raining here in weeks... my garden is growing cabbage and mushrooms... not much else yet.
We have a heart rending farm problem, our dear D.O.G. is 12 this year and not doing very well. Wondering when the poor old guy needs to go to the rainbow bridge... contemplating that sadness to come.
Hugs the wife and kids for me and hopefully you will see us in July... you know, when there is a lesser chance of snow up there.
Take care, K
Best of luck with D.O.G. he is awesome. Planting a garden in May? Is that even possible? What witchcraft is this? :-P Can't wait to meet up with you guys soon, let us know when you're in the area.
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