First, the guys put the plywood floor down. We put a water sealant on it, hoping that future cleanups would be a bit easier. The plywood may have been so absorbent to negate any water-proofing effect, but at least we tried! Notice the short sleeved garb. Spring is surely on the way?
Well, not exactly. The cold weather returned but to a lesser degree than the cental and northeast regions of the country. At least we had a window of some dry weather for a day, so the walls were hoisted out of the garage and to the coop site!
Looking more like a building with each completed step!
The doorway on the right is about 6 ft. tall. The opening on the left is what we hope to use when cleaning out the chickens roosting and feeding area. We think a compost pile would be ideal about midway toward the camera!
Why is this photo through a screen? Because it's darn cold outside, now! We managed to get the four walls placed and roof trusses atop, but didn't get the roof on before we ran out daylight and energy. We put a tarp over the roof trusses, but high winds (gusting to almost 60 mph) loosened the tarp. The next day, we were able to place bungee cords to better secure the tarp and here the coop sits until the next opportunity of fair weather! Coop work to be completed next:
- cupola
- roofing
- doors and shutters for windows
- contract electrical installations
- install automatic door for chicken access
- wire apron around foundation
Future work:
- install perches
- build interior dividers between chickens and storage areas
- build and install nesting boxes
Next big step:
- Build a secure run for the chickens to enjoy exploring outside!
Welcome to retirement! We're busier than ever!
wow! That looks like my retirement home. Big enough for me anyway. LOL Looks great you all are doing a wonderful job. I am sure the chickens are going to enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteSo about the automatic chicken door....is it going to work like a Walmart door? Are you going to have a little chicken greeter? Do you need a little chicken sized Walmart vest? hehe
ReplyDeleteThanks Kris - if you can come see us, we won't make you stay in the coop! Susan, you might get that greeter job if you want it when you come! BTW, the door works on a photo-sensor to open at dawn and close at dusk - lots of greetings all at once before the door closes!
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