New coop??

[mandyballantyne]

Hi,

Sorry I've not been posting much this year, but I have been trying to keep up when I can

I am looking for thoughts on a new coop and run, currently using a 6x4 wooden shed as the coop with a small apex run as a shelter. The girls free range all day but with the bad weather we have had the girls stayed in the small run for 4 weeks! They need more space for next year.

Had a look at this and wondered what everyone thinks?

The Friskney Hen House

Looked at eglu too but don't think it would be bi enough..

Currently 5 large girls but that might change

Thanks, Mandy

[Suechooks]

Two things caught my eye - 2' x 4' isn't very big for the coop size and its covered in roofing felt, a haven for red mite. If the perch is on the 4' length then its just about ok for 5 large fowl.
It looks nicely made and the timber appears to be decent quality though.

[mandyballantyne]

Thanks SueChooks,

I would go for a larger size, just wasnt sure about the layout. The current coop has felt and no problems with red mite so far but the roof is 7' so that may be helping?

My current coop is rather 'rustic' but I like the fact I can walk into the coop so not sure about this one being raised although it would be good in winter for the girls.

I think it is just a larger covered area that I maybe need. (rather than an old shed roof that I currently use )


Mandy

[Bramble-Poultry]

the current shed size you have is fine for the few chooks that you have, why not just extend the run with some 6' x 3' aviary panels and a solid roof?

Roofing felt is passable as a waterproof seal if you put a good dusting of red mite powder inbetween the wood and the felt when you first fix it. any mite climbing under there will get zapped by the powder. alternativly, paint the roof with a bitumastic paint or use onduline / corrugated plastic as the added ventilation will be most welcomed in the summer

[RichmondHens]

Roofing felt is passable as a waterproof seal if you put a good dusting of red mite powder inbetween the wood and the felt when you first fix it. any mite climbing under there will get zapped by the powder.

I'm going to disagree with the above! Mite powder will only work temporarily as it will lose potency once exposed to the air so putting it under roofing felt will not be a long term solution. Even creosote will not work long term - it will need re-applying before a year is up.

I would suggest taking the felt off and replacing with onduline or similar.

(Welcome back Mike and Jen BTW)

[Bramble-Poultry]

If I could chuck my 2 penneth worth in - lovely looking house but a waste of money where its not needed. Keep the shed you have and extend the existing run, its very cheap and simple to do.

I agree with Richmond, roofing felt is awful, but what can I say Mikes a typical bloke and its quick and easy!!!! If you are going to use felt you are going to need to redo it every year. If its just for roofing the run area then corrugated plastic sheets are inexpensive, easy and sufficient plus the added bonus of letting light through.

Glad to be back online Richmond - theres no broadband here so we've had to wait to get connected!!