Friday, June 1, 2012

Duck and Chicken Coop

I wish I had taken the tarp off for the photo :(
We assembled the chicken coop I've been working on for 3 weeks and finished the covered run before we left town for Memorial Day last week.
Our two ducks - Drako and Helen - have been living in a pet igloo under the coop for a week and there have been no predator problems yet.
I need to finish the interior by making a sliding drawer for the bedding (will be easier to clean), a roost bar, nesting boxes, and front door. Then we can get our chickens! We are planning on 3 laying hens and 3 meat hens.

When I get more money, I want to cover the roof and sides in tar paper, then attach roofing shingles and siding shingles. It will look pretty nice when it is fully finished.
Here are some step by step photos:
I made the coop 3' x 3' x 4' and it is 3' above the ground.
Attaching the front wall was tricky - I used the car as a support for one side wall as I held the other side wall in place with my knee to keep my hands free for hammering. Elliott was strapped to my back and helped out by pulling my hair! This photo symbolizes a great accomplishment :)
Interior, before installing floor board

After raking out all the blackberries, Adam drove over the designated site to compact the soil.
My goal is to finish the interior before I leave for Iceland in less than 3 weeks....

2 comments:

amy said...

This is incredible!! You did this with a baby under one?!? YOU are incredible! An inspiration :)

Mona said...

Wow, all by yourself and a baby on the back. You must be some kind of superwoman :) I think I'll be very proud if I could make something like this - with some help!