Gettting started with chickens

[mannytheseacow]

Looks like a nice structure you've got started there. The hills in the background look very nice too. Pretty country.

[4seasons]

Drew, the bottom of the hen house will have linoleum floor. That will be covered with either leaves or saw dust. A poop board will go under the roost to catch most of the dropping. Then the run will have a wood chip on soil floor. Garden scraps go right into the run for the chickens to compost. So I will be using 3 different methods to control the litter non of which will be a litter pit. From what I have read the don't work well and require more maintenance than the deep litter method, modified deep litter method, or the poop board method, so out of lack of time (or simple laziness) I am planning on the 3 lower maintenance ideas to deal with the poop.

[4seasons]

Thanks Matt and Manny. One of the nice things about living in this area is the selection of trees. Just in these pics (taken 100 yards from the house) you can spot locust, and cedar (both of I am using to build this project) persimmon, dogwood, maple, ash, elm, and oak. Also within a mile is white and yellow pine (some of which I milled to make rafters) tulip poplar, and hickory. So not only do I have some of the best firewood growing right at the house, but lots of options when it comes to lumber as well. Oh and some of the best views of fall from right about now until Halloween.

[4seasons]

Got the roof on the hen house, the roof supports on the run, and the nesting boxes base built. Now if the rain will clear out I can get some siding on.

[pa_friendly_guy]

Your project is looking good. You have made a lot of progress. When are you thinking it should be finished? And when do you plan on getting your chickens?

[mannytheseacow]

They're going to be spoiled, 4! Hope the rain gives you a chance to resume work.

[4seasons]

Got most of the siding on, and the nesting boxes built this weekend.



Just have the windows, doors, and some trimming left for the hen house. Then I can get started on the run.

[matt walker]

Man, it is really looking good. Love the egg shaped entrances to the laying boxes. Nice touch!

[mannytheseacow]

That looks great, 4! Putting the boxes on the outside is a great idea. I wish I would have done that. The outdoor run is a good idea, too; letting them move around a bit but keeping them from getting into everything.

It won't be long now. Do you have some birds lined up?

[4seasons]