Comments for Coop Thoughts

Comment on How to build grazing frames for your backyard chickens by Chloe Abiera

Chloe Abiera — Sun, 12 May 2013 02:55:02 +0000

Thank you for this wonderful idea! I have four 1×4 plastic frames (used to be a flooring for my dogs’ cage when I was breeding lab rets) that I used just to protect the grass, but it never crossed my mind for the regrown grass to be eaten by my birds. The frames are an eyesore to those who wanted a clean, trimmed yard. Thank you for this wonderful idea! Now I’m more motivated to raise more chickens!

Comment on Make It Your Own: “Krewe of Coops” Virtual Chicken Coop Tour by The Garden Coop

The Garden Coop — Wed, 08 May 2013 17:17:17 +0000

Danielle, the design itself is of course very well ventilated. Either the solar gray or white polycarbonate roof will provide good shade from overhead sun and block much of the heat as well. Vining plants (or trees, tall shrubs) are a great idea to block the harshest sun. Some other thoughts: You may want to choose lightly feathered breeds, if you haven’t already. Keep their waterers filled with cool water and located in the shade. Chickens drink more than double the amount of water when it’s hot out. And misting is a great idea (for adult birds) when it gets especially hot and dry. A fan could work too if you find that the air is too still. Hope this helps.

Comment on Make It Your Own: Karen’s Maine Garden Ark by Nicola O.

Nicola O. — Wed, 08 May 2013 17:09:13 +0000

Handle them gently for extended periods of time rather than frequent short visits. Let them sleep on you while watching TV etc… or if they won’t even let you catch them, sit amongst them in a small area with food in hand to help them acclimate to you… talk to them when they are eating for positive association. Hope that helps!

Comment on Quail in the house! Stephanie’s North Carolina Garden Coop by rachel

rachel — Wed, 08 May 2013 17:08:52 +0000

We just had a baby quail move into our chicken area. So cute! They are all getting along well so far…

Comment on Make It Your Own: “Krewe of Coops” Virtual Chicken Coop Tour by Danielle

Danielle — Wed, 08 May 2013 16:26:44 +0000

Thank you! I love the plans and cannot wait to get building. Some of my concerns are the heat. We live in Scottsdale AZ, and it’s about to get HOT! I will be running plants and vines up the west side, and there is a wall on the south side but I still worry. I’m thinking of adding a mister system for the afternoons. Any thoughts?

Comment on Make It Your Own: Steve’s Garden Coop and DIY chicken watering system, Seattle, Washington by The Garden Coop

The Garden Coop — Wed, 08 May 2013 02:50:35 +0000

Rachel, see the comment thread at this post for a list of tips on getting reluctant chickens used to this style of waterer. Hope this helps.

Comment on Make It Your Own: Steve’s Garden Coop and DIY chicken watering system, Seattle, Washington by rachel

rachel — Wed, 08 May 2013 01:06:27 +0000

We just made waterer out of poultry nipples and a 5 gallon bucket. The concept is great but the hens are not using it. It has been 4 days. They have stopped laying eggs.

Comment on Make It Your Own: Karen’s Maine Garden Ark by Shelly

Shelly — Wed, 08 May 2013 00:45:42 +0000

I have 4 new pullets, Buff Orpington’s. They are terrified of me. How long does it take for them to get friendly? I visit with them every morning before work and again after work. Any suggestions?

Comment on Make It Your Own: Megan’s Nashville Garden Coop by Susan Felts

Susan Felts — Thu, 02 May 2013 04:26:59 +0000

Hi, Megan, I’m in Hermitage, doing many of the same things you are… We used The Garden Coop plans last April to make our coop. We even have the rotating greens plots on either ends of the coop. You have done a really wonderful job making your coop your own. I woud love to know more about the Nashville UCAN organization.

Comment on Make It Your Own: Megan’s Nashville Garden Coop by Donna U

Donna U — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 21:09:52 +0000

Great coop and lots of great ideas for customization!