We spent two or three hours working on the coop again this evening. We needed to get it to a point where we can move the chicks out of the house into the coop. They're outgrowing the brooder! We managed to finish all four sides of the vinyl flooring, installed insulation and wall boards below where the large window will be cut on the back wall, and installed PERCHES!
I wanted the perch ladder attached to the back wall with hinges so that I could lift up the ladder and have the perches suspended from the ceiling when I clean out the wood shavings in the coop. I think it's going to work PERFECTLY! (I saw this idea on a coop design shared at backyardchickens.com - I think it's a brilliant idea!) I don't even have to duck my head to stand under them when they're suspended! We put some short pieces of chain on the ceiling above each side of the perch. We added a couple of hooks to the legs of the perches so that the perches can be suspended from the ceiling. That, along with the vinyl flooring and the WIDE opening door will make cleaning out the coop a breeze!
I have a little wagon that attaches to the back of our lawn tractor -- I'll just pull right up to the front of the coop, swing open the doors, raise up the perches and sweep away!
Tomorrow evening, I'll add a layer of wood chips to the floor, a waterer and feeder, and introduce the babies to their new digs! They're too little to be outside just yet, so we have time to work on the chicken door, chicken run, and the window on the back wall. We'll also be adding in some nest boxes as well, but we've got plenty of time before they're ready to lay eggs!
In time, my dears, in time!
Cluck cluck!
Edited to Add:
I had to see what polka dot trim would look like. Here it is with a little digital editing magic -- HAA!!!
You are so creative! The coop is going to be a breeze to clean.
Posted by: Carol Dee | April 22, 2009 at 07:01 AM
Otherwise you could go with rainbow colors like they did in the Hannah Montana movie- it was very colorful. What fun. Thanks for sharing your country fun with us city fold
Posted by: Tracy | April 22, 2009 at 06:28 AM
Well, if you decide not to go with the polka dot trim all around, you at least need to incorporate it somewhere...I think it's a great idea!
Posted by: Danielle | April 22, 2009 at 06:12 AM
Ok! I dont know why you didnt go with the polka dots, I was thinking the whole chicken coop should be painted with different colors...and the polka dots should stay!!!!!!!! I love your wooden rooster, im going to draw him up and cut one out for me and a friend. I think your coop should be like that rooster..fun and lots of character...dont listen to the ones who say NO TO POLKA DOTS...they have no sence of fun! live a little... dot it UP!
Be sure to check out my blog too....i have blog candy...!
Posted by: Renee' | April 21, 2009 at 09:45 PM
That is too funny! Fancy Smancy for the little chickies!
Posted by: Erika M | April 21, 2009 at 03:12 PM
Too funny! Love the polka dots. That's a great way to see how to paint something.
Posted by: Debbie Fisher | April 21, 2009 at 02:06 PM
Anna, I love all your artistic endeavors - welllll except for the white trim with polka dots - not so much, lol.
Posted by: Cindy H. | April 21, 2009 at 01:58 PM
Youza! Bag the Polka Dots, but I like the red doors It looks like a ginger bread house. Mom likes ginger bread. AC yet? Love,Dad
Posted by: DK Wight | April 21, 2009 at 11:29 AM
We did that with our roost too! And it works reallllllly well! We have moved the bigger chicks out and the little ones will likely be ready this weekend! How long do you feed starter feed?
Posted by: Pamm | April 21, 2009 at 10:48 AM
Too much. Maybe red door w/out polka dots...
Oh! I did make the Anna Banana bread last week. It was wonderful. So smooth & soft & very tasty... Gramma_Dar
Posted by: Gramma_Dar | April 21, 2009 at 09:43 AM
I think you should reconsider the polka dot trim, just saying...lol
Love the wooden chicken redo, will be perfect for the coop door.
Itching to get started on ours, so many ideas, so few free hours in the evenings, and Dh's drat bum shoulder, hope it heals quickly.
I really love the moveable roosting ladder, wil have to show DH that, and this weekend I'm off to find bargain flooring.
Have a great Tuesday!
Posted by: Sally | April 21, 2009 at 08:48 AM
Ok- I think thats the first time I've ever said *BLECK* to anything on your blog, but glad to see the polka dots are just a "trial". :) Also, it made more sense once I read the chicken redo post that I missed. :)) -big grins-
My hubby wants chickens, may just hafta show him the coop idea, its pretty cool. Course we don't live on a farm,just a couple acres, and I would be the one stuck cleaning it & taking care of them, so maybe on the other hand I'll just keep this to myself. :)))))))))))
Posted by: Michelle Wallace | April 21, 2009 at 05:33 AM
You guys are incredible carpenters. They are sure to love they're new digs. They's going to think they've been relocated to the Taj Mahal.
Posted by: Gabriela | April 21, 2009 at 05:28 AM
LOVE the dotted trim!!!
Posted by: Mel | April 21, 2009 at 03:41 AM
I twill be fun to see pictures of your new coop when finished. Especially the outside. Love to dots.
Posted by: Kittie | April 21, 2009 at 02:45 AM
Hahaha, love the polka dots! That would be TOO CUTE! :D
The coop is really coming along! You and Alan are a great working team! I think you had GREAT ideas for the floor and the cleaning...SMART! It's all going to work so well for you...
Keep the pictures coming! I love it! :D
Posted by: diane mcvey | April 20, 2009 at 10:00 PM