.jpg)
For the past few weeks I have been working on an extension for the run of the hen house. The addition is a 16x42 run, at 672 square feet which is bigger than our house. The existing run is 12x20 which is okay if I only have a few dozen chickens. However, by the end of spring I can have as many as 100 chickens. This is not a problem when they free range during the day, but if we are going to be away for part of a day and evening, I need more space so I can lock the chickens up without them being over crowded.
I set the piers and built a base for the sides to set on. Each section is a 3x6 foot frame with fencing stapled to it. I find it easier than framing in the whole wall first and then attaching the fencing.
.jpg)
I still have a lot of work ahead before completion, but the sides are done. It is going to get really cold next week so I may not get much done. I do not operate well when the temperature gets below 30 degrees. FYI: The fire ring is there because my five year old grandson wanted to build a fire.
Stay tuned and I will keep you up-dated on my progress.
Cheers, Tim and Joann
************************
Our “An American Homestead” family on Steemit:
Grandpa and Grandma: @hansjurgen
Daughter, son-in-law: @mericanhomestead
Grandson #1: @thehomeschoolkid
Grandson #2: Someday
For more articles and videos on off-grid homesteading and our on-line store visit https://anamericanhomestead.com/ also
https://www.patreon.com/AnAmericanHomestead
One of my dreams is to own a home where a chicken coop is possible. If and when that happens I know where to turn for advice. Thanks so much for sharing. Following!
Nice work! I was just about to start building our first non-mobile chicken coop. I don't think we will have anything nearly that big for our first one, but who knows for the future. Same idea though, the space is fine when they are free-ranging, but if someone needs to watch them, it is best to have a run.
May I advise? When you build your coop. If you think you have it big enough make it bigger.
Ha! I was going to start on it today, so I will heed your advice. Although, we don't have any plans of getting as many chickens as you all have. 100 chickens is a lot!
It's looking great!
Can't wait to see if filled up with chickens! :)
Are you wanting to increase the egg production, or increase meat sources or wanting to sell eggs or meat? Just curious.
Neither. I raise about 50-75 birds a year for meat and with our two families we was 12-18 eggs a day. I sell eggs occasionally, but know wants to pay my asking price of $3.00 a dozen. They would rather buy them at Walmart.
What they don’t realize is that your $3/dozen eggs are much more flavorable and healthy than the WalMart eggs.
WOW that is beautiful! Can I just say... I am jealous of those chickens!
Looks great.
Lucky chickens! Good job keeping them safe! Our original plan was a chicken tractor, but we built it too heavy to move often. My birds have a huge run (and freerange) but it isn't predator proof.
Lots of room now for them!
Homesteading is a hobby that does good to everyone, I’m happy that you’re planning it in a bigger way.
Thanks for sharing.
The chickens will definitely be more comfortable with the extra room. Looking good!
Great work I guess that almost luxury in the chicken world!
Tim you do such nice work I love what you do and how well you do things. It makes me want to do things in a much nicer way instead of just throwing things together, which I admit, I have done in the past. planning things out in detail is great advantage to getting a quality product at the end. Thank You for the inspiration.