New broody coop. Ideas please!

[Anonymous]

Hello again

I've cleared the corner of my garden where I want to make a secure broody coop so I can hatch a few chicks out. It may be too late this year by the time I get around to it but I'm after a few tips re building it. I'm too lazy to build stuff twice so would prefer to get it right first time!

The plan is too make it jackdaw/bird of prey proof - got hundreds of jackdaws around the village, fox proof - even though I've never seen a fox near the village in 10 years!, cat proof - may cats don't bother the hens but may be tempted by seeing chicks even with a protective mother hen, rat/vermin proof - this could be a tough one because rats can get in allsorts of places, and lastly people proof - already got a high fence and a lock on the gate, I also growl at any ne'er do well types I see when passing.

I'll also add in protection from the elements - wind, rain etc.

Have I missed owt? I've never hatched any chicks out before. I know the mother hen will do her best, just want to make sure I've got everything as right as I can get it!

Many thanks

Jamie

 

[victorias poultry]

Hi Osric
I hope you are well, I use the forsham runs with a wire base on the bottom, recommend a design like theres, easy to clean and secure.

 

[Anonymous]

Hello
Thanks for the tip. Forsham have got some nice stuff!

Unfortunately I'm really poor so build most of my things from stuff I find, beg, borrow, aquire etc etc etc.

It is fun building stuff as well, but mostly it's because I'm poor!

Jamie

 

[pebojuno]

The best two coops that I use for broodies were made by my uncle over 10 years ago (originally for rabbits!)

They consist of a basic wooden box with a sloping, opening lid made from marine ply and a pop hole with door which opens to create a short ramp. and a weld mesh run. One has a wooden frame with weld mesh attached and the second one he created completely from weld mesh, by bending and - this one is better as the whole weld mesh part can be removed which makes it easy to let the hen have arun about if needed.

They have been constantly in use over the years and although a little rough around the edge now but we've found them invaluable. the weld mesh would be expensive but it will last for many years and at least you have the benefit of knowing nothing will be able to get to your chicks!- will see if I can get some pics up for you later Osric.

 

[binghamd]

If its only going to be used for brooding during the spring/summer it doesn't need to be that complicated or robust. A Plywood box with the front, half weldmesh and the other half a door, like a rabbit hutch. If the roof extends well over the box it should keep it dry. Onduline is good but expensive. Put the framing on the outside to reduce the risk of red mite. Cresote or use exterior varnish it a few weeks before use. When finished with it each year if you can store it inside then you may not need to use expensive exterior ply.
Only needs to be something like 15ins x 24 ins and 18 high.

Hope this gives you some ideas
Good luck.