Major Progress

Yesterday we made some huge progress on our second chicken coop. The day was cloudy and cool (only 97) for a change, so we were able to spend all day working on it.

One of the things I discovered while doing this project - it is very freeing to not have any blueprints to follow! As time went on, our plan and vision for the coop progressed and changed.

For one thing, we decided that it was large enough to accommodate 2 levels! This meant, we needed to figure out a ramp system to get chickens from the lower lever to the top. We decided on an inside ramp, and I must say - I love the idea! With two levels, we can build two nesting boxes and harvest more eggs! ;-)

For another thing, we can make it to suit our needs. We've learned a lot from having the mini red coop. There's a lot of things we like about it (the overall design for example) but a few things we don't like (the size of the door being the major thing. The lack of vents and air circulation being another.)

The start of the day. Isabel had to show love to the chicks very first thing while JL and I assessed our starting point.
James had a lot of great input too! He was all for the decision to make it a double-decker coop!
Isabel demonstrating the door mid-level. Next in the plans - building the ramp.
JL measuring for the side walls
I got to test out the new jigsaw by cutting out the front cleaning door holes. I'm a huge fan - I see a ton of craft projects via the jigsaw in my near future!
Ready for the roof!!
The boys checking to make sure we're a "go" for the roof.
JL installing the roof. We laid it on a slant so the water will run off (assuming it ever rains out here again). We also built vents into the roof to help with the heat that builds up inside the coop.
They pretty much think it's a treehouse!
Kids testing out the front cleaning doors
By the end of the day we had both floors installed, 3 walls installed, both front door holes cut, the interior ramp door cut, and the roof installed. It was a good day.
Three very dirty, but super cute kids! They were so much help! JL and I were grateful and amazed that they kept to themselves and played almost ALL day while we worked! Apparently, there's a lot of nifty games kids can make up and play on loads and loads of land ;-)
My bathtub after 3 hardworking kids cleaned up!

Next in the plan: installing the tin on the roof. Measuring, cutting, installing the front wall. (This will include cutting 3 windows and a door.) Also, constructing 2 ramps. We also need to build the custom front door to the pen area. Lastly - the nesting boxes and chicken wire will need to be installed. After that - we will have a painting party! ;-)

It sounds like a lot - but it's a fun project and we all enjoy working on it!