Inside the chicken coop

So; I have not been inside the shed in a while. There is some electricity with a fan and light bulb. I can hook it up with an extension cord. Eventually; I hope to add a solar panel similar to the one I use for the pump for the pond.  In the winter, I will be able to add heat as needed and the fan will aid with ventilation. Also, I will be able to open the windows to air it out. I am thinking about removing the screen to the chicken yard to add another entrance to the coop for the chickens. From what I have read, the Sebrights retain some flight ability. They should fair well with some higher roosts. 

When I opened the door; I am met by a swarm of wasps. I know the chickens will love the little snacks. But for now, I needed to get rid of the wasps so I could complete some work. 

Unfortunately; there are a couple of cracked windows. Sigh, that's how it is when you have an OCD Labrador Retriever who loves to fetch baseballs. 

The nice thing about my little garden shed is the nice amount of shelving. I will be able to add some high roosts, which will help if the chickens need to avoid any predators. You know how I feel about predators. 

Nice sky lights. 

Here is where I plan to set my nesting boxes

Here is the broken door. I probably should try to find a low cost alternative to this door, but it will have to do for now. 

Cleaned out this tub; which acts as a little sink inside the shed. Now it will make a nice nesting box. I might use it as a brooding box at first. But it will get too small real quick. 

Nice!! I can add a branch on these braces for another nice roosting area. I will have to make some hay to catch the chicken poop! With this yard; that will not be a problem. 

Yikes!! Found this two inch gap! All I can picture is snakes and mice coming in. I added a door stop with a 2x4 to seal off the gap. I will also plan to lay down something for flooring. My beautiful Beaux is also in this picture. He is going on 8 years old. 

My Sebrights will be coming on March 31. I plan to add a couple of Americaunas later on for some good layers. 

Back to Work on the Coop

I did it! I ordered my chickens from Cackle Hatchery. I ordered 15 silver Sebrights in a straight run. In the past I will usually lose about a third to stress, dogs, and accidents. I did a little more work on the outside of the coop, trying to seal off the bottom with hardware cloth to keep critters out of the coop. 

Here is a picture of my little helper:

Next; will start work on the inside.