Tag: chicken coop

Dream Chicken Coop with a Designer Price Tag

I always knew what my ideal chicken coop would look like, but trying to create a building plan that made sense to a contractor who knows absolutely nothing about chickens, well, that’s nearly impossible. I’m still wrapping my head around the idea of AI being an asset to society, but here I am, using it. With its help, I designed the coop of my dreams. I know it’s ridiculously over-the-top and elaborate in every way, but maybe you’re a dreamer like me, so here’s what I came up with.

The air conditioner isn’t something most chicken keepers would ever need, but we live in the desert, where temperatures hit 119°F this past July. Mist systems, a pool, and fans are essential to keeping our birds alive and comfortable, but adding an A/C unit would make life so much easier for all of us. A ceiling fan in the run? Perfect!
We also live in the foothills of a 700-acre mountain range, which means predators are a constant concern. Coyotes and bobcats pose the biggest threat to my flock, so a concrete perimeter and gravel base around the coop would be ideal.
After designing this insanely gorgeous coop, I asked AI for an estimate on the cost of materials and a pro contractor to build this monstrosity. Not a shocking response, but, oh my… $18,000. Like I said, it’s just a dream.

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Our Chicken Coop & Hens in 2024

The Renovations Never End & That’s Okay!

Every year brings new opportunities for improvements in our coop, and this year is no different. One significant upgrade stands out: the installation of an evaporative cooler to ensure my hens stay comfortable in the desert heat. Additionally, I’ve expanded the run, incorporated surveillance cameras so I can keep an eye on them, upgraded the shade cloth for better sun protection, and insulated all the barn pipes to help keep the water cooler. So let’s take a look!

Aisle to the coop
Inside the 10×10 walk-in coop. Streamers are there so I know the fans are working. 🙂
Feeding stations in outdoor run
Fully covered run with extra nest boxes
Brooder in the community run for mothers to be

Want to see more? TBN Photo Gallery

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About Agricultural Lime in the Coop

Uses, Precautions, & General Information

In chicken coops, agricultural lime, also known as calcium carbonate or calcitic lime, is commonly used. It is typically sold in garden centers, feed stores and sometimes hardware stores. Agricultural lime is used for various purposes in chicken coops, but is it right for your coop needs? Hope this information helps you decide.

The Benefits of Agricultural Lime
Keeping the chicken coop smelling fresh is important, and lime plays a key role in this. Lime helps to get rid of bad smells by balancing out acidic substances and lowering the levels of ammonia in the chicken waste and bedding. This makes the environment nicer for both the chickens and the people taking care of them.
Disease Prevention: Lime has antimicrobial properties that can help reduce the risk of bacterial and fungal growth in the coop. By controlling microbial populations, it can contribute to the overall health and hygiene of the chicken coop.
Drying Agent: Lime can absorb moisture, which helps to keep the coop bedding dry. This is important for preventing the growth of mold and bacteria, as well as reducing the risk of respiratory issues in the chickens.
Pest Control: Lime can deter pests such as flies and mites, which are common nuisances in chicken coops. Its alkaline nature can make the environment less hospitable for these pests.
Precautions
When using lime in a chicken coop, it’s important to follow recommended guidelines for application to ensure the safety and well-being of your chickens. Lime is typically applied to the floor of the coop and always in moderate amounts. Overuse of lime can lead to excessively high pH levels, which may be harmful to the chickens.
It’s also crucial to follow recommended safety precautions, such as wearing protective gear like masks and gloves when handling lime, as it can be caustic to skin and eyes in its powdered form. Remember, good ventilation is always important to prevent the inhalation of lime dust.
Just a Little Reminder:
Always Be Safe Around Chickens
You should always wear a mask when cleaning the coop; it just makes good sense to avoid inhaling debris from a chicken coop. You can learn more about the importance of wearing a mask HERE.

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