Monday, July 13, 2009

At last...the chicken mansion....er...I mean the coop!!

**WARNING** This post contains too many pictures than it has a right to. I just didn't feel like doing this in different parts for fear it wouldn't happen. So thanks for hanging in there and if you make it to the bottom of this post let me know what you think!!

Friday night we finally finished the coop!! Brian worked so hard on it and every free moment he had when he wasn't at work he was out there!! And it was hot, ya'll. I'm talking in the 100's every day last week!! I just wanted to brag on my husband for a minute! He really didn't want to be doing this at all. But I never heard him complain. Not even once!! Even after the unfortunate incident that involved Adiah running the golf cart into the little garage. I'll fill you in on that later but let me say this. Adiah is fine but the golf cart is not. Anyway, thank you, Brian for working so hard on this project!! I love you!!

This is the little garage on the first day of construction. The coop is going directly behind it.

See Adiah sitting in the golf cart? This was taken moments before the "incident". Praise God she had moved from the seat to the floor board area of the cart. She accidentally stepped on the gas and released the brake even though the cart was off. She came flying down that hill and hit the corner of the little garage. She was not hurt at all but this mommy and daddy about had a heart attack. She is no longer allowed to just sit in that thing. Which won't be a problem since we have to take it to get fixed somewhere.

It doesn't look as bad as it is....

We had a little visitor while we were building. I love cardinals!! God uses cardinals in my life in various situations so I loved seeing this little guy!

The frame going up...

No construction zone is complete without your Super 44oz drink in a styrofoam cup. AKA the Big Gulp wannabe

We had dust flying everywhere!

My dad came over one day and helped! It was hot and I was quite worried about these guys!

The kids helped SO much during this project!! They painted, measured, cut chicken wire, etc. They were troopers, I tell ya! Emily painting the inside of the coop...

Ridge working hard!

Natalie painted too!

Even Adiah got in on the action. Actually she stole this from someone and we found her later hiding underneath doing her own version of painting the coop.

Getting their instructions

Cute little lady!

Brian even had some late nights trying to get this thing done!

Here is the entrance to the nesting area. When they start to lay eggs I'll just reach in here and gather them!

A little vent area between the run and the inside of the coop

The water/food area

The ramp down into the run

One of the doors to the coop area. When its time to clean it out I'll open this up and clean away.
He really thought of everything, I think!!

I loved this feature. When I go to gather eggs I'll just prop up the door with this little bar that folds up and down.

The nesting area before I added the bedding

The roosting area inside the coop

The finished product!!! For someone who has NEVER built a chicken coop before and just glanced at several different plans and came up with his own idea I thought it turned out amazing!!! He spent so many hours on this thing!! Great job, Brian!

My guy next to his masterpiece!! Emily thought she'd add a little character by making a sign for the door!

The work crew...

Taking the chicks down to release them into their new home!

Ahhhh!!! Free at last!! Sort of...

10 comments:

Kristi said...

WOW, I'm impressed! At first I thought the little garage was the finished product, but actually the coop is even more impressive than that. Now I want a chicken coop...

By the way, I'm praising God with you that Adiah was unhurt in the "incident," we've had our share of those around here too!

Kelli said...

That is amazing! I think it is so cool that y'all are doing this! The coop looks great!

Cheri said...

Wow Amy! Brian did an AMAZING job!!! Love the added touches the kids did also. Looks great.

PTL Adiah was not hurt. It amazes me what our little ones can do without even known it.

Tiffany said...

Wow, that looks great! I can't wait to hear how your adventures are going in a couple of months when you are going to get the eggs...to see if you are still this excited:)

Does Brian want to come build me a porch? I kind of need some help...can't really figure out how to do it...

Amy Pierce said...

Those are some lucky chickens! Great job!

Tonya said...

WOW AMY.....DOUBLE WOW BRIAN!!! I'm very impressed! It looks fantastic!! I agree with Kristi, I think I want a chicken coop too. Maybe Brian can email Mike his plans :) I'm sure Mike would LOVE another project to work on :)

I'm also glad that Adiah didn't get hurt! I'm sure that scared you half to death!

Love the picture of Adiah trying to help paint...very cute! Your kids did a GREAT job!

Unknown said...

WOW--my Mommie Holly did not have a coop that fancy! That is the Hilton of all coops! Those chicks should be very proud....I hope they thanked Brian too!

When you lift the lid to get the eggs out....take a peek to make sure there are no snakes in the bed. That happened to me when I was very young and helping Mommie Holly gather eggs.

Glad little "Miss I can do anything" did not get hurt.

Lizard said...

I think your coop is nicer then my house!

Jeanette said...

That is one stylish chicken coop! Good job to Brian and the whole family!!! Love it!!!

Rebekah said...

Holy cow, that is awesome!!! Great job all of you!!