Add a center post at the back and above the door to run center beam to hold up the cattle panel in the center , you can also hang the water and feed containers from the center pole .. to keep predators from digging under the coops lay a two foot wide hardware cloth on the ground and cover it with some mulch of some kind
I hate chicken wire, it's a real pain! Did you know that racoons know how to open those bolt latches? Yeah, you definitely need to cover the top of that coop with something to keep critters out.
Has no one suggested yet, about keeping critters from digging down and under the base of the coops, to dig a narrow trench all around, maybe a foot or so deep, then secure some of the chicken wire to some 2x2s at the bottom of the trench, then afix the top of the wire to the base of the pen? Saw this done for a large coop and it worked great. A lot more work, but you won't have any dead chickens. Just a suggestion. Its looking great!
Staple the hardware cloth to the bottom part like you said, but let it come out about a foot, or maybe even more on the ground and just place you could bury it even or replace rocks or some gravel that you’ve been landscaping in your yard with and put it all the way around but they might try to dig through it but they’re gonna hit the hardware cloth under Neath it all the way around and when animals try to dig to get in there, they’re just gonna hit that hardware cloth
Nate, you did a fantastic job on the coop. From what I’ve seen from homesteaders, you never get done with projects, so enjoy your accomplishments, no matter how great or small. Everything you’re doing is for your family. Katie will be happy to see the chicks on the ground.
Adding large rocks around the perimeter 1 or 2 layers 'deep' from your property will work and it is free. We haven't had any issues for the past 5 yrs. Great job!!!
Sooner or later predators will have a feast. This is why experienced homesteaders always say “infrastructure before animals”. Doing it backwards just puts alot of unnecessary pressure on you to hurry up and put something together.
2 general production comments. I like the time-lapse stuff. I like how you mix the background sound more quietly than some. It makes it easier to hear the program.
Looks great. I would add chicken wire aross the whole of the top to prevent smaller preditors climbing in or aerial preditors getting in . In Australia we have crows that have worked out how to fly in and out of small gaps ... We also have digging preditors like foxes and rats so we also dig in a 2 foot wire mesh barrier around the outside ..just to be safe
Here a tape tip . When we built our coops, we used gray duck tape , the sun rays brake it down VERY fast. The black gorilla tape Very strong and last alot longer in the sun . & Note we bought orange hay string in the rolls. The ones they use on baling hay. It's has been a big help with all kinds of useful stuff. & Note don't make our mistake. And put chicken wire on the ground outside the coops .it gets in the way of weed eaters and when it gets covered with dirt it rusts. ( Our next project REPAIR 😜) . Hopefully the cloth wire might work better. We enjoy both your channels. & My husband is very proud of all the things you guys are doing and all the work.
Nate, Maybe you could add screen door springs on the doors so they automatically close behind you? I really enjoy watching your vlogs and watching your homestead come together!
That spring is good ideal. Note place a stiff wire, inside. So in time when the wooden nob gets lose and locks you in , you have a way to unlock from inside. 🤣😂 Ask me how I know that one. Lol . Outside alone locked in the coop. Lol
It's looking great, Nate! I bet the 2nd and 3rd ones go faster now that you have your process thought out. I do see most people with these cover the entire top with hardware cloth to prevent unwanted predators.
Like your smile. The coop is looking nice. I put a big branch, a stump and a log in my chicken area. Also a old chair you don’t use is great for them. They will sit on the branches, jump over the them , sit on the back top of the chair. By accident they use a cathedral as a nesting box. Doing good Nate. ❤
Good stuff! I’m also building a hoop coop. 10’x50’. Been in the works for a while. Nearly done! The raccoons around here would be able to open that latch. I have to use carabiners.
You know raccoons can climb and with those larger holes ( cattle panels ) they can still get in and fest on your chickens, you need more chicken wire to close it up totally
I would put the chicken wire all the way to the top because somethings going to climb it and get in through the top or a snake can get in through the top. Why leave just that little bit
Hi I've been watching for about a year now and have tried to watch many of your videos since you moved onto your new property. My best friend and I are wanting to find property in west or east Tennessee. We aren't young but we have a plan and are ambitious. We have 3 children who will make our adventure with us. Watching your vlogs gives us inspiration and we have learned so much. Thank you for sharing your accomplishments and struggles.
Coop looks great. Nice design. Tip: if you don’t trim the chicken wire around the door you will find that the cut edge forms an edge like a surgical scalpel as the outer edges of my body will attest. #DontBeLazy
Glad to hear you say hardware cloth was coming! Chicken wire is good to keep chickens in but isn't strong enough to keep predators out. Coop looks great! I would suggest hardware cloth all the way over the top. Racoon will cimb right up it and through.
Looking good. Don't forget the triangle space at the bottom front between the first and second coops. You filled in the bottom on the outside of the first coop. I could still see the space between the first and second coops.
It looks great! I would add that I HAVE had the experience of a cat that climbed the chicken wire, dropped over the top, grabbed a young chick, and climbed back out to enjoy her dinner. However, that's only a threat with the younger birds. Again - looks great!
In the winter I use the barn/chicken coop . The lot sides is fenced with chicken wire . the top I used deer netting (not the bird it brakes easy) deer netting is stronger. Story Lol. 🤣 My cat loves to lay on top. Fell through a place I forgot to ziptie together. Scared him and me both. Luckily we were by the gate I could let him out , before chicken noticed him 😂
Have you watched "Sow the land" vlog? He has both egg layers and meat birds, and all of his cages are much simpler, and moveable, that improves his soil. Just wondered if you ever watch others for ideas, and then decide to (apparently) spend so much more money.
@@sgrvtl7183 I appreciate your reply to my comment. It amazes me how so many RUclips creators insist (by their actions) to "reinvent the wheel" when multiple vloggers have builds that work well. The "Hollar Homestead" uses his chickens to more quickly convert clippings to compost--- and I haven't seen any other off-gridder farmer emulate his technique. Oh well.
@Ernie * My father in law raised 40,000 chickens every 6 weeks. He scraped the houses after every batch and added it to his hay fields and every pasture on their property. Worked amazingly. Of course, 4 sons and 2 daughter in laws to help on the farm. He did eggs when his boys were young and switched to broilers as they left home. He had my son helping with pulling calves when he was 4. We all benefitted from the farms so we all worked. I believe that this way of life was foreign to Nate and Katie before they bought their property .I know they both have read and studied about making a homestead sucessful....but just like pulling a calf or picking up biddy boards and breathing a huge sigh of relief when there are no snakes under them, you learn from doing a and things get easier the more you do them. I think Nate and Katie are doing a markable, outstanding job. I think trolls and bitter old farts should sit down and be quiet! A Farmers granddaughter who grew up in a city 4 states away...then grew up and married a farmer's son and learned to garden, can what came out of those gardens, tend to 2 commercial chicken houses, drive a tractor and bush hog the fields, plow a garden, tend to cows and learn that that calf that followed you all around the pond you fished in last summer is now the roast/steak/hamburger on your plate at supper time. Mt husband's family farmed 25 acres and it was a never ending job for an entire family. I can't imagine it on a scale that Nate and Katie are doing it. I'm in awe of both of them!
@@donnagandy3653 I agree with your comment. Even these comments help their RUclips algorithm. I expect the other commenters who agree with my comment, find it frustrating to see what is built and would have liked to offer ideas based on plans vs construction in progress. The wood was expensive. ROI? The longer it lasts the better. Live and learn I guess.
The chicken coop looks mighty fine. I can hardly wait to see the chickens in the coop as well as out in the run you're going to put up with the electric fencing. Thanks for sharing this build, Nate. Have a Blessed day.
Nate just wondering why you aren't adding the tarp all the way to the edge, it will save money, you won't need to add chicken wire and it will keep chickens dry. Great job 👍
Great job on the chicken coop. Just suggestion…I like your swing block door “lock” but you might consider putting a small block on the door frame allow the block to rest/have a place to sit on because over time the swing will just loosen and that block will just fall compromising the door to open. You will just swing it up and clock wise to open😊
Nice opening Nate, peaceful as the day begins. good luck on the new chickens residence....seems like it will be tough/too big to move, but maybe you do not intend to move it. Rest and take good care.
Nate everytime I go out on the back deck the clouds roll in lol it's like the angels all have a bet on weather the sun, rain, or wind can get me go in (one of these days they will lose 😊👍
Agree with the other comments and would add: how long g do you expect the pine (?) wood to last? Could you have painted it or used a preservative of some type? It just seems the weather will cause issues shortly.
Wow! U r great guys.!!! It's such kind of small n environmentally friendly projects zat we in z third world require.!!! I'm eager to learn a lot from u.!!! Thanks, in advance.!!!
I like what they call rat wire on my chicken coops when i had them it was smaller little square and a lot stronger than chicken wire its good that you can put your chickens in it now
Awesome job!! But put wire all over top to keep possum and raccoons from going in to kill the chickens and eat the eggs….I loved having chickens and miss them but we are too old now….great great memories! God Bless!
The basic concept for your coop is a nice design - however some of the WORST very common poultry predators - RACOONS, specifically, and others such as skunks, possum, etc. - will be able to effortlessly climb right up and into this enclosure, easily entering through the bars of the cattle panels, where they'll feast on your flock. The tarp offers scant protection, as well. Intrepid predators won't have any problem at all chewing right through it in a matter of minutes. You MUST have hard wire barriers (that scrap 2"x4" wire fencing in the old barn would likely suffice) around your ENTIRE enclosure to protect your birds! You may also want to consider using some inexpensive metal roofing, which would easily bend, conforming to the rounded shape of your "Hoop Coop." Additionally, this structure MUST be securely anchored to the ground, as well. (Tall T-posts would work) Otherwise force from strong storm winds will certainly cause a lot of damage, likely even pick it up with that tarped end. Despite the weight, it's really not particularly heavy in the face of howling winds. MUCH better safe than sorry!
I think you should support your local stores. Nothing wrong w/Amazon, I'm just sayin. Especially given that you have stated your future plans involve having the local community support you.
Add a center post at the back and above the door to run center beam to hold up the cattle panel in the center , you can also hang the water and feed containers from the center pole .. to keep predators from digging under the coops lay a two foot wide hardware cloth on the ground and cover it with some mulch of some kind
I hate chicken wire, it's a real pain!
Did you know that racoons know how to open those bolt latches? Yeah, you definitely need to cover the top of that coop with something to keep critters out.
I saw someone else use metal roofing panels horizontally to cover the hoop and up the back. For a more permanent coop.
Has no one suggested yet, about keeping critters from digging down and under the base of the coops, to dig a narrow trench all around, maybe a foot or so deep, then secure some of the chicken wire to some 2x2s at the bottom of the trench, then afix the top of the wire to the base of the pen? Saw this done for a large coop and it worked great. A lot more work, but you won't have any dead chickens. Just a suggestion. Its looking great!
Staple the hardware cloth to the bottom part like you said, but let it come out about a foot, or maybe even more on the ground and just place you could bury it even or replace rocks or some gravel that you’ve been landscaping in your yard with and put it all the way around but they might try to dig through it but they’re gonna hit the hardware cloth under Neath it all the way around and when animals try to dig to get in there, they’re just gonna hit that hardware cloth
Well done Nate, by the time you finish the 3rd coop it will look like a 5 * hotel. Great job, give yourself a break. What a lovely man🐓🐓🐓🐓🐓🐓🐓🐓🐓🐓
Nate, you did a fantastic job on the coop. From what I’ve seen from homesteaders, you never get done with projects, so enjoy your accomplishments, no matter how great or small. Everything you’re doing is for your family. Katie will be happy to see the chicks on the ground.
Gee, I wish there where two of me 😂 nice job on the chicken coops .
Adding large rocks around the perimeter 1 or 2 layers 'deep' from your property will work and it is free. We haven't had any issues for the past 5 yrs. Great job!!!
Sooner or later predators will have a feast. This is why experienced homesteaders always say “infrastructure before animals”. Doing it backwards just puts alot of unnecessary pressure on you to hurry up and put something together.
Infrastructure is the key to successful animal farming.
Such a great melody choice for the entry scenes. Feel good sound for the soul.
2 general production comments. I like the time-lapse stuff. I like how you mix the background sound more quietly than some. It makes it easier to hear the program.
I believe your attention to details will make the finished enclosures completely predator proof. 🐓
Looks great. I would add chicken wire aross the whole of the top to prevent smaller preditors climbing in or aerial preditors getting in . In Australia we have crows that have worked out how to fly in and out of small gaps ...
We also have digging preditors like foxes and rats so we also dig in a 2 foot wire mesh barrier around the outside ..just to be safe
Here a tape tip . When we built our coops, we used gray duck tape , the sun rays brake it down VERY fast. The black gorilla tape
Very strong and last alot longer in the sun .
& Note we bought orange hay string in the rolls. The ones they use on baling hay. It's has been a big help with all kinds of useful stuff.
& Note don't make our mistake. And put chicken wire on the ground outside the coops .it gets in the way of weed eaters and when it gets covered with dirt it rusts. ( Our next project REPAIR 😜) . Hopefully the cloth wire might work better.
We enjoy both your channels. & My husband is very proud of all the things you guys are doing and all the work.
Nate,
Maybe you could add screen door springs on the doors so they automatically close behind you?
I really enjoy watching your vlogs and watching your homestead come together!
That spring is good ideal.
Note place a stiff wire, inside. So in time when the wooden nob gets lose and locks you in , you have a way to unlock from inside. 🤣😂 Ask me how I know that one. Lol . Outside alone locked in the coop. Lol
Nate it looks fantastic! Great job! I know ur happy Katie's back. God bess
It's looking great, Nate! I bet the 2nd and 3rd ones go faster now that you have your process thought out. I do see most people with these cover the entire top with hardware cloth to prevent unwanted predators.
Like your smile. The coop is looking nice. I put a big branch, a stump and a log in my chicken area. Also a old chair you don’t use is great for them. They will sit on the branches, jump over the them , sit on the back top of the chair. By accident they use a cathedral as a nesting box. Doing good Nate. ❤
Hi from Malaysia. Admire your persistence and tenacity. Rome wasn't built in a day. Keep up the good job!
Good stuff!
I’m also building a hoop coop. 10’x50’. Been in the works for a while. Nearly done!
The raccoons around here would be able to open that latch. I have to use carabiners.
Even big rats can get through that and that plastic doesn’t have anything up under it. They go right through that.
Nate - I'll give you a tip for next time soil is easier to level than actual board and frame 👍 for what your going through❤
You know raccoons can climb and with those larger holes ( cattle panels ) they can still get in and fest on your chickens, you need more chicken wire to close it up totally
exactly - when I saw how big those holes were, just shook my head....
I would put the chicken wire all the way to the top because somethings going to climb it and get in through the top or a snake can get in through the top. Why leave just that little bit
Hi I've been watching for about a year now and have tried to watch many of your videos since you moved onto your new property. My best friend and I are wanting to find property in west or east Tennessee. We aren't young but we have a plan and are ambitious. We have 3 children who will make our adventure with us. Watching your vlogs gives us inspiration and we have learned so much. Thank you for sharing your accomplishments and struggles.
I love this. Built a hoop house fory birds... though in northern Michigan...winter snow was not a friend. Needs to have more support than I had done
Coop looks great. Nice design. Tip: if you don’t trim the chicken wire around the door you will find that the cut edge forms an edge like a surgical scalpel as the outer edges of my body will attest. #DontBeLazy
I have 21 stitches to prove it. Not pretty.
Glad to hear you say hardware cloth was coming! Chicken wire is good to keep chickens in but isn't strong enough to keep predators out. Coop looks great! I would suggest hardware cloth all the way over the top. Racoon will cimb right up it and through.
Awe ... the hogs were so patient waiting for their food. So precious.
Those chickens are going to be living in style! 👍
Looks Great, Great Job.
Looking good. Don't forget the triangle space at the bottom front between the first and second coops. You filled in the bottom on the outside of the first coop. I could still see the space between the first and second coops.
It looks great! I would add that I HAVE had the experience of a cat that climbed the chicken wire, dropped over the top, grabbed a young chick, and climbed back out to enjoy her dinner. However, that's only a threat with the younger birds. Again - looks great!
In the winter I use the barn/chicken coop . The lot sides is fenced with chicken wire . the top I used deer netting (not the bird it brakes easy) deer netting is stronger.
Story Lol. 🤣 My cat loves to lay on top. Fell through a place I forgot to ziptie together. Scared him and me both. Luckily we were by the gate I could let him out , before chicken noticed him 😂
Look at Bobbleheads videos or Cosmopolitan Cornbread to see how they built these type chicken coops. Very good info especially CC.
Have you watched "Sow the land" vlog? He has both egg layers and meat birds, and all of his cages are much simpler, and moveable, that improves his soil. Just wondered if you ever watch others for ideas, and then decide to (apparently) spend so much more money.
I watch Sow the Land, Jason has it down on the cages!
@@sgrvtl7183 I appreciate your reply to my comment. It amazes me how so many RUclips creators insist (by their actions) to "reinvent the wheel" when multiple vloggers have builds that work well. The "Hollar Homestead" uses his chickens to more quickly convert clippings to compost--- and I haven't seen any other off-gridder farmer emulate his technique. Oh well.
@Ernie * My father in law raised 40,000 chickens every 6 weeks. He scraped the houses after every batch and added it to his hay fields and every pasture on their property. Worked amazingly.
Of course, 4 sons and 2 daughter in laws to help on the farm. He did eggs when his boys were young and switched to broilers as they left home. He had my son helping with pulling calves when he was 4. We all benefitted from the farms so we all worked.
I believe that this way of life was foreign to Nate and Katie before they bought their property .I know they both have read and studied about making a homestead sucessful....but just like pulling a calf or picking up biddy boards and breathing a huge sigh of relief when there are no snakes under them, you learn from doing a and things get easier the more you do them.
I think Nate and Katie are doing a markable, outstanding job.
I think trolls and bitter old farts should sit down and be quiet!
A Farmers granddaughter who grew up in a city 4 states away...then grew up and married a farmer's son and learned to garden, can what came out of those gardens, tend to 2 commercial chicken houses, drive a tractor and bush hog the fields, plow a garden, tend to cows and learn that that calf that followed you all around the pond you fished in last summer is now the roast/steak/hamburger on your plate at supper time.
Mt husband's family farmed 25 acres and it was a never ending job for an entire family. I can't imagine it on a scale that Nate and Katie are doing it. I'm in awe of both of them!
@@donnagandy3653 I agree with your comment. Even these comments help their RUclips algorithm. I expect the other commenters who agree with my comment, find it frustrating to see what is built and would have liked to offer ideas based on plans vs construction in progress.
The wood was expensive. ROI? The longer it lasts the better.
Live and learn I guess.
Great job.
Good afternoon Nate and Katie
It's beautiful!! Good job!!❤❤❤❤❤
Great job 👏🏽 keep going buddy 😊
great coop! Nate and Katie
looking good 👍
Consider rain water flow when positioning ur tarp folds. You might also make ur winter plan for coops.
The chicken coop looks mighty fine. I can hardly wait to see the chickens in the coop as well as out in the run you're going to put up with the electric fencing. Thanks for sharing this build, Nate. Have a Blessed day.
The coop for chickens looks great,,, good job Nate
Doin soooooo good..y'all just bless my heart..ty..xoxo 🥰🖐🤟✌👍🤪
Great job 👏 👍
Looks Great. Good job.
I love hearing all the nature sounds in your outdoor videos
Nate just wondering why you aren't adding the tarp all the way to the edge, it will save money, you won't need to add chicken wire and it will keep chickens dry. Great job 👍
Great job on the chicken coop. Just suggestion…I like your swing block door “lock” but you might consider putting a small block on the door frame allow the block to rest/have a place to sit on because over time the swing will just loosen and that block will just fall compromising the door to open. You will just swing it up and clock wise to open😊
Just saw it through and you have it latched 😂
Thank you for your efforts and video.
Really great ideas
This could be converted in a green or hot House covered with heavy duty plastic!
was cool having a twin help with that door lol lol . looks great
Hey Nate & Katie. The hoop coop looks great! Homestead perfect. Anywho y'all have a great rest of your day.😊
Good job Nate!🤗
Nice opening Nate, peaceful as the day begins. good luck on the new chickens residence....seems like it will be tough/too big to move, but maybe you do not intend to move it. Rest and take good care.
Good job Nate ❣️❣️❣️
That coop is looking awesome ! Blessings from North Texas❤
Coop looks really good. I like the door.
Great job, looks good.
Nate everytime I go out on the back deck the clouds roll in lol it's like the angels all have a bet on weather the sun, rain, or wind can get me go in (one of these days they will lose 😊👍
Great work!!
Very nice!
You should put plenty wire under the ground that helps with pest trying to get under ❤❤❤❤❤❤
Awesome
Have a great weekend 🇺🇸🌞🌱
Great progress👍
We always need 2 of us! heehee But Katie is probably better company! ;) Great job!
Breakfast for the animals!!
Yeah, that was gonna be my next question. How are you going to keep possum skunks coons from climbing in there those are big holes?
Great job Nate 👍
Great job! Looks really good.
Agree with the other comments and would add: how long g do you expect the pine (?) wood to last? Could you have painted it or used a preservative of some type? It just seems the weather will cause issues shortly.
We used red barn stain. Been over 4 years now sign of peeling. So for.
Neat job.
Great Video! Great Job! 🤗💕🙏🏼God bless 🥰
Proud of you! Chicken luxury motel.
It looks like a great coop!
Your making great progress!!!!
Stay strong Nate
The coop looking good
Good job Bud🇨🇦❤️🌻
Great progress love the banjo music
Wow! U r great guys.!!! It's such kind of small n environmentally friendly projects zat we in z third world require.!!! I'm eager to learn a lot from u.!!! Thanks, in advance.!!!
Great job Nate n Katy the coop is looking good
Its ok Nate tomorrow is another day just stock with it n dont wear yourself out
I like what they call rat wire on my chicken coops when i had them it was smaller little square and a lot stronger than chicken wire its good that you can put your chickens in it now
Looking great!
Love your coops
Seems like 3 units attached will make maintenance between them more difficult.
Absolutely agrer.
@@reggieedmonds5325 I am not sure he appreciates our comments. I don't think they have bothered to review what systems others are using.
looking great hugssss
Good job!
Awesome video.
Found rats to be a problem after the food mainly but eggs as well
Awesome job!! But put wire all over top to keep possum and raccoons from going in to kill the chickens and eat the eggs….I loved having chickens and miss them but we are too old now….great great memories! God Bless!
DeLuxe Accommodations for the Paulette!
The basic concept for your coop is a nice design - however some of the WORST very common poultry predators - RACOONS, specifically, and others such as skunks, possum, etc. - will be able to effortlessly climb right up and into this enclosure, easily entering through the bars of the cattle panels, where they'll feast on your flock. The tarp offers scant protection, as well. Intrepid predators won't have any problem at all chewing right through it in a matter of minutes.
You MUST have hard wire barriers (that scrap 2"x4" wire fencing in the old barn would likely suffice) around your ENTIRE enclosure to protect your birds! You may also want to consider using some inexpensive metal roofing, which would easily bend, conforming to the rounded shape of your "Hoop Coop."
Additionally, this structure MUST be securely anchored to the ground, as well. (Tall T-posts would work) Otherwise force from strong storm winds will certainly cause a lot of damage, likely even pick it up with that tarped end. Despite the weight, it's really not particularly heavy in the face of howling winds.
MUCH better safe than sorry!
Yayyy great job
great job!
Looks good
Hardware cloth 2 feet around outside of coop on the ground and cover with mulch of some kind.
Nice!🎉
I think you should support your local stores. Nothing wrong w/Amazon, I'm just sayin. Especially given that you have stated your future plans involve having the local community support you.
Check out the way. Hollis and Nancy did theirs around there. Chicken yard forgot the name of the channel Hollis, and Nancy look at when he did his
If you want things to really stick Gorilla Tape is a step above regular duct tape.
Good to know, thanks Greg.
Started making mine today