It's been way too long....make way for the chickens

 It 's been so long since I have posted... I almost forgot how to upload photos!

We have been super busy with design projects and yard work 

that sometimes blogging gets put at the bottom of the list

We are finally going to tackle the chicken coop and garden shed project.  I have been collecting photos for quite a while and I like so many different coops it's hard to pick a favorite.

People have gotten so creative with this urban chicken craze, that I'm glad I have waited to build a coop, because there are so many great designs out there

Most coops follow a pretty standard design formula...

the chickens need a coop to nest and lay eggs

they need a place to scratch and feed and a spot to hang out and perch

 they need fresh air and sunshine 

but need protection from critters that like to have 

chicken for dinner 

and they need to be warm in really cold weather

 We have decided to use cedar siding and redwood for the coop and some old windows and doors we have saved from our remodeling projects.  The roof will be galvanized metal which will be good because the coop will be located under some big oak trees.

Here is our chosen spot...across the creek

 What i like about this spot is it has filtered sunlight...

It is easily accessible from the vegetable garden 

and I will be adding another compost bin 

adjacent to the coop to toss in chicken poop

Next door to the coop will be a new garden shed 

for storing all of our 

"stuff" 

like mowers, fertilizers, clippers, hoses etc

This is a big open area between the two bridges 

which has a great view of the yard

We are going to build the coop first and get the design right 

so we can repeat some of the same elements in the shed

 Here are some great coops...

Heather Bullard built this one and I purchased the plans from her....It is so cute!

 this little gem I saw on Pinterest

what a great door and window

 I not sure who's coop this is but it is wonderful

I think using the up-cycled material really adds to the charm

 This one I found on backyardchickens.com

Another great coop with clearstory windows

I love the white trim

This is a modern looking coop which is really cool painted black

and has little candle lanterns...very nice don't you think ?

I like the idea of painting the trim a color maybe green or black or white...maybe even red!

 If you have a coop or a chicken story 

I'd love to hear your advice!

In the mean time I'm clucking along....and so happy fall is finally here

smiles

~Kelley~