Omaha Chicken Coop Hacks and Final Review

[@vickichristian2364]

Looks amazing! Once you upgrade it will be the perfect coop. I think these coops are just basic and adding your final touches will make it perfect

[@realsimplemama]

You’re right! They save a lot of time and planning from doing one from scratch but they definitely need some help too.

[@TheLionKing-1970]

We use hemp in the catch tray.

[@intexas218]

Great hacks. Your girls look happy in their new coop.

[@realsimplemama]

They’re happy but sometimes they’re not too bright. Lol! 🤪🐓🐓🐓

[@pattikemp-gettmann9646]

If I may suggest. When you add the hardware cloth, use fender washers and screws to attach it. Much stronger than Staples. Love your new set up.

[@realsimplemama]

Good idea! Thanks!

[@Sugarsail1]

yup that's the right way to do it!

[@d.a.tsun5104]

Do you not miss your old, walk-in coop?

[@realsimplemama]

In a way, yes. It was a good concept. But it needed so much work done and it was a rental house, and they wouldn’t compensate us for parts/labor to improve it. If I had my own place and the time/space/money to build something bigger and permanent, I would in a heartbeat!

[@AngelaMudd]

You can get gutter aprons at the hardware store that slides in under the shingles that mkes the water slide out more...very cheap, about $5 for 10 ft length

[@realsimplemama]

It’s funny you mention that! I did a video a year later and that’s exactly what I use 🤩

[@reneebrown2968]

Grace is singing her egg song. She's letting you know she layed an egg

[@cherylangel1714]

what kind of sand do you use? I tried playsand but it was super dusty. My chickens would not stop sneezing :(

[@realsimplemama]

Oh no! Yeah play sand is way too fine. I recommend construction sand (they mix it with concrete). It’s cheaper and a lot coarser.

[@melanies1402]

Hello. Did you put bury an apron under your pavers? I'm in the process of setting ours up now. Thank you.

[@realsimplemama]

Actually no! We felt the pavers would be sufficient.

[@melanies1402]

@@realsimplemama ok, thanks! I might do the same.

[@astarrich5045]

I love it

[@cooperheaps5365]

What litter stuff do you use on top of the tray because I don’t want to take out the tray ether

[@realsimplemama]

Lol! I use PDZ. It’s a horse/stall product like cat litter. Doesn’t stink, feels like fine soft sand, will clump when it gets wet or dirty. Take a cat litter scoop to it and viola! I had to use a whole bag on this huge tray (about $15) but it’ll last a long time because you’re only scooping out what gets soiled. 👍🏼🙊💩

[@cooperheaps5365]

real simple mama thank you so much

[@Moloko_Man]

Where do you live? We are in Idaho where it freezes in the winter. How well is this insulated?

[@realsimplemama]

Honestly with the heat of the chickens’ bodies, there is no need to worry about that at all. Chickens do much better in cold weather than they do in hot weather. I am in South Texas so we barely get below 30°F but check out my other videos about winterizing the coop, you really need to worry more about making sure you have enough air circulation. Chickens do just fine out in the snow and they do not need to be as warm as we keep our homes or anything. They eat more and fluff up to stay warm and can comfortably sleep in a coop that’s 45 degrees.

[@pamt8430]

Are you going to make the "screen" removable? (That's a clean out side.) The door by the ramp could be an option.

[@realsimplemama]

Yes that’s my big hesitation. I’m thinking I can “roll it up” and have a hook I can attach it too. But it’ll probably be semi permanent. I think I have the material for it but I need to play around with it!

[@TheLionKing-1970]

Use hay in the nesting boxes, less mess.

[@realsimplemama]

I have no problem with the pine ✌🏼❤️🐓

[@carls.8408]

How do you train the birds not to sleep in the nesting boxes?

[@realsimplemama]

Sigh. I actually have a series of videos on that because my Calypso is lazy and a repeat offender! Look for “Operation Dumb Bird” but basically I had to block the nesting boxes at night, and be persistent in moving her out of there, until she “got it” and stopped trying. It’s doable but it’s a pain!

[@Moloko_Man]

How many chickens would you say is the max you could have in here?

[@realsimplemama]

IF they have another outside space, I think 8-9 full size birds could roost in there. And chickens like to share nesting boxes anyway so that is not an issue. The important thing is they must have a significantly bigger space to roam during the day!

[@outgrowyourselfvlog1612]

Where did u get it for 300?

[@realsimplemama]

We found it on Facebook being sold by a antique store about an hour away. For whatever reason, the owner bought about three of them a few years ago, assembled one for display, and then never did anything with them. So he was basically lowering the price to get rid of them and free up some space. 🤷🏻‍♀️ So look around! You never know...

[@outgrowyourselfvlog1612]

@@realsimplemama wow lucky u, I got mine for 500. the doors are starting to bow kinda I have to lift up to lock the front

[@realsimplemama]

Yes mine too though I think that’s because our pavers underneath aren’t even.

[@Sugarsail1]

I just bought one of these coops, cute design, ample space, but absolutely TERRIBLE build quality. Joints are super flimsy, wood splits, and latches are so wimpy that any raccoon can just tear the doors open. Screening is stapled on and can easily be busted through by a determined racoon. Nothing rugged about it and it's expensive. Wood isn't sealed from rain, it's just white washed with cheapo paint so it will warp / rot in wet conditions. The many doors may make it easy to clean but it's just more places a raccoon can get in. Regret buying it but too late now. I'll be surprised if this coop lasts two years even in our mild weather. You wouldn't need so many hacks if it was built well to begin with, next time I'm building my own from scratch.