Articles by jthornton

I started out building a standard cube style nest box and quickly realized that a roll out nest box is a much better solution. You get clean eggs and less chance for a hen to get the urge to eat one. I used pocket screws to build most of this and lined it with a carpet runner. Optionally you...

I came up with an adjustable water station for my new chicks. Everyone know they keep growing fast so being able to raise the water station up as they grow is important. I like a vertical nipple because it's easy for a chick to use and takes no pressure to operate. The drawback for vertical...

We had a great discussion on the forum about composting here. This article is just a reference for me and others with the highlights from that discussion. Composting chicken poop year round you need a source of carbon to balance out the nitrogen. We all hear about greens(nitrogen) and browns...

Building roof trusses does not have to be complicated nor does it need any fancy saw cuts. Cut the bottom chord (the one that sits on the walls) the width of the walls. Cut a center support to get the rise you desire. Cut the top chords and allow for some nice overhangs. Cut some 1/2" plywood to...

While converting a She Shed into a coop I decided to build an easy to clean poop table and roost with the nest box underneath. I used heavy duty pocket screws by Kreg to assemble the frame. The frame is 30" deep and 96" long. I added some bracing and supports for the table top. The nest box...

My first batch of chicks I used the standard red plastic feeder. My adjustment was 2x6's cut into an octagon. My second batch I cobbled up a feeder that could be adjust up as they grow with the added benefit of keeping them off of the feeder with a sloping roof. It was not ideal but functioned...

When I built my coop I didn't know about this place so I have some fundamental errors in my design. I did like so many others and copied a bad design from the Internet. So here is the build anyway and I did get a few things right I think. I started out building the frame using pocket screw...

You don't need an expensive table saw or chop saw to make straight accurate cuts in plywood and other stock. I know a lot of folks see some of the fancy things members build and think wow they must have a fancy woodworking shop. I'm going to show you how to make nice straight cuts with a skill...

Sorry to create an article but it seemed the easy way to have a list of notable threads to refer to... DIY Auto Coop Door by @Tsheaby Safeguard Mash Zero Day Withdrawal by @casportpony Updated Corid and Amprol Amprolium Dosing by @casportpony Modern Fresh Air Poultry House by Prince T Woods JT

A few years ago I made a heated water bucket for my hens. It sits outside in the run and has been tested to -5°F. I cut a piece of closed cell foam to cover the nipples. Then using the bottom of a second bucket I cover the foam so the nipples are flush and only the metal rod sticks out. The...