Chicken Coop II: Finishing Our Backyard Coop

Building a Predator-Proof Chicken Coop (Part 2)

Our chicken coop is finally starting to look like a real home! Although there's still plenty left to do—including the door, waterproof roof, nesting boxes, and a little more siding—the chicks were thrilled to move into their new space and begin exploring.

Like most do-it-yourself projects, it always seems you're "almost finished" until you start making a list of everything that's still left to build!

Choosing the Right Chicken Wire

One of the biggest changes I made during construction was replacing the original chicken wire.

After giving it more thought, I returned the larger mesh fencing and exchanged it for smaller welded wire mesh. While traditional chicken wire does a good job of keeping chickens inside, it isn't always enough to keep determined predators out.

By overlapping the wire at the seams and extending protection around the lower edges of the coop, I felt much more confident that raccoons, opossums, neighborhood dogs, or other curious critters wouldn't be able to reach through the fencing or dig underneath.

If there's one lesson I've learned, it's that predators are incredibly persistent. It's much easier to build a secure coop from the beginning than to discover its weak spots after an unwanted nighttime visitor.

Building with the Chickens in Mind

As I worked, I tried to think like a chicken.

Would there be enough ventilation during the hot Texas summers?

Would the coop stay dry during heavy rain?

Would the hens have safe places to roost above the ground at night?

Would nesting boxes be easy to reach for collecting eggs?

Planning these details ahead of time would make caring for the flock much easier once the hens reached laying age.

Introducing the Family Dog

Of course, building the coop wasn't our only project.

Sheba was just as curious about the new arrivals as the chickens were about their new home. We immediately began teaching her that the flock was part of the family. She was allowed to watch, sniff, and quietly observe, but chasing the chickens was never an option.

Thankfully, with patience and consistent supervision, she gradually learned that these little feathered friends belonged in the backyard—not on the menu.

Watching both the chicks and Sheba adjust to one another became just as rewarding as building the coop itself. Every day seemed to bring another little milestone, and our backyard was beginning to feel more and more like a small homestead.

Almost finished! I just need to add a door, waterproof roof, nesting boxes, and some extra siding. (Okay, maybe I'm only half done...)

Whew! This is hard work! After adding the chicken wire, the chicks got to test out their new home.

I had originally used the basic chicken wire, but decided to return it to Home Depot for the small mesh kind. Allowing wire to overlap on the sides, I feel pretty confident that hungry critters won't be able to poke their paws inside or dig under the coop.

Teaching Sheba manners right now. She's going to have to learn to get along with 6 fussy hens.

Lessons I Learned Building This Coop

• Build larger than you think you'll need.
• Use smaller welded wire mesh where predators are a concern.
• Overlap seams to eliminate gaps.
• Make the coop easy to clean.
• Plan for future nesting boxes.
• Think about ventilation before closing in the walls.
• Train family pets early while the chicks are still young.

Pooped from the Coop: How I Started Building Our Backyard Chicken Coop

When we first decided to raise backyard chickens, I quickly discovered there were hundreds of chicken coop designs to choose from. Some were large walk-in buildings, while others were simple portable tractors that could be moved around the yard.

After spending hours looking at different ideas, I decided an A-frame design would fit our small backyard perfectly. I liked the idea of building something lightweight, practical, and inexpensive using materials I already had on hand.

Building with Recycled Materials

One of my favorite parts of this project was giving old lumber a second life. Rather than buying everything new, I dug through my pile of leftover boards and started building with what I already owned. Not only did this save money, but it also fit perfectly with my philosophy of recycling and making the most of available resources.

Even my sewing supplies found a second purpose! Measuring tape, clips, and odds and ends from my sewing room proved surprisingly handy while laying out the coop.

Learning as I Went

This was definitely one of those projects where I learned by doing. I bent more than a few nails, broke a hammer along the way, and made several trips to the hardware store for "just one more thing." Looking back, I wouldn't change a bit of it. Every project teaches something new, and building this coop gave me the confidence to tackle even bigger homesteading projects later.

There's a special satisfaction that comes from standing back at the end of the day and seeing a pile of lumber slowly become a home for your animals. Even though the coop wasn't finished yet, I could finally picture our little flock happily scratching around their new backyard home.

Today, I dragged out my recycled lumber and started on the coop. I've been researching A-frame coop ideas on the Web. I've always wanted a tractor coop that I could drag around the yard.

Getting started was a little rough. I bent a couple (okay, several) nails, and even broke a hammer! Thankfully we had a spare.

Leaning the frames against each other you can see where this project is going...

Sewing supplies come in handy!

So far so good...

Gotta run to Home Depot for some screws, hinges, and chicken wire. This is fun, but I'm pooped!

Materials Used

• Recycled lumber
• Exterior screws
• Hinges
• Chicken wire (later replaced with welded wire mesh)
• Hammer
• Tape measure
• Circular saw
• Drill/driver
• Bamboo (for later additions)

Six Chicks: Starting Our Backyard Chicken Adventure

Bringing Home Our First Backyard Chicks

After talking about raising backyard chickens for months, we finally took the plunge and brought home six tiny day-old chicks. I don't know who was more excited—me, my daughter, or the chicks!

As luck would have it, our neighbor had recently put out a pile of lumber for the trash. To me, it looked like the perfect opportunity to build a chicken coop. Suddenly I had no more excuses. Our backyard chicken adventure had officially begun.

We selected a variety of breeds, including Longhorn, Buff Orpington, and Feather-Footed Bantams. Before we even made it home, each chick had already been given a name: Chelsea, Cleopatra, Charlotte, Luna, Jessie, and Penelope. It didn't take long before each one started developing its own unique personality.

Caring for Day-Old Chicks

Because newly hatched chicks cannot regulate their body temperature, they need a warm, draft-free brooder during their first several weeks of life. Until their permanent coop was finished, we converted a large dog crate into a temporary brooder inside the house.

Our little setup included:

• A heat lamp to keep the chicks warm.
• Fresh chick starter feed.
• Clean water available at all times.
• Soft bedding that was changed regularly.
• Plenty of space for them to move around safely.

Keeping the chicks indoors also allowed us to handle them every day, helping them become comfortable around people. That daily interaction paid off, as our flock quickly became friendly and easy to care for.

The Joy of Raising Backyard Chickens

One thing I didn't expect was just how entertaining baby chicks could be. They seemed to have endless curiosity, racing around the brooder one moment and then piling together for naps the next. Watching them grow, feather out, and discover the world around them quickly became part of our daily routine.

Of course, not everyone in the house shared our enthusiasm.

Barbarilla, our cat, spent plenty of time studying the newcomers. We had to make it very clear that these fluffy little chicks were family—not dinner!

Looking back, bringing home those six tiny chicks marked the beginning of one of our favorite homesteading adventures. We had no idea then how many lessons, laughs, and unforgettable memories they would bring over the months ahead.

Well, I've been say'n I was going to do this for months. I FINALLY broke down and picked up some chicks!

Last weekend my neighbor was throwing out lumber! No more excuses. I can now build a coop.

We selected a variety of Longhorn, Buff Orpington, Feather Footed Bantam, etc. The girls named them ---- Chelsea, Cleopatra, Charlotte, Luna, Jessie, and Penelope.

For the time being, they'll hole up in the dog crate.

Only 1 day old...

No Barbarilla, this is NOT your dinner.

Before Bringing Home Baby Chicks

• Have a brooder ready before you leave the feed store.
• Keep chicks warm with a heat source.
• Use chick starter feed formulated for young birds.
• Change bedding frequently to keep the brooder dry.
• Handle chicks gently every day to help them become tame.

Banana Fries: Fried Green Bananas Recipe

How to Make Crispy Green Banana Fries

If you've never tried green banana fries, you're in for a pleasant surprise. While ripe bananas are naturally sweet, unripe green bananas have a much firmer texture that makes them perfect for frying. The result is a side dish that reminds me of homemade French fries—but with a hint of natural sweetness.

This simple recipe makes a fun change from potatoes and is especially popular in many tropical countries where green bananas are commonly served as a savory side dish.

Ingredients

• 1 green (unripe) banana
• Vegetable oil or peanut oil for frying
• Salt, to taste

Directions

1. Peel the green banana.
2. Slice it in half lengthwise.
3. Cut each half into quarters, creating fry-shaped pieces.
4. Heat the oil in a deep fryer or heavy skillet.
5. Fry the banana pieces until they are golden brown and lightly crisp on the outside.
6. Remove and drain on paper towels.
7. Sprinkle with salt while still hot and serve immediately.

They're delicious served with ketchup, just like traditional French fries.

Kitchen Tips

• Be sure to use green, unripe bananas, not yellow ripe bananas. Green bananas are firm enough to hold their shape while frying.
• Peanut oil and vegetable oil both work well because of their high smoke points.
• Try sprinkling with garlic salt, paprika, Cajun seasoning, or Parmesan cheese for a different twist.

A Slice of Texas

I love discovering simple recipes from around the world, especially when they use everyday ingredients in unexpected ways. Green banana fries are one of those recipes that surprise people. They look a little different than potato fries, but they have a wonderfully satisfying texture and make a unique side dish for burgers, grilled chicken, or sandwiches.

Here's a cool treat. Peel and slice a green banana in half. Take each half and slice again into quarters.

Deep fry in vegetable oil, or peanut oil.

Salt and serve! These have the same texture as homemade French fries. While deep frying, you'll notice a sweet smell. They taste almost like French fries, except a little sweeter. Great salted and dipped in ketchup!