Step 3
Measure cubby and cut platform and platform frame to length. Screw platform frame together using bugle head screws. Screw platform to frame using 50mm screws.
Step 4
The platform needs to be high enough off the ground for chickens to walk under. Add 300mm to desired height to sink into soil. Measure and cut 4 platform posts (here, 800mm) and join to frame using bugle head screws. Using post-hole digger, make 300mmdeep holes for platform posts,lining 1 side up with 1 side of run. Place posts in holes, check level both ways, then backfill.
Step 5
Measure platform and cut vinyl to size using a utility knife. Spread silicone over platform and lay vinyl on top. Use an offcut block to smooth out any air bubbles. Neatly fold vinyl under platform frame, trimming if needed, then staple.
Step 6
Remove ridge capping from roof of cubby. Cut Mini Orb sheets to length and screw into existing roof. Use silicone to fill any holes where rain might enter. Replace capping using longer screws, if required. Inside cubby, position branch or stake at least 500mm off ground and secure with screws. This provides hens with a spot to perch and sleep. Allow for 250mm of space per bird (attach additional roosts if needed). Position cubby on platform.
Step 7
Apply 2 coats of Dulux Weathershield low sheen Acrylic (here, cubby is in Zinc Blend with Vivid White on trim around doors, windows and roof), allowing to dry between coats.
Step 8
Measure side of cubby, then mark and cut out nesting box. So lid of box slopes, cut front of box 150mm lower than back and angle sides to suit. Cut lid so it overhangs the box. Cut a hole in back of box to match cubby window. Mark out a door in front of box. Carefully cut out door by lifting saw guard on circular saw and plunging saw down on line. Finish off corners using a sharp hand saw. Screw box together using 50mm screws.
Step 9
Attach nesting box to cubby by screwing into wall studs. Using 50mm hinges, join door to box. Add hasp and staple to secure door. Attach lid to the cubby using T-hinges.
Step 10
Measure and cut roof framing to sit on top of posts, mitring corners. Screw to posts.
Step 11
Measure and cut extra roof framings to go between top framing to support roof, then screw to outer roof framing.
Step 12
Run mesh around lower half of posts so it sits across bottom of trench and leaves a gap for gate. Secure to posts using 25mm clouts. Cut off any excess using snips.
Step 13
Run another layer of mesh around upper half of posts, overlapping lower by about 100mm. Using snips and pliers, join layers. Backfill trench. Cover top of run with mesh where you don’t want roofing.
Step 14
Measure and cut polycarbonate roofing to length and place on top of frame. Overlap sheets by at least one and a half ridges. Screw through every third ridge of roof sheets into frame using polycarbonate roofing screws.
Step 15
Measure and cut gate frame pieces. Allow 10mm clearance at top and sides of frame and 40mm at bottom. Include a horizontal brace halfway up gate. Measure and cut a diagonal brace going from bottom of hinge side to latch side of horizontal brace. Cut and fix mesh to gate, then secure to post using T-hinges. Attach gate latch and spring coil so gate closes automatically. Set block capping into ground at bottom of gate.
Step 16
Measure and cut ramp and rungs, allowing for 10-15mm between rungs and a width of 200-300mm. Screw rungs to ramp. Attach an offcut block to platform, then attach ramp to block.
Step 17
Spread a layer of straw around chook run, coop and nesting box. Attach food and water dispensers to side of run.