Here he is securing wire mesh over the gravel in the roof frame. I don't know all the technical details, but basically the gravel is there to provide good drainage. Under the gravel is a sheet of resin, to keep the roof waterproof. There are drain holes drilled straight through the resin and the wood underneath it, in case extra water needs to drain.
On top of the gravel, Dakota put a mixture of cactus soil and broken clay pot. Then, he transplanted a plant from a planter on the deck into the roof soil. It's a sedum-like plant that shouldn't need much water or care, and will fill in and spread out over time.
Here's the completed project. Looks pretty classy, I think. It will also keep the coop cool this summer, when things get scorching hot around here. The chickens have yet to give an opinion on their new roof, but I have a feeling they will like it a lot.
Wow! A trial installation for the house?
What a great roof! The cooling effect will surely be appreciated. I don't think my current structure would support a green roof, but you have me thinking . . .
What a beautiful chicken coop!
The coup is gorgeous. We need to revisit our roosting bar because the chickens have been bedding in the nesting boxes instead of on the roost. We'll have to stop that soon since they're due to start laying in the next month.
Yea, our chickens don't roost to sleep either. The used to snuggle together on the coop floor, and now I find them in the nesting box most often. I try to chase them out, but it's kind of a lost cause. I guess that just means I have to clean the nesting box more frequently.
I would love to get the specs for your chicken coop. I especially love the green roof. What are the dimmensions? Thanks.
Bret Stone
bstone@paladinlaw.com
I too love your coop. Where did you get the plans?? Any added information would be great!
I amgetting ready to start building my wife a coop this month.
Chris
cmcclung@cox.net
Wow, very inspiring, can you show us more shots of your coop inside and out, I just love it - roof especially!