I decided to give my first batch of chicks a nice roomy 6'x6' coop in the corner of my pole barn.



The coop walls were built flat on the ground using 2x4's, 2x6's (for the base) and heavy-duty pocket hole joints.









The pocket hole jig made framing a breeze even for a shorty like me. This is a heavy-duty version of the Kreg jig with larger holes and beefier coated screws made for 2x4's and thicker stock and exterior applications.



First coat of stain. I don't really like how orange cedar stain looks but it was inexpensive and matched the rest of the wood in the barn.



Green door!





I had a load of river sand delivered from a local landscaping company. I'll be using it in the coop and run, the chicks love to dustbathe in it.



"Mealworms now??"



Part Two: The Run, coming later. (When I can stand the Georgia heat long enough to build it...)

03/02/14: Since writing this article I have added a pop door, a roost bar and roll-out nest boxes.



The nest box is lined with outdoor carpet that can be vacuumed or taken out and washed. It's padded at the back with foam pipe insulation. It's great for keeping the eggs clean.



A view from the inside. I used joist hangers to hang the roost bar so it can be popped out and hosed down when needed.