My first coop! Total cost: $0.00

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DaddyMcChicken

DaddyMcChicken

In the Brooder
Apr 19, 2016
34
6
34
Southern Louisiana
400

400

Built this coop with mostly 2x6s and 1x6s. All the lumber came from 20' pallets that I was allowed to get from my workplace. The hardware cloth at the top and sides were given to me by a friend. The corrugated sheetmetal on the roof was left over from my fence that you see in the background. I am goin to add a run and I will have to spend some money on chicken wire but thats pretty much it. Obviously I still have to finish staining the front of it. The rest of the coop is coated with used gear oil (also free from work) that I painted on with a roller. No smell or residue after a few days of rolling it on and it does a fantastic job at keeping the moisture off of the wood. Not the prettiest coop but its very sturdy and secure.
 
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That gap along the bottom where the wall doesn't meet the floor should be closed up, either with hardware cloth or a piece of wood. Raccoons are very strong, and dexterous. And you may want to put in a bit of a lip along where the door opens so bedding doesn't spill out. And I hate to say it, but that latch is not raccoon proof. You need something that can be secured by a lock or carabiner. And paint or seal that floor with something. If you leave it just bare wood, it will rot pretty quickly. Just a few minor changes, for the long term safety of your flock. Overall, you did a great job.
 
Love it.

I see how you seat the roost and would offer my system. Run a strip of plywood with notches vertically. The roost becomes adjustable.

Btw, where is the nest? Why is the feeder on the floor?
 
If used motor oil is a no-no then the gear oil would likely be as well. It is essentially heavy/thick motor-oil (for us laymen.) It wouldn't be contaminated with the byproducts of combustion, but would be exposed to metal wearing on metal.

Might ask at hardware stores for any of the sealers that have been opened/compromised in some way. It's a long shot, but they can't sell it because it would not be visually acceptable...but functionally would work fine.
 
Thanks for the replies and suggestions. I am definitely goin to use ECBW's idea about the roost. The gap at the bottom is to hose out the coop and it lets everything out. A racoon wont be able to pull that board off because its screwed in with 3 1/2 inch torque screws. I am goin to add another barrel latch to the door and there is nowhere for a racoon to stand or climb to reach those latches. My nest box and automatic door will be addded soon. The nest box is goin to be on the right side mounted outside of the coop. I'm not using gear oil on the inside of the coop but I do have plans on sealing it with a safe product. I should have stated that the coop is still under construction but thanks again for all the suggestions and comments, its greatly appreciated.
 

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