Pallet Coop - The Beginning

My husband and I began preparing for our coop this past weekend. We plan on building an 8X12 coop from recycled/re-purposed materials. Of that 8x8 will be actual coop space and the remaining space will be walk-in/storage area. It started with roughly 72 pallets.



We used a saw to cut through the nails in the sides and then claw hammer and pry bar to pull the rest apart, removing and saving nails that were not bent beyond repair.



I have read the dangers of using pallets. We did check to be sure that we only used heat treated pallets and have decided for ourselves to go this route. (So please no lectures. I have done my homework thank you)



Progress after a few hours.



This was at the end of the first day. We took a few breaks and had to keep an eye on the kids running around so that slowed us down a bit



The site of our future coop. Not sure exactly how long the run will be, but I want to incorporate the rotting tree stump at the end. I figure that is a great place to forage for bugs. At the near end is our cherry tree which will provide some shade and some treats for the girls.



The supervisor...he is not impressed lol!



A few hours into day two. Fortunately, we had a few quiet hours while the kids were away and we were able to focus on the task.



I plan on using the boards with handle holes place together as pictured at the top edges of the coop for ventilation. They will be covered with hard wire mesh.



We really got into a rhythm. My husband would cut the sides and I would rip the rest down, remove nails and then toss the boards behind me. This in my pile.

I separated good boards and boards that broke or split. I plan on using the smaller pieces for nesting boxes, shelves and other things in the coop or other projects around the house. Planning on building a compost bin and decorative "well" for the yard after the coop is complete.



This is the end of day two.



I am so grateful for friends and family!

A friend used his truck and trailer to haul the pallets for us (and more to come). My husband's cousin came over to help out ripping down the pallets and his wife helped to keep an eye on the kids. And another friend, who works for a fencing company, rescued these 4x4's from the trash for us.



I think they will be perfect for framing and floor joists.


I am so excited that we have finally started what we have talked about for so long. Initially we wanted to get pullets but have since decided to start with chicks.

I ordered 12 chicks to be delivered the end of this month/beginning of next. That will give us well over 2 months to have to coop complete and ready for the girls.

To be continued...

Wonderful! I love reusing things, especially pallets. All that free wood. Well the only cost is a little elbow grease. Can't wait to see more.

Well I haven't posted in awhile. The past few weeks have been dedicated to preparing and gathering materials. We got through the first load of roughly 72 pallets and had another load delivered by the same friend (Thank you!)


This is the state of my back yard at the moment...
In the foreground are some items that my father in law brought to us. I think they came from an old playset. Not planning on using any of that wood in the coop since I am not sure where it came from but might make use of the climbing rocks when I redo my kids play set.



This 2X6 lumber, which appears to be (new) never used, was also given to us by my father in law. Most likely will be used for framing.



The 4X4's I had pictured in my original post. The metal fencing poles were recently given to us. I think they may be used for the run if we have enough, or can get more.



The boards that didn't make the cut... Or in other words, my scrap pile.
Some of these boards can still be used so I am keeping them around for different purposes.
We have already used a few pieces to make the lid for our brooder box.



It is a bit hard to actually gauge how much is here. These are the boards that will become the siding for the coop. All have been recycled from pallets. Towards the front of the pile on the left are thicker boards with cutouts. A few will be used for vent openings in the coop, but I am sure I will find another purpose for the others.



Thicker boards from pallets.



Chain link fencing that was given to us. We had planned on using chicken wire for the run and decided on reinforcing the bottom few feet (and an apron around) with chain link to prevent daytime predators from breaking in.



Don't see the gate making it into the run or coop plans, but I have not turned down any free materials. Beggars can't be choosers
Also, some more fence posts.



I can't wait to see the coop actually coming together. I know everything we have been doing has been leading up to it and I will feel so much better when I see a structure.

Total cost for the coop so far $82
Not including tools (blades, bits, etc) or feed.

More to come

Hello, and good morning. What I did with the pallets when I built my wife's 16'x9' garden shed, was I used 4 41/2 ft. x 8ft. pallets for the floor. I leveled the 4 pieces and screwed and using 5 inch bolts I bolted them together.Then I started with the bottom row by on each corner using 2x6 upright using screws and bolting in each 2x6 at the bottom into the pallet floor. Each upright pallet is cut to appropriate height so your first row is even. When you cut the pallets you will have a open end or top. You will need to cut a 2x4 and screw it in the gap. After you get your first row in then place a 2x6 board flat over the top of pallets buy using screws and bolts. this will secure your first tear of pallets. Then you will lay your next tear up on top of your 2x6 that you layed. Secure those with screws and bolts. When you put to pallets end to end you will use screws and two bolts to connect the pallets together. This is how I did it, and I hope this may help you. When we had Hurricane Ike came thru, here in South East Texas, her buiiding stood proud. Good luck and most of all have fun. GOD Bless Mark & Donna

Thank you Mark. Initially I had thought of using the pallets whole but decided against it. We have been taking the pallets apart completely to utilize each board. I would love to see a picture of her garden shed if you have it posted.

That is a ton of wood. How large do you plan on making your coop?

The coop will be 9x12 and have a lean-to style roof. Most likely 8ft tall dropping to 7ft. I also plan on building a compost bin and have several other projects in mind so I am sure it will all be used in some manner. The only things we do not have yet, and may break down and buy, are plywood, linoleum flooring and shingles.

That is awesome! We built our coop from pallets as well! You can do so much with pallets, it is crazy that they get thrown away.

This is what I have been working on. So far all free except screws and metal roof. 6x8 foot print. I also thought about using whole pallets but thought it was better to use them as siding. You certainly have enough. I think I had about 25 pallets total. All I need to do now is add the hoop run off the front

This may be a silly question to some but where do you get the free pallets? I love your coop!