How much do you think it would cost to build a 10' x 10' chicken coop?

[bluehillfarm]

wow that is a great idea thank you so much

 

[lokua]

You might also consider changing the dimensions to 8 by 12 you still have 96 square feet and it will be easier and possibly cheaper to build. Since lumber comes in standard dimensions of 4,8, and 12 feet. There will be less cutting and less wasted wood. When you do the exterior sheathing you will be able to use full sheets and just cut out windows and doors.

 

[collaire]

You might also consider changing the dimensions to 8 by 12 you still have 96 square feet and it will be easier and possibly cheaper to build. Since lumber comes in standard dimensions of 4,8, and 12 feet. There will be less cutting and less wasted wood. When you do the exterior sheathing you will be able to use full sheets and just cut out windows and doors.

Well said. The trick to building economically, is when you're finished the only thing that you haven't used in building is the sawdust, and you've saved that for bedding.

 

[debid]

Yep, 8x12 makes much more sense when you start buying your building supplies. I also wanted to mention that places like Habitat for Humanity's Restore are a terrific source of cost-saving supplies. Check there for things like windows, paint, hinges, a door, vinyl flooring... I'd also suggest asking on Freecycle because you never know what people would like to see gone from their garage. Once in a while, someone will post on Craigslist that they tore something down and the pile of wood is free for the taking. It might not be the prettiest and you might need to do a bit of nail removal but hey, it's free. If you have the means to move it, people sell used sheds on CL as well which could save you lots of $ and building time.

 

[Daisy8s]

The square footage needed depends both on how much time the chickens will be in the coop and what bedding method you'll be using. 5 sq ft per bird will lead to much less manure concentration than 2 sq feet. If you're planning on cleaning the coop daily then you could go with less sq footage per bird. But, if you plan on using a deep litter method where the bedding has to absorb all the manure then 5 sq ft is ideal.

I have 5 sq ft per bird and use the deep litter method with leaves/grass clippings I save in the fall and use all year round. No hassle, no smell. Throw in some kitchen scraps and the birds churn under fresh manure and fluff their bedding so it remains dry underfoot. My run is 30' by 30' and they free range outside of this run daily so lots of poop is deposited outside the coop, not in.

I built my 8'x8' coop for around $350. I only had to build three sides and a simple lean-to roof as it attaches to the back of my garage. I used free siding, insulation, and shingles I already had on hand.

 

[CherryChick]

It's hard to put a price with building a chicken coop. It all depends if you contract someone to do it or yourself. Then if you do it yourself where you get the supplies will matter with the final tally.
We built a 8' x 16' Coop this last fall. Not quite done with the inside but we are waiting till spring to finish that. We have 4 windows ( From Habitat for Humanity Store) Damaged Door at Lowes and all our wood on sale at Menards. We think the total came out to about $1000. Which was more then we wanted to spend but well we know we can build a decent size shed.
And our ladies love there home it keeps the snow off of them.

 

[rufus]

We built my chicken coop out of stuff we found laying in the alley and on vacant lots. Election time is a great time to collect coop materials. Politicians put up a lot of signs that they never seem to take down afterward. Especially if they lose.

My hens live in the Obama "Hope" coop. Hope they lay eggs.

My chickens have no idea nor do they care that they are living in a ghetto coop.

Rufus

 

[bluehillfarm]

thanks everyone for the tips I will do some more searching around and see what I can come up with

 

[florida lee]

I built a 8 x 10, got all materials from Lowes. cost about $750.

 

[bluehillfarm]

wow that is not bad maybe I will build one thanks