Abbott Eco coop was built using materials that would be hardy enough to withstand the Miami heat, and rains. We decided to go with plastic rather than wood because of the constant moisture and humidity, wood is less resilient. This coop is small built for our two Buff Orpingtons in our small urban backyard. Since we plan to keep our hens range free, and give them a run and coop for night. Total material cost $100
For the coop we used a compost bin (available at Home Depot about $50) and modified it to keep out rain and provide efficient ventilation. It’s great because a door for chickens to enter the coop and a hinged lid to access the coop as well as a floor, were all ready in place.
We sealed the holes and lid with silicone on the outside. We used the same color as the coop both for a to cut down curious pecking. Along both sides we added vents glued on with silicone (The cut outs from these make excellent ramps). The whole coop is set on blocks to keep our hens dry. esthetics and
PVC and joints are used for the run frame. The run is enclosed with coated chicken wire (to prevent rust). We zip-tied the whole thing together, it’s unbelievably strong.
An access door to the yard was custom made. Materials include: Window screen frame material with joints, two small hinges, screws and hot glue, again zip-tied to the chicken wire. Again, I’m amazed by the strength of zip-ties! The whole run is zip-tied to the coop as you can see in the pictures. We used PVC cuttings on the inside of the coop to enforce strength and tied the run and coop together ensuring the it is not coming apart.
For the coop we used a compost bin (available at Home Depot about $50) and modified it to keep out rain and provide efficient ventilation. It’s great because a door for chickens to enter the coop and a hinged lid to access the coop as well as a floor, were all ready in place.
We sealed the holes and lid with silicone on the outside. We used the same color as the coop both for a to cut down curious pecking. Along both sides we added vents glued on with silicone (The cut outs from these make excellent ramps). The whole coop is set on blocks to keep our hens dry. esthetics and
PVC and joints are used for the run frame. The run is enclosed with coated chicken wire (to prevent rust). We zip-tied the whole thing together, it’s unbelievably strong.
An access door to the yard was custom made. Materials include: Window screen frame material with joints, two small hinges, screws and hot glue, again zip-tied to the chicken wire. Again, I’m amazed by the strength of zip-ties! The whole run is zip-tied to the coop as you can see in the pictures. We used PVC cuttings on the inside of the coop to enforce strength and tied the run and coop together ensuring the it is not coming apart.
