:D
700


We started our coop in the summer of 2015 it's an ongoing family project. We used a mix of pallets , treated and untreated lumber, and recycled materials .

There is an amish mini barn place nearby us that had 4'x14' pallets that they receive their vinyl siding on. They normally burn them so we asked if we could have them. They had a ton so they let us take them for free.

1000


1000



Getting started:
We used some repurposed 4x4 treated peices that we had free from my dad for the base or.foundation and cut down 2 pallets to start the "floor" . On top of the pallet floor went more free plywood materials but because it wasn't a whole peice It had weak spots. So I had hubby cut a large section of chip board we had laying around that wouldn't be good for anything else. That made it solid!

1000


1000




700


The walls are cut to size with a reciprocating saw making the coop aprox. 8 x9 ft . We added some 4x4 posts in the corners for extra support sunk in with olly screws. Framed out a doorway, cut out opening and framed out for 2- 24"x24" windows, and then cut out an opening for chicken door.

*We rigged up a pully system for our chicken door that opens to the run but it likes to stick so I will have to tweak that down the road.

Framing the door
1000


4x4 corner posts
700


Framing , posts, and walls.
1000


Roof system
1000


New floor
700


Chicken door
1000


Our roof was 4- 10ft sheets of green metal roofing.
1000


The "man door" was again made from pallets.

1000


Here are some pictures that show the windows framed in. These windows are the most inexpensive ones at menards I believe they were about $38 each.

1000


1000


1000


1000


I moved on to trying to seal the floor with a fibered roofing coating. It was a cheaper option then linoleum and I've read it seals better. However I used an "off brand" and i think between that and the humidity it never dried. So I purchased linoleum anyway. I am glad it worked out that way it looks better and will be much easier to clean.

700


700


700


We added insulation throughout and used the inexpensive chipboard to cover it. Painted white and started to work on the poop platform. By this time my chickens were getting to big for their temporary mini coop I made so I didnt finish all the chipboard or painting just what was close to their roost area so we could move them in asap.

Here is the top of the poop platform, working on it in the dark with a spotlight.

700


700


700


You can see the poop platform in the next few pictures. I used linoleum on the bottom on the poop platform and then filled it with sweet pdz (amazing stuff I highly recommend this system).

700


700


To cover the gaps we added furing or batten strips to the coop for a board and batten look. Vertical pieces of pallet boards help fill in the roof line.

1000


1000


700


The chickens had already moved in at this point as we continued to work on the coop and then the run.

1000


1000


Staining: I found a great deal on bargin bin stain from menards only $5 for a gallon and I was able to get 2!

1000


1000


1000



1000


Time to start the run! I purchased a screen door from menards took the screen off and used fence post staples to attach hardware cloth. Purchased the 2x4's, 2x6's, and posts needed and stained them ahead of time. *our run is 9x10 with a green metal roof just like our coop we had cut to size by the amish.

1000


1000


We cemented the posts in the ground for the run. We used long olly screws again to snug everything together.
1000


1000


1000


1000


Hardware cloth 1/2" all the way around the run and burried 1 ft out around the base of the coop and run too.

1000


1000


I burried broken concrete for good measure! More broken concrete wad added for a landscaped look but also helps anchor the hardware cloth down that is burried all the way around the perimeter of the run and coop.

1000


1000


Roost in the run
700


700


My boys just love our chickens they wanted to hold them while inside the run.

1000


Trenching for electronic and water was a pain 120 ft out, 4 ft deep, rocks galore, and with sandy spots that wanted to cave in. We rented a trencher for 1/2 a day for almost $200 we were rushed for time and didn't go deep enough so alot still had to be done manually.

1000


1000


1000


Finally our trench was dug our water and electric lines went down and we hooked up the pump and electric post. We used a 7ft long pump. There is pea gravel at the base, black tar paper over that, then burried (same in the connection area where it comes out of the house).

1000


1000


The water tank shown is for our mini horse but it is also where I fill the water for the chickens.

Speaking of water this was our summer system 5 gallon nipple water for outside and inside the run because at that point I had younger chickens hanging out in the run (with the door shut) and the older chickens free ranged. Held up by a closet rod /shelf bracket.
1000


Our winter system has us reverting back to our original metal waterer. My aunt and uncle gave me the heater for their water.
1000


Back inside: I had made a free standing nest box earlier. I loved the look of it but it took up to much room so I decided to cut it down and put it underneath the poop platform. I works out great!
1000


700


700

As winter weather approached I searched for ways to provide a little more protection from the elements. While I was at my aunt and uncles I found these in their scrap pile . I was thrilled when they said I could take them.

1000


I had enough to cover the lower portion of the front and part of the side of my coop! I love they way they look. I will clean them up next year. I was in a big hurry to beat the snow that was on it's way.
1000


The next morning this is what we saw...
1000


And the boys had to go check on the Chickens.
1000


1000


1000




Next spring I must hang my Hespo-clucky Inn sign that I painted.

1000



I have more plans for my coop but this is as far as I could get this year. Next year I'd like to put a dividing wall inside the coop to keep the chickens from pooping in the area I store feed and things. I also plan to put and additional poop platform up because of course there will be more chickens in my future. I'm going to keep looking for items I can repurpose for element protection too because the snow and rain will blown in when it is windy. Overall I am very happy with the outcome of my coop and run. It brings our family a lot of joy I hope you guys can find inspiration in it.
Thank you , Molly at Hespo-clucky Inn