The Fluffy Butt Hutt

The Fluffy Butt Hut


I really dreamed of my husband building or buying half shed/half coop much similar to the layout of Lisa Steele’s layout. However, my husband had other plans and gave all the space to the girls.


IMG_9841.jpeg il_794xN.1126873004_tg73.jpg

The white coop is the desired look according to plans but we modified. We made the egg door flush. I felt compelled to show you so you could see the difference.


IMG_9692.jpeg

Walls and flooring are in.

IMG_9694.jpeg

The sides of walls are going up. The line markings are making sure it is level. We placed it up off the ground a little because we are on a grade unfortunately but this prevents expensive concrete base and the wood from rotting. Do not let the chickens out because this is also a great hiding place where mom and dad cannot reach me. No I do not want this as part of my run and clean out! I learned from my last coop that is a no, no.

IMG_9695.jpeg

This angle shows the front door. The windows are taking shape and the egg door is in front facing the house. My husband still wanted a flush outside access.
The roof, windows, egg door, and front door siding and paint are on.


IMG_9701.jpeg


This is the finished product with sliding windows. We have it screened with hardware cloth. We finished with grey to match the house and black accessories. We changed the roof to siding material as more durable than shingles. I would like a cupola but husband is resting right now. The build took about a week.


IMG_9720.jpeg


You can see the chicken door opening now has a ramp and attached run. Needs a good coat of paint to match. This is a good staycation project for COVID-19. I must admit it took shame from his co-workers on Facebook to get out the paintbrush for the run space.


IMG_9727.jpg

Now it is all painted and done. Time to accessorize. The girls love it Raven and Remy.
We placed a natural branch in the run for fun. They love going in and out. I would have liked the run adult height but this is still bigger than last and cuts cost because they really do not need the extra height as much as you do. I still get in with my long handle rake to clean and my cleaning supplies to clean the ramp if necessary. It stays cleaner as more space.

IMG_9725.jpg

I plan to landscape a little around base. Maybe some potted flowers to hang. Ordering a sign for the door or wreath. I love being able to have a man size door and stand up to clean the coop. It is so easy it is ridiculous. Should have done this first instead of the proverbial Tractor Supply Coop kit but it was a low cost investment in case we changed our minds. Once you have the eggs and enjoy the birds. There is no going back. Menards provided most of our supplies but build to taste is all I can say.

IMG_9731.jpg

This is the inside. We stacked straw bale in left front corner for storage. Interestingly enough they do not bother it. It provides extra insulation and also when I clean I can just pull off some to cover floor and nest boxes for fresh new layer. The floor is white plastic as inexpensive and easy to clean.


IMG_9732.jpg

Behind the natural perch is the chicken door to the run and my husband installed a new automatic steel door. Predator proof is essential around here. Remy is trying it out for you. You will notice we have padlocks on the outside doors as well even though we have heavy latching just to keep everyone out humans and animals alike. You get stricter after you have had a flock kill plus it prevents the local neighbors from sneaking in.

IMG_9817.JPG

You can see a natural perch inside for roosting in center. PVC feeders to the left and supplements. The right side includes three nest boxes lined with same white plastic sheeting for easy cleaning and has a water fountain that hangs to keep clean fresh water. We are keeping food/water inside for the winter to avoid freezing. We will see if this works if not my husband will have to hook up electric to the chick house for the winter to run a deicer same as last year. It feels warm inside but not too warm. The coop temperatures and humidity are doing well and hope it keeps the girls warm in the winter. We will continue to monitor. So far everyone loves it!
Everyone loves the chickens and of course the eggs!

Etsy link to plans; converted to flush egg door modification. Copy and Paste link.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/238472115/chicken-coop-plans-pdf-file-instant?ref=yr_purchases
MENARDS PRICING LIST

Flooring
1/8 x 4 x 8 White HDPE Panel Qty. 2
$39.99

Model Number: WHTHDPE48X96X118

Tax Subtotal $4.80

Total $84.78

Roofing

36" Pro-Rib® Light Gray Steel Panel Qty. 6
$9.32

Model Number: Light_Gray_1558250-03

10' Light Gray Steel Corner & Gable Trim Qty. 1 $13.99

Model Number: Light_Gray_1563915-03

Pro-Grip #10 x 2" Wood Grip Hex Drive Light Gray Pole Barn Screw - 1 lb. Qty. 1 $6.99

Model Number: Light_Gray_2301671-03

Tax Subtotal $4.62

Total $81.64

Siding and Trim

2-3/8" x 10' Steel Starter Strip Qty. 4
$2.29

Model Number: 1461020

MiraTEC® 1 x 4 x 8' Engineered Reversible Composite Trim Board Qty. 4 $6.79

Model Number: 1432455

MiraTEC® 1 x 6 x 8' Engineered Reversible Composite Trim Board Qty. 4 $10.39

Model Number: 1432459

Cedar Creek Double 4" x 12' 6" Gray Vinyl Siding Qty. 24 $4.29

Model Number: VLC4002

ABTCO® 10' Gray Outside Corner Trim Qty. 3 $15.99

Model Number: VCNN302

TimberCrest® 3/4" Heritage Gray J-Channel Qty. 7 $5.49

Model Number: VJM03426

Processing Fees: $8.40

Shipping: $89.00

Tax Subtotal: $21.88

Total $386.52

Grand Total $1,093.94
Windows of choosing x4 $400
Approx. $1500.00

*Perches made from the wild. Made PVC feeders from old parts lying around the house. Nesting boxes made from left over wall material to my specifications. Used left over flooring to line nest boxes.

Blood, sweat, and tears Priceless !
About author
Melky
Hi, I am striving to always lead an organic happy healthy life for me and my family supporting farm to table excellent quality food. I love going in my backyard to find what is for dinner combining the best of flavors for that perfect taste and aroma to put on my plate.

Latest reviews

This is an amazing coop. The article is informative!
Adorable coop. I like yours better than the inspiration coop. Great article with great pictures, and the list of supplies is a nice bonus. Knowing what I'm gonna spend before hand is always a good thing.
Very nice!
  • Like
Reactions: Melky

Comments

Hi there and thanks to you and your husband for the photos of the work and the story. Very nice built also.
 
Like all the detail you went into (supply list, costs, design changes).
 

Article information

Author
Melky
Article read time
5 min read
Views
3,065
Comments
3
Reviews
3
Last update
Rating
4.57 star(s) 7 ratings

More from Melky

Share this article

Back
Top Bottom