This is our little coop dream in sunny Central Florida. We painted our existing shed and added several upgrades to the interior including roosting bars and vinyl flooring for easy clean up. The paint and trim colors mirrors our home structure. We added the shutter detail and shade garden to the outside as a decorative element.
We added the run to the outside with posts and 2x4s. Hardware cloth is buried 12 inches deep and 12 inches wide from the walls of the structure to provide additional security. The windows provide cross ventilation and some relief from the Florida heat. Simple box construction was used to create the side panels and hardware cloth was added to the posts for protection. The tin roof adds a bit of shade and protects the run. The door is constructed of 2x4s and hardware cloth. Very simple design with painted details.
The interior features trimmed walls, a chicken door on a pulley system and a few thrifted vintage prints. The metal water fount and feeder adds to the charm (Rural King). The dual level roosting bars are on the opposite side (2x4s). The entire structure was created with simple construction, plenty of 2x4s and hardware cloth to keep the "girls" safe. Nesting boxes will be added as the hens mature. Feeder and water fount have been moved to the run to make space for the nesting boxes.
Another view of the outside - this was an existing structure that was trimmed and painted for a new coop experience. The landscaping adds a bit of shade and protection during free range afternoons. The metal light purchased from Lowes adds a decorative element and the fleur de lis metal art was purchased on sale at Hobby Lobby.
One more view! We love our Cypress Chicken Cottage.
This is the perfect home for our very spoiled cochin flock! The hardest part of construction was dealing with the Florida heat. For some reason, we thought it was a good idea to start our coop transformation in July! However, we would do it over again as this coop protects our girls from the elements, provides an interesting backyard element and was a great DIY project. Best of luck with your coop designs.
Thanks for taking a look at our Cypress Chicken Cottage! Here are a few pics of our sweet girls - Charlotte, Scarlett, Savannah, Anna and Emily!
