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About 7 years ago, when the kids were leaving the nest for school, my wife decided to refill the nest with chickens! Willing to purchase plans, but not able to find the 'right' plan, I decided to design our own.

This design was inspired by a couple neighborhood coop tours, and the many designs posted online. It is wonderful how creative coop builders can be when it comes to reusing/recycling materials, and solving their unique design issues. I am particularly happy with this coop's wood-plastic composite foundation which simply sets in a level depression with plenty of dirt inside for scratching. The coop has proven sturdy, withstands the environment reasonably well, and is somewhat portable as the two of us were able to easily reorient the coop within the chicken run at one time.

Design goals:
  • Space for 3-5 chickens
  • Predator and rodent proof from all sides
  • Easy clean-up with room to walk inside
  • Efficiently utilize common exterior grade material sizes
  • Weatherproof, sturdy and lightweight
Attached is a .pdf version of the plans as shown, and if more information is desired, the detailed solid model is available in the SketchUp 3D Warehouse, file name: Chicken coop 170701v1
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The coop has worked well for us for 7 years now, but there are a few things I might have done differently or change in the future. We have 5 chickens now, and it might be a little small in that there is some occasional fussing about who gets what spot on the roost at night. During winter storms, we like to cover two sides with a tarp. It might be nice to incorporate some removable panels of some sort for weather protection. The roof is showing a little weather damage along the edges, easily prevented with the addition of some flashing.

Thanks to all those who posted their coop designs. I hope this design might inspire someone else to build a coop of their own.

Cheers!

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