After many hours of internet research before getting our chickens this spring, I decided to build my own coop. I've never built anything before (learned the hard way that a 2x4 does not actually measure such) but I'm a good problem solver and we had tools in the garage, so I went for it. My husband pitched in but I did the majority of the work. My motto throughout was, "it's just for chickens!" As long as it's secure, they don't mind much if it's not square or Pinterest-able.
The one thing that hasn't worked out well is the door at the end of the run. I planned on this being a big swinging door so I could have plenty of access to the run. That part works fine but I can't figure out a good way to secure it. Carabiners won't fit and I currently have a functional (but annoying!!!) system of threading a chain (animals could gnaw through rope) through staggered keyrings. I could build out a square door but I really prefer having the whole area open as it's much easier to get in, so any suggestions are welcome.
This is my first go at building and chicken having, so let me know if you have helpful feedback!
The finished product!
The design I started with. I did some chicken math and ended up building a larger coop.
Rough design using SketchUp
Step one is to gather supplies and a useless dog
I made a thing!
Not pictured: building the four framed walls. It's at this point that I learn that a 2x4 is not actually that and so my final measurements get a little off but I persevere anyway.
The chickens arrive so the pressure is on
In place and starting to be assembled
Working on the hardware cloth skirt for the run
Then adding the PVC pipe
It's functional
Meanwhile, everyone is making friends
Testing out the 3D printed waterer
The first roost, until everyone got too big and was crowding on the top and squished under the ceiling
New roost = 2x4 with the old roost against it (zip tied to it won't fall) - they love hoping around on it all. You can get a good view of the hardware cloth on the ceiling. I'm hoping the two side windows and the open roof will be enough/not too much ventilation for the winter (avg 20 degrees)
Waterer, feeder, and area for future nesting boxes
The one thing that hasn't worked out well is the door at the end of the run. I planned on this being a big swinging door so I could have plenty of access to the run. That part works fine but I can't figure out a good way to secure it. Carabiners won't fit and I currently have a functional (but annoying!!!) system of threading a chain (animals could gnaw through rope) through staggered keyrings. I could build out a square door but I really prefer having the whole area open as it's much easier to get in, so any suggestions are welcome.
This is my first go at building and chicken having, so let me know if you have helpful feedback!
The finished product!
The design I started with. I did some chicken math and ended up building a larger coop.
Rough design using SketchUp
Step one is to gather supplies and a useless dog
I made a thing!
Not pictured: building the four framed walls. It's at this point that I learn that a 2x4 is not actually that and so my final measurements get a little off but I persevere anyway.
The chickens arrive so the pressure is on
In place and starting to be assembled
Working on the hardware cloth skirt for the run
Then adding the PVC pipe
It's functional
Meanwhile, everyone is making friends
Testing out the 3D printed waterer
The first roost, until everyone got too big and was crowding on the top and squished under the ceiling
New roost = 2x4 with the old roost against it (zip tied to it won't fall) - they love hoping around on it all. You can get a good view of the hardware cloth on the ceiling. I'm hoping the two side windows and the open roof will be enough/not too much ventilation for the winter (avg 20 degrees)
Waterer, feeder, and area for future nesting boxes
