- Aug 13, 2012
- 43
- 0
- 22
Hello everybody. I am in the process of building my first chicken coop. There is still alot of work to be done so I would appreciate any tips, suggetions or comments. Currently I am painting it. Its not going to be grey, thats just the primer. Its going to be red with white trim.
Here is a list of a few things.
Materials:
2 pallets for floor - Free
A few reclaimed 2x4's - Free
8 new 2x4's - $20
2x5ft HWC - $10
Paint, red, white, primer - Free
Plywood (CDX!) - Free (scavenged from old roof)
Roostbar - 51c from HD scrap cart
Shingles - Free (cutting out of the good parts of our old roof)
Hinges/Locks - $4-5
So thats only about $35 spent
Still need:
Chicken Wire - $26
2 metal fence posts - $4
Buckets to make feeders - $3-4?
Ventilation:
2 - 1'x1' vents at the top
6sqft of vents at eaves. (1sqft per 2lnft, 12 lnft total)
Questions about feed: Are their any other alternatives to Layer or other processed feed? If you fed them alot of kitchen scratch and they free range everyday is there a whole grain you can feed? Is grain healthy? Thanks for any ideas.
Our neighbor has had chickens for many years. He has 4 right now that hes had for about 9 years and still lay a few eggs. He doesnt even close the door at night and the run is just 4ft chicken wire with no top. It seems like our area is pretty safe. I am still secureing my coop but what predators should prepare for then?
Also, if anyone knows any good stores for feed and supplies around Seattle/Eastside, please let me know.
What do you guys thing about the handrail as a roost? I was thinking cutting it down the middle and using it on the thin side. Answered, Thanks
Also I plan on using sand in the run but is there anything else other than pine shavings as the bedding inside? Straw for Nestboxes?
Goals:
Efficient coop.
Low cost
Good looking, We live in the city with neighbors on all sides. (kind of)
Easy to clean
OK, Picture time. My coop. Making it to house 6 hens. Thats all that the city allows.
Here is a list of a few things.
Materials:
2 pallets for floor - Free
A few reclaimed 2x4's - Free
8 new 2x4's - $20
2x5ft HWC - $10
Paint, red, white, primer - Free
Plywood (CDX!) - Free (scavenged from old roof)
Roostbar - 51c from HD scrap cart
Shingles - Free (cutting out of the good parts of our old roof)
Hinges/Locks - $4-5
So thats only about $35 spent
Still need:
Chicken Wire - $26
2 metal fence posts - $4
Buckets to make feeders - $3-4?
Ventilation:
2 - 1'x1' vents at the top
6sqft of vents at eaves. (1sqft per 2lnft, 12 lnft total)
Questions about feed: Are their any other alternatives to Layer or other processed feed? If you fed them alot of kitchen scratch and they free range everyday is there a whole grain you can feed? Is grain healthy? Thanks for any ideas.
Our neighbor has had chickens for many years. He has 4 right now that hes had for about 9 years and still lay a few eggs. He doesnt even close the door at night and the run is just 4ft chicken wire with no top. It seems like our area is pretty safe. I am still secureing my coop but what predators should prepare for then?
Also, if anyone knows any good stores for feed and supplies around Seattle/Eastside, please let me know.
Also I plan on using sand in the run but is there anything else other than pine shavings as the bedding inside? Straw for Nestboxes?
Goals:
Efficient coop.
Low cost
Good looking, We live in the city with neighbors on all sides. (kind of)
Easy to clean
OK, Picture time. My coop. Making it to house 6 hens. Thats all that the city allows.
Last edited:
