- Sep 7, 2009
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As a fun project that would allow me to learn to use Google Sketchup I decided to design a coop that might meet the requirements of many of the readers on this site. Here are the design parameters I started with:
1. Keep it SIMPLE. Nothing extra, no details purely for cosmetics. Function first.
2. Coop materials to cost less than $100.
3. Coop must provide adequate space, and safe, weather proof housing for up to four large breed chickens. I chose four chickens, because it's a good number for a backyard flock.
5. No special tools or equipment will be required for construction. Minimum tools include a hand saw and a drill driver. Better, tools would be a circular saw and a drill driver.
5. Efficient use of materials and no complicated cutting or assembly. Everything goes together with deck screws.
Here's the final bill of materials I came up with. Price it out at your local Home Depot or Lowes (84 Lumber might be less expensive) and see if you can come under the $100 goal. I think you can. Not included in this list is paint, hasps and locks, and roof covering (shingles, tar paper, roof panels, etc.) These are all optional. Also not included are the blocks the coop sits on. It can sit on 4x4" posts, concrete blocks, skids, wheels, pavers, concrete stretcher blocks, or anything else that suits your fancy and budget. 4x4" posts are shown in the photos. The front window cutout is sized to fit a stock shed window which would add about $30 to the cost, but is an option.
(2 1/2) 8x4' sheets 3/8" exterior grade ply or the equivalent OSB
(1) 8x4' sheet 1/2" exterior grade ply
(11) 8' 2x3" lumber
(2) 8' 2x4" lumber
(11) 8' 1-3/4x3/4" furring strips
(4) hinge sets
(1) 24"x 6' hardware cloth or welded wire screen
(1) small box 2 1/2 deck screws
(1) small box 1 1/2 deck screws
Here's a depiction of the final product:
Here's an X-ray view of the construction:
If there's interest in building this coop, I will make more details available.
1. Keep it SIMPLE. Nothing extra, no details purely for cosmetics. Function first.
2. Coop materials to cost less than $100.
3. Coop must provide adequate space, and safe, weather proof housing for up to four large breed chickens. I chose four chickens, because it's a good number for a backyard flock.
5. No special tools or equipment will be required for construction. Minimum tools include a hand saw and a drill driver. Better, tools would be a circular saw and a drill driver.
5. Efficient use of materials and no complicated cutting or assembly. Everything goes together with deck screws.
Here's the final bill of materials I came up with. Price it out at your local Home Depot or Lowes (84 Lumber might be less expensive) and see if you can come under the $100 goal. I think you can. Not included in this list is paint, hasps and locks, and roof covering (shingles, tar paper, roof panels, etc.) These are all optional. Also not included are the blocks the coop sits on. It can sit on 4x4" posts, concrete blocks, skids, wheels, pavers, concrete stretcher blocks, or anything else that suits your fancy and budget. 4x4" posts are shown in the photos. The front window cutout is sized to fit a stock shed window which would add about $30 to the cost, but is an option.
(2 1/2) 8x4' sheets 3/8" exterior grade ply or the equivalent OSB
(1) 8x4' sheet 1/2" exterior grade ply
(11) 8' 2x3" lumber
(2) 8' 2x4" lumber
(11) 8' 1-3/4x3/4" furring strips
(4) hinge sets
(1) 24"x 6' hardware cloth or welded wire screen
(1) small box 2 1/2 deck screws
(1) small box 1 1/2 deck screws
Here's a depiction of the final product:
Here's an X-ray view of the construction:
If there's interest in building this coop, I will make more details available.
