Advice Please re: Up-cycled Play House Coop (photos)

[AgnesDidIt]

Hello Chicken People,

I've been lurking and enjoying reading here off and on for a couple of years. Recently I realized that instead of planning/purchasing a coop, my children have outgrown their play set, and I've probably got the makings of one already in the backyard. This Spring seems like the right time to go for it.

I would love any thoughts from you wise folks - (photos attached). I'm looking for something simple but kind of cute too. Around 100.00 -200.00 in materials?

One concern - it's taller than the typical play set, with one side being taller than the other. Is it too tall to utilize the 2nd stories?

Any advice or input appreciated. Many thanks.

 

[ChirpyChicks1]

I'm no expert and I'm sure you'll get better advice but I'd make the 2nd story the coop and underneath the run area

 

[jetdog]

I would get someone who has a chain saw and cut the legs down to a good height, you have a nice foundation to do what ever you want, box the bottomin for a small run.

 

[AgnesDidIt]

Thank you both. So I'm thinking this project will go something like this:

- remove the steps, swings, and rock wall
- cut the legs down a bit
- make the lower level a screened run w/ full size people door, all with hardware cloth
- close-up the upper level with wood and some ventilated spots, make a walk-up for the chickens
- make the upper level the coop, roosts, and build nesting boxes that stick out about face level to a human standing on the outside
- rain proof the roof (currently it's just wood slats)
- paint it

What am I missing? How can I make clean up easiest (minimal bending, and no crawling)?

Many thanks again

 

[jetdog]

I got these tiles at Lowe's in the clearance shelf for .05 a piece it will make clean up a snap check for any type of vinyl flooring, put construction sand in the run and it cleans very easy with a cat litter scoop.

 

[love2grinchicke]

my mental image of chickens jumping up the rock wall.

 

[AgnesDidIt]

I had to jump back and edit, adding that I was indeed removing the rock wall. I first thought it was inherent in the post, but decided I'd better clarify I had the same images. Ya never know!

 

[jenniemig]

I saw a few of these on Craigslist and thought they would make a perfect coop and run with a few modifications. I think it will work great! Post pictures as you go so we can see the progress you make.

 

[ChirpyChicks1]

I have a loose sheet of vinyl on my coop floor to protect the flooring, vinyl will shrink and expand due to weather so not having it attached to the board is best. Also I can drag it out if needed which is great.

 

[Tracyree]

This might help. I saw this post years ago and love what he did

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/steadfasts-chicken-coop