Alright need experts help in building, what to use, want nice big coop

[ambermarie]

Okay, I'm wanting to build me a big chicken coop, a really nice one. I want it to look like maybe a house or something....I was thinking like a square, with regular size human door, and then a little one of those 'pulley' doors on that door, one that you can open or shut...if anyone knows what I'm talking about for the chickens. I was thinking just buying a brand new big dog kennel, like a 20'x20' to use as the run, but then I was like what am I going to use to keep predators out like hawks, and to keep the sun out...well basically I need the structure built....how the heck to you build like a square! I want to use pressure treated wood so it won't mold or rot. I want to paint when I'm done so its nice. I want to have a few windows & vents. But their is another thing! I want to be able to move it, if we ever move....we might move in a few years & I would want to bring it with me. I could have a tower or something move it....but I want to build it so it can be moved... what do I use for the flooring?

Anyone know of somewhere with like step-by-step instructions on how to build frame, what exactly you need, what kind of wood, etc? I've looked at alot of the coops on this website already.

All I want is a big, nice, coop for my chickens. Have no idea what it will cost yet, but hopefully not over $800..

 

[CityChook]

Like, I think you should hire a carpenter. I'd check on craigslist.

 

[Chicken Dave]

Ya, i'd hire a carpenter and tell him what you want. i did and my coop is exactly what i wanted.

 

[patandchickens]

It's really simple. You just want to build a garden (yard storage) shed, basically, and tart it up with suitable chicken amenities. There are LOTS of books on building a backyard shed - check your library, amazon.com, local bookstores, etc. They vary from concept-only to having full plans and lots of construction advice.

It will be a LOT cheaper (also more educational) to build it yourself than to hire someone.

Alternatively just go out and buy a prefab shed from your local big-box hardware store or etc, and paint etc it to look the way you want. Some of the less-cheap ones come with reasonably house-like roof pitch. Some are square, although I am not sure square should really be a special priority. You will have to add mucho ventilation to a prefab shed (or to the plans you get for building one from a book) but that's quite easy, just takes a saw

To keep hawks out of the run, you can put central supports to hold up netting; you can use shadecloth for shade, or build a porch-type thing off the side of the coop.

Make real sure your coop and run size are ample for the number of chickens you want; and that you've priced this all out. If you want things large and are particular about exactly how they look, it can rapidly get into the multiple thousands of dollars.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat