Anyone convert a cabinet or tv stand?

[LoveFeathers]

I'm really not handy, and beyond that don't want to build something from scratch if I can help it. I'm wondering if anyone have converted a cabinet or TV stand (or other furniture that may be found at a thrift store) into a quail coop. I'm looking at keeping 5-8 quail. I will probably stick with 5 and if anything get another coop down the road, but I want them to have more space than 1sq foot per bird. I would like at least 1.5 per bird. Any pictures, instructions, plans would be very much appreciated! Anything else relatively easy to find that you have used as a base or converted would be great too. Basically, I'm just looking for easy and inexpensive

 

[heather112588]

i havent ...but it definently crossed my mind to do that. Wood is very pricey!

 

[wolftracks]

I used a night stand I found on the side of the road for a quail pen. Still need to do a couple of things to it, but it works. I also started a rabbit hutch from the bottom of a old computer desk I got from the place I buy tires. It ended up being used to house a couple of Silkies. There's a cabinet that my neighbors gave me that they used to use for ???? Had chicken wire attahed to it. I'm going to be using it to build a smallish coop and raise it up (Side ways) to add a run under it for some bantams. Just make sure it's wood and not that pressed stuff. If that gets wet it crumbles.

 

[LoveFeathers]

Quote:
I guess I can make sure it isn't the pressed stuff by just wetting it? What about insulation? I live in Canada and our winters are brutal, but I plan on bringing the quail inside for the winter.

 

[wolftracks]

If you think you need it then add it, but if they'll be inside and the temps are to low then they should be fine. Besides you'll probably want to add light, so that will also help with a little heat.

 

[wolftracks]

Oh, you acn usually find an area of the piece where the cuts are bare. Look for pressed layers.

 

[saddina]

Hubbybator. itwas a 12 bottle wine cabinet. In Ca humidity was an issue (our house is usually ~20%) so we went back to an insulated one. So long as you're not in a desert, it should work well (heat was good, but getting humidity high for hatching was a mess.

 

[JJMR794]

MANY FORMS OF PRESSED BOARD GIVE OFF FORMALDEHYDE, WHICH IN A SMALL SPACE OR CLOSED ENVIRONMENT WOULD HAVE TOXIC CAPABILITIES TO THE BIRDS. JUST SOMETHING TO CONSIDER

 

[gamebirdboy]

Sorry, but I doubt a TV cabinet will last long outside. Maybe if you covered it with shower paneling.

I made a pen out of a metal shelf. Used the trays as a roof, put some marine plywood on the back, and put 1/2 inch wire on the front. I cut a holes in the wood for 2 doors, the ends already had metal over them, I made legs out of 4x4's and put it on casters I got out of the neighbor's garbage...

Didn't spend a dime, all from leftovers.

 

[wolftracks]

The ones I got were solid wood. I sealed them with wood protector. I did use 2x4s for legs. Mie have no wheel, but I've though about it.

OK now I have to start a thread on painting wire cages. LOL

I have 27 quail that need to be moved and I want to do it today or tomorrow.