Authentic Woods KD (Knock Down) 10' by 16' Coop Build

[aart]

Must admit I am pretty happy with the results. Today I am building the roof panels, one done and installed with three to go...

Woods designed it.....but your build it excellent!
Can't wait to see that roof up, I've been worried

 

[Ted Brown]

I managed to get 1/3 (front section) of the roof built and installed plus a breathable waterproof membrane stapled down. Metal roof sheets will provide the final close in.

I mocked up one monitor window to see the effect. I have to reverse the hinges in order to mount them permanently; also have two matching screens with 1/2 HC that will get installed first to make the building critter proof.

The roof panel design is very clever. The 2" by 3" outside frame pieces drop outside the wall edges and "locks" everything together (will need only a few screws to latch it on) and also stiffens the upper part of the building.

My BIL added trim pieces around the window openings using bits of the 1/2" by 2" batten boards; greatly improves the look and also adds security in that there are now finishing nails through the HC as well as the six screws with washers. I will use the same to complete the trim needed elsewhere on the building.

 

[Ted Brown]

Waiting in the background are our seven 19 week old "ready to lay" pullets. We were told by the supplier that they do not like change and would be stressed; having no idea what a stressed pullet does or looks like we charged ahead. Seems everyday we add something, latest is a ramp and roost bar.

We (my sister mostly) are trying to get them used to humans and being handled. Seems to be working and the ladies "seem content".

We wrap their cage every night as a security measure knowing that a raccoon or other predator could get in if they have a mind. Also scrambling to finish the basic coop so we can get them in a more secure space.

 

[aart]

We wrap their cage every night

Make sure you leave some ventilation.

 

[alexisrambles]

Congrats should go via moonbeams and memories to Pierce T. Woods the guy who collected what the folks back in the late 1800's were doing and then wrote his book in 1908. While details/instructions are slim with his diagrams all the details are contained. I just followed the instructions albeit with a wee bit of building skill and a few tools.

Must admit I am pretty happy with the results. Today I am building the roof panels, one done and installed with three to go...

Well I feel like your coop has come out better than many attempts at the Woods coops!
Really it's GORGEOUS.

 

[Ted Brown]

Well I feel like your coop has come out better than many attempts at the Woods coops!
Really it's GORGEOUS.

Alexis your comments are much appreciated but really I have seen some Woods coops that are very well done. Example is the one built recently by @MiaS on her own with help from DH & son to assemble. I believe this was her first attempt at serious building and the results, including her attached look superb; I was totally impressed.

My other comment is Woods' approach really makes for a simple and inexpensive build if one uses rough cut lumber. I had to buy more wood than I originally calculated and will pay for it this PM, expecting another ~$400CDN. So wood for the entire coop around $1050.

 

[aart]

Alexis your comments are much appreciated but really I have seen some Woods coops that are very well done.

Just say, thank you

 

[alexisrambles]

Well Ted I won't fight you on that. That is a wonderful build. My only point is this-- GOOD JOB!

 

[Ted Brown]

Thank you all for the feedback!

Today the back roof boards got installed and some tidy/touch up inside done. I had faint hope to have the pullets into the coop today but that did not happen perhaps tomorrow?

The 1st picture shows the available head room and easy access to the monitor windows; 3rd picture below is my favorite to date, makes me think about a blue plastic panel as a permanent skylight...

The last picture shows the battens in place on the back outside wall. I have two sections done and four to go (I have what wood is needed to complete), they were not important to get the coop usable so I will do the rest after the coop is in use.

 

[MiaS]

Oooh, this makes me wish I'd built bigger....Looks great and obviously the simple method laid out in the book goes much quicker than my way!!