building from scratch

[PeeWa]

Hi All,
We dont have a lot of money so I build many things with recycled wood, from where ever I can get it as long as its non toxic, usually pallets.

I have a fair supply of lumber and some plywood that I can use to set up a new coop.

I have 8 chicks a couple of weeks to a couple of days old, 4 hens, and a rooster. I think they are Bantams. but not entirely sure, they have small eggs. anyway, within a month or so the chicks will need a bigger space than where they are now. which is a wooden box with a heat lamp and some stuff in it for them. Our current coop works fine for the hens and the rooster, I have a separate set up for our broody who is sitting on the final 4-5 eggs.

We have a fairly large back yard, so we let the chickens free range, sometimes they get over the fence. We are in the mountains so people dont really care too much about a chicken in their yard. but I digress.

I need some ideas for some coops that can have a small run for when we are away for a day and a coop for them to sleep in and find shelter when it gets hot or cold or what ever. We are hoping to get many eggs from them so we want to have that be accessible and maybe later have more chicks.

any suggestions for designs that might work, that I can make with recycled wood? I can buy lumber if I need to but prefer to use recycled when ever possible.

thanks

 

[cavemanrich]

Here is a link to a thread with many coop pictures. Scan thru it to get ideas.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/post-your-chicken-coop-pictures-here.596294/
I likewise do like to make things in a repurposed fashion. My coop, is Plastic Playhouse. I don't keep many chickens, so it is not really one for your larger flock.
I understand you being on a budget.
Consider possibly getting a garden shed from someone that just wants it removed from their backyard. You would have to disassemble it, and reassemble at your home.
I do run across such postings on Craigs' List. Some of the newer sheds , the peeps do want to sell, but still reasonable.
This is my coop.

WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, and

 

[archeryrob]

I just finished a coop out of entirely pallet reclaimed wood. I would call it cheaper, but I spent plenty of money on screws and wire for the run. You can convert a cheap free shed off marketplace cheap. making a run and predator proofing can add up quick.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Another really great source for ideas here...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/

Hoop coops are less expensive than wood. Sometimes I see cattle panels on craigslist.

Your climate will be a factor in what you build.

Where are you located?

 

[PeeWa]

Another really great source for ideas here...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/

Hoop coops are less expensive than wood. Sometimes I see cattle panels on craigslist.

Your climate will be a factor in what you build.

Where are you located?

We are in east San Diego county in the mountains. They are not real high mountians, but it does get snow in the winter, and hot as heck in the summer.

 

[PeeWa]

Here is a link to a thread with many coop pictures. Scan thru it to get ideas.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/post-your-chicken-coop-pictures-here.596294/
I likewise do like to make things in a repurposed fashion. My coop, is Plastic Playhouse. I don't keep many chickens, so it is not really one for your larger flock.
I understand you being on a budget.
Consider possibly getting a garden shed from someone that just wants it removed from their backyard. You would have to disassemble it, and reassemble at your home.
I do run across such postings on Craigs' List. Some of the newer sheds , the peeps do want to sell, but still reasonable.
This is my coop.
View attachment 1833135
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, and

I am blown away by some of those coops. WOW. they are really into it. Really awesome, lots of great ideas, thank you

 

[Alaskan]

I built a couple of coops and a tractor out of scrap.

I spent nothing on one coop and tractor.... and under 10 bucks on the other coop.

The key is to gather as much free stuff as you can.

In my area scrounging at the construction trash area of the dump is legal (and AWESOME).

Also, we have a local Facebook free page... people giving away stuff.

Places that fix windows often throw away fogged windows, and you can pick them up for free, just call them to ask when they toss them out.. .. fogged windows are great for coops.

Once you have a good pile of stuff spread it out on the lawn and see what shape it wants to be.

My bantam coop was based on a truck topper that I got for free and these two very nice support beams.

My duck coop was based on a very sturdy fuel tank support table.

 

[Alaskan]

Oh... it IS difficult to get good fence for free. I have managed to get some... but I have had to buy one roll of hardware cloth at some point.

 

[PeeWa]

I am looking pretty good, I have a plan. I have 90% of the stuff I need, I just need to get some more pallets. The coop will be big enough to have the birds have plenty of space and plenty of room to grow.
I will need to likely by some chicken wire at some point, but the roll I have may work fine.

I will post some pics after I make some headway. Still in the over thinking process right now.

 

[Alaskan]

Chicken wire will keep chickens in... but it won't keep dogs out.

Stray dogs are a huge chicken predator.

Think dog proof fencing.

Then add whatever else the top predators in your area are.... and keep those out too.

Everything loves chicken.