Building my 1st chicken coop

[Hens Solo]

After hatching a dozen laying hens, I've now set about to build my 1st chicken coop. I'm finding it more difficult than I thought. Most of my wood is salvaged from storm damage. The door is 52" high so I can get in to clean it. I've still got a few weeks to complete it. So ar I've borrowed a lot of ideas from BYC and other sources.

 

[black_cat]

I'm looking to build a coop, and am wondering where you get that shingled roofing? I can't seem to find any corrugated metal for roofing, or shingles. I've checked several hardware stores

 

[Hens Solo]

I have to admit that I am a scavenger. I got permission from a contractor to have all the old shingles I can find around his place. Unfortunately I had to pay $25 a sheet (5) for t-111 at Lowes as well as about $50 for paint. When I'm done I hope to have less than $300 in the 4x6 coop.

 

[black_cat]

I have to admit that I am a scavenger. I got permission from a contractor to have all the old shingles I can find around his place. Unfortunately I had to pay $25 a sheet (5) for t-111 at Lowes as well as about $50 for paint. When I'm done I hope to have less than $300 in the 4x6 coop.

I've found a plan that seems like it will work really well for me, but after scavenging lowes, home depot, and ace, i'll be sinking about $600 into a 6x3 coop with a 6x3 run. I'm not exactly a master builder, so designing something myself is..... daunting. I don't want to mess anything up for future chickens, but I can't seem to find another plan that seems like it will work out. There are tons of great plans out there, I guess I just haven't had great luck with them lol

 

[Mamatomany123]

I have to admit that I am a scavenger. I got permission from a contractor to have all the old shingles I can find around his place. Unfortunately I had to pay $25 a sheet (5) for t-111 at Lowes as well as about $50 for paint. When I'm done I hope to have less than $300 in the 4x6 coop.

Are you keeping all 12 chickens? Because if you are then that coop needs to double in size.

 

[WallyG74]

It’s easy to spend lots of money on construction projects. Building materials are getting more expensive by the minute. Things may be more expensive where you live but $600 seems like a lot For a 6x3 coop. Remember this... you’re not living in it, chickens are. It’s easy to over build. Trust me, I’ve done it a few times. Keep them safe but remember it’s for chickens.

 

[Hens Solo]

After hatching a dozen laying hens, I've now set about to build my 1st chicken coop. I'm finding it more difficult than I thought. Most of my wood is salvaged from storm damage. The door is 52" high so I can get in to clean it. I've still got a few weeks to complete it. So ar I've borrowed a lot of ideas from BYC and other sources.

one week later the "skin" is put on my coop. I still need to work on windows, doors, ramp to run, and a lot of extras. While I work the hens come around to inspect the work. They cock their head approvingly or disaproving. They peck at my hammer and peck my back once in a while.

 

[Hens Solo]

one week later the "skin" is put on my coop. I still need to work on windows, doors, ramp to run, and a lot of extras. While I work the hens come around to inspect the work. They cock their head approvingly or disaproving. They peck at my hammer and peck my back once in a while.

Another day of covid-inspired chicken coop work!

 

[Aunt Angus]

It looks fantastic! I'm not sure of your space needs, but for salvaged stuff, it looks great! Wowie!!

My old 4 x 8 coop (for 5 hens) was made from a ruined fence and stuff found on Craigslist. I spent about 200 in all. I special ordered a metal roof from Home Depot.

I strongly recommend checking out Craigslist for anyone building a coop! Saved ma a ton! I found free salvaged plywood and t-11 for $10 a sheet!

 

[Hens Solo]

It looks fantastic! I'm not sure of your space needs, but for salvaged stuff, it looks great! Wowie!!

My old 4 x 8 coop (for 5 hens) was made from a ruined fence and stuff found on Craigslist. I spent about 200 in all. I special ordered a metal roof from Home Depot.

I strongly recommend checking out Craigslist for anyone building a coop! Saved ma a ton! I found free salvaged plywood and t-11 for $10 a sheet!

You da man! $200 and a larger coop! I wholeheartedly convey the scavenger crown! I'm actually down to 10 hens. sold 6 the other day.