Building my own coop

[tarajane]

I can't hammer a nail in a board much less build a coop. How did you all learn this? Are there any books for Idiot's or Dummies that will show me how to build ? I would LOVE to be able to say I made my own coop for when I get mine. Thanks

 

[dheltzel]

I'm gonna say that you have a tough road ahead without mastering some basic carpentry skills. Know any "handyman" (or handywoman) types you can ask for help and get some OTJ training as you go?

 

[TalkALittle]

You might want to look at getting a kit. You can order shed kits that come with hardware included and all the lumber precut for you. Some even come with the harder parts preassembled, like rafters and trusses.

Kits cut down on the amount of carpentry skills needed and only need basic tools to assemble. If you have a handy friend to help you, you can have a coop in less than a week that you helped build.

 

[Urban Flock]

X2 on what dheltzel says. Even if you purchase a kit you will still need some basic carpentry skills. A good place to start may be taking a class at a local Home Supply Center like Lowes or Home Depot. Not sure what is available in your area. You really need hands on experience before you start.

 

[JackE]

Here's a book that'll show you some basic stuff. You can do this. It's not exactly rocket science.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Unbrande...61589661/203674601?keyword=shed+building+book

 

[mayble]

Check craigslist for ads (or post one of your own) for an assistant. There are plenty of handy people doing odd jobs, many of them retired and just doing it to keep busy. Look for someone who can guide and assist you, rather than someone to do the entire project.
If you have the plans (buy or find online) and the materials ready to go, you and your "subcontractor" can probably put together a small coop or tractor in a day or two. In the process, you'll learn the skills so next time you can tackle it on your own.

 

[tarajane]

Once, again thank all of you. I probably will just save up the money and find someone on Craig's List that's not a psychopath and bury me alive....

 

[uzisuzuki]

I recently got "Reinventing The Chicken Coop: 14 Original Designs with Step-by-Step building Instructions" on Kindle because I need to build a big one in a few months and I have zero building experience (unless you count the stuff I built in art school that was not at all would have had been functionable as anything other than art to look at). So far, it gives a visual description of all the tools you'd need for any of the designs they have, the materials, and the steps seem pretty detailed and simple. Of course, I haven't tried anything yet, so the book could be complete garbage when actually trying to apply their steps.

 

[JeepDVL45]

Back when I had my Jeep I belonged to an online Jeepforum, I loved to work on my jeep but I have NO mechanical ability (or tools) what-so-ever, but I wanted to learn and be able to say I did most of the work myself. I started out by wing-ing and made a lot of mistakes. Then I smartened up......I requested help from local people in the jeep community....I had a couple different "like minded" individuals show up and give me a hand with some mechanical work. I did pay them (beer seems to work better then $...they were like I am...LOVED ANYTHING Jeep), we had a great time, made some friends and learned a lot.



There are probably quite a few people on this forum, relatively local to you, who have built their own coops any may be willing to help out a fellow chicken-addict.
I don't recommend this for EVERYONE, obviously you have no idea who might be showing up at your house....BUT....if you're looking for help with carpentry skills (to gain your own), you could always try finding a local continuing ed class, or better yet....head on over to your local high school/community college and (provided they have a wood shop) talk to the shop instructor....he/she might be able to point you towards a promising student that could use a bit of $$, or even give you some tips to help you out. It never hurts to ask....

And when all else fails......YOUTUBE

 

[tarajane]

Beer and Pizza then when I get moved.....

Thanks,