Chicken Coop Construction for the Poor and Unhandy

[chicknmania]

If you google chicken tractors, you'll come up with hundreds of ideas in addition to these. We're making: ours out of pcv pipe; I enlisted a friend to help us, turned out to be a big hassle; the pipe, which is special very heavy pipe, is still lighter than wood, but the connectors and stuff were more than I wanted to spend; we paid him about $200.00 to put it together for us, plus we bought wire ties, poultry netting and tarp. I'll post a picture when it is finally done

Maybe still cheaper than some coops, I guess.

 

[dogzrule5]

I also love looking at the pretty coups and runs on this site and they are very inspiring. Some of the projects, I can undertake but others are beyond my budget.

One item I have used for a nesting box is one of those Sterilite storage bins (a medium sized one). I cut out a square opening in one end with a utility knife and put some straw inside it. I can take to top off to get the eggs and refresh the straw if necessary.

I will say that the hens love it. I'll be adding a second one this weekend for inside the barn. The current one is in the run.

 

[julietma]

I would like some explanation of what exactly is a roost, as compared to a laying box. What makes a good roost, a good laying box, and keeps their functions separate? And how do I incorporate these into what will surely be an extremely simple coop?

Thanks!

 

[FrontPorchIndiana]

Quote:
Ain't that the truth! Words of wisdom there.

 

[FrontPorchIndiana]

Quote:
A roost would be something for them to perch on at night to sleep. It can be a tree branch or a 2x4 or something similar. A nest box is for them to lay their eggs in. I'm currently using a plastic dish pan from the dollar store with shavings in it and they seem to be fine with that. You can make them as elaborate as you'd like though.

 

[SewingDiva]

Quote:
A roost is just a horizontal pole, tree limb narrow board for chieksn to rest and sleep on. Roosts are always higher than nest boxes, and they can be fron maybe 18 ibnches to 3-4 feet above the ground or floor. In cold climates like mine, some people switch to a narrow 3 inch board in the winter to help the birds conserve body heat because their feet are flat instead of being curled around a round object.

A nest box gives a hen privacey for egg laying. thye're usually10 to 12 inches wide and tall. Some people close them off at the top, some just have three sides. Also, you'll often see nest boxes bulging out from the side of a chicken coop, people do this so they don't need to go into the henhouse to collect eggs, or to give as much interiorfloor space as possible to the birds. I think the ratio is one nest box for each 3-4 hens.

To get some coop ideas just go to the "Coop Designs" link at the top of this page - lots of insipiration!

~Phyllis

 

[julietma]

I think the ratio is one nest box for each 3-4 hens.

This is particularly helpful, as I do not plan on having more than three. All the info is great, and I will consult the coop designs link for more of it!​

 

[White Elk]

I made a temp night pen for the Ducks and Chickens. I started with a pre-made chicken coop we had for two hens that had since passed. Then I put hardware cloth bottom on it and jerry rigged a pen for the ducks off the side of it. The ducks have access to the area just under the chickens roost and thats where they choose to rest. I used no tape measure and designed as I went to use every bit of hardware cloth and chicken wire I had. I used scrap lumber and nails I recycled from a past job working for a home builder. And used a staple gun to attach the Hcloth and CHwire as well as the wire that held the Hcloth and CHwire in it's packaged roll. The ducks door is the door from teh chicken coop roost and is attached using rubber coated wire. The red stuff is the hinge and the green is the "door knob". Its humble, cheap and temporary. Oh, and theres a yard umbrella I use to regulate shade as needed.

 

[herbandteas]

White Elk

Your chicken roost looks like a rabbit hutch I have. I have 6 chicks and 2 ducks. I was given a coop with small run for them. Then we made a pen to go around this so there is plenty of places for them to roam around during the day.

 

[ams3651]

First I want to say about my cheap tools, they work. I flat out can not afford to buy better and I doubt Im the only one in that position. Second, I think Im in the same boat as some when I say I got materials from many different sources but it didnt happen over night. I have pallets Im using for walls, I got those about 2 months ago. I just a couple days ago got paneling and some plywood. And last week I got some exterior plywood. with some hardware cloth, assorted boards and cheap sticky floor tiles in there some where. If your on a tight budget you can get it done but it may take a while to collect the materials. And most importantly use your imagination. My 3/4 done coop doesnt look alot like I imagined but the chickens dont care.