Coop built onto existing structure:

[Amber Lu]

I am planning, but also flying by the seat of my pants on this. I have never built anything before, so I am learning as I go.
I am using mostly reclaimed wood and restore buys. I did purchase hardware cloth, and ten 2x4x8's for framing in the door in addition to treated wood scraps that I had around the house from a deck that we had built.

I am using a preexisting concrete pad that has a roof over it-- it is like a patio on the side of my shed. I framed it in, and used LP Smart Siding scraps that I picked up at the Restore for $10.

Walls 1 & 2

Inside-- showing how I am putting hardware cloth over the roof-- this was ridiculously, stupidly, difficult and took me WAY too long.... and I still have one panel to install.

This is the 3rd wall. It is sheltered under the roof. I stapled the hardware cloth and tomorrow I am going to go back through with washers and screws to secure it completely.

The last things that I have to do are finish enclosing the top with hardware cloth, learn how to frame and build a human door, and cut a chicken door. I am still researching auto doors, and haven't decided which to go with yet.
The girls are 6 weeks old right now, so I am going to wait on that while I build the run behind the shed =)

 

[cavemanrich]

I am still researching auto doors, and haven't decided which to go with yet.

This is the pop door I have,, and am very satisfied with it. Working since 2017, with no problems. Change a 6 volt lantern battery every year. Mine last me just somewhat longer than one year. I choose the alkaline battery,, slightly pricier than the zinc carbon Heavy Duty type.

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

 

[Amber Lu]

This is the pop door I have,, and am very satisfied with it. Working since 2017, with no problems. Change a 6 volt lantern battery every year. Mine last me just somewhat longer than one year. I choose the alkaline battery,, slightly pricier than the zinc carbon Heavy Duty type.
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WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and

Thank you for the recommendation =)

 

[Amber Lu]

Today's Progress:
Installed the washers on the hardware cloth, framed the door, and attempted to build a door-shaped object.

 

[Amber Lu]

A door-shaped object that surprisingly fits in the door-shaped hole! Woohoo!

 

[Huntmaster]

Looking good.

 

[aart]

A door-shaped object that surprisingly fits in the door-shaped hole!

What is the light coming from above the wall next to the fantastic wrought red chair?
Is there an actual electric light there or is the roof not covered?

 

[Amber Lu]

What is the light coming from above the wall next to the fantastic wrought red chair?
Is there an actual electric light there or is the roof not covered?

Thank you! I love that bistro set. It was always in my mom's garden and I inherited it when she passed. I think she would have expected me to paint it white So far it has been aqua, and now it is red.

Yes, the roof is covered =) There is a porch light there. It is only on when I need it... Sometimes, I do a little bit of after-hours gardening.

 

[aart]

and now it is red.

I love that red.......it's gorgeous!

 

[3KillerBs]

A door-shaped object that surprisingly fits in the door-shaped hole! Woohoo!
View attachment 3024064

You'll want some diagonal bracing on that or it will sag over time.

There are many options.