Coop built onto existing structure:

[McChooky]

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
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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.
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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.


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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 =)

Good job!

 

[Amber Lu]

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

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There are many options.

Thanks! I am getting there-- I haven't quite figured out how to cut on an angle yet-- still working on straight lines

I was thinking about steel corner braces at the top and bottom-- do you think that would be effective?

 

[3KillerBs]

Thanks! I am getting there-- I haven't quite figured out how to cut on an angle yet-- still working on straight lines

I was thinking about steel corner braces at the top and bottom-- do you think that would be effective?

It's not a bad idea anyway, but it won't do the job long-term.

Get the screendoor turnbuckle. They're not too expensive and easy to use -- the people at the hardware store will be able to help you if you tell them what you're doing and show them a photo of your door.

 

[Amber Lu]

It's not a bad idea anyway, but it won't do the job long-term.

Get the screendoor turnbuckle. They're not too expensive and easy to use -- the people at the hardware store will be able to help you if you tell them what you're doing and show them a photo of your door.

Thanks! I would have had no idea what to ask for =)

 

[3KillerBs]

Thanks! I would have had no idea what to ask for =)

Here are instructions on how to install it: https://todayshomeowner.com/how-to-fix-a-sagging-screen-door/

If you tell the people at your local hardware store that you're a beginner and need help they're usually very accommodating (some of the Big Box people too -- but more likely at the small, local place).

 

[McChooky]

Thanks! I am getting there-- I haven't quite figured out how to cut on an angle yet-- still working on straight lines

I was thinking about steel corner braces at the top and bottom-- do you think that would be effective?

You can cut some gussets out of scrap boards or a piece of plywood (triangles) and screw them into in each corner to brace your door better too.The bigger the gussets the better they'll support it.

 

[Amber Lu]

I attempted to hang the door yesterday. It looks sort of like Dr. Seuss drew it on... a wee bit crooked. I am sure that I am going to rebuild it at some point.

Left to do before I can move the girls in:
Install the latch & a door stop to keep it from being pushed inward.
Add hardware cloth to the "window"
Build a roost & droppings box

So excited! =)

 

[aart]

a door stop to keep it from being pushed inward.

Put one at the top too, so you can remove the funky piece of HC that's there.

 

[Amber Lu]

Put one at the top too, so you can remove the funky piece of HC that's there.

The hardware cloth is already gone. My arm was just too tired to reach up and snip it off yesterday

 

[Amber Lu]

Adding this for comparison before I started =)