Coop from Big Box Store

[U_Stormcrow]

...and if you plan to convert a shed by adding ventilation near the roof? My Lowes is selling "floor models" from the parking lot as they change over for the new year - your may be too.

 

[springvalley123]

For the price, a "hoop coop" is almost impossible to beat. Minimal framing, structure is provided by bent cattle panels. Predator proofing with hardware cloth. Expandable to whatever size you need by lengthening it. Avoids most of the issues with lumber prices right now. Can be roofed with either a tarp or polycarbonate, if you need a roof - for most of your run, you wont. If you need it taller, that canI s be done, too, plan on an 8x16' design (roughly) to minimize cuts. Hognose pliers and rings are probably the best permanent attachment method, but heavy duty zip ties are fast and dirty, will last a while. Screws and washers or monster poultry staples to affix the panels to the frame.

If you aren't handy with tools, plastic milk crates (run about $7 ea) for decent ones new [you may be able to source old, used (and better quality) for cheaper] make great nesting boxes. Deep litter means no "floor", you just need to mount roosting bars. and hang the nesting boxes.

If you prefer a more conventional "building" for your coop, going to a metal roof on purlins, rather than 2x4 rafters, decking, felt, and shingles is (currently) cheaper, always faster, and reasonably expected to last longer. Lumber prices being what they are, Hardieboard is now as cheap or cheaper than plywood, ad again, expected to last longer (that said, it is HEAVY and HARD on tools - you want to minimize how much cutting of that stuff you do).

I swear I was starting to think the same thing! someone on the arizona thread is doing one now or soon I think! Low cost, not a lot of specialized skills.

I don't have one, but I did use plastic totes for nest boxes. I cut holes in front and back and backed them to shade cloth for ventilation due to my climate. I screwed them onto a sheet of plywood on top of concrete blocks.

 

[springvalley123]

...and if you plan to convert a shed by adding ventilation near the roof? My Lowes is selling "floor models" from the parking lot as they change over for the new year - your may be too.

even easier, you must have to do the gable roof ventilation and roosts, and maybe secure one half of the double door, depending on model! I had someone build the 8x8 shed that has simple gable roof. It worked great!

 

[Aunt Tat]

...and if you plan to convert a shed by adding ventilation near the roof? My Lowes is selling "floor models" from the parking lot as they change over for the new year - your may be too.

we had planned to move our 12x12 shed and use that footprint for the coop/run area. HOWEVER - we decided since the framing, rafters and floor are in good shape, it would be more economical to re-roof, build new doors and reside the shed. (in addition, gain more floor space by removing the little room my dad made for home-canned foods)

So at this point, we don't have a space that will accommodate a shed to outfit (and we don't have the $$$$ for said shed) I do need to have the shed placed at a location that's easy for me to get to. 20 years ago, it wouldn't have been an issue.

 

[Aunt Tat]

we had planned to move our 12x12 shed and use that footprint for the coop/run area. HOWEVER - we decided since the framing, rafters and floor are in good shape, it would be more economical to re-roof, build new doors and reside the shed. (in addition, gain more floor space by removing the little room my dad made for home-canned foods)

So at this point, we don't have a space that will accommodate a shed to outfit (and we don't have the $$$$ for said shed) I do need to have the shed placed at a location that's easy for me to get to. 20 years ago, it wouldn't have been an issue.

Hardi board would be terrific for residing the shed!

 

[aart]

THIS is the coop I want to buy from my neighbor.

Right.....
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/ventilation-on-amish-style-coop.1449221/
is that still the plan.....or......?

 

[aart]

yeah. it's still the plan. We'll have the run built, coop cleaned, outfitted and ready to get some wee ones in the fall.

Then why this new thread?