Coop from old playset

[Cluck-cluck_boogie]

Thought I would post this since I couldn't find a lot of similar info when I was constructing my coop.

I'm a newbie to chickens and was looking for an inexpensive way to get started. Most of the coop designs I liked were pricey to build and even more expensive to buy pre made.

I ended up building my coop from a neighbors old playset and the run was constructed with old wood from another neighbors old pool deck. Both neighbors were planning on trashing the stuff so I got lucky. The tar paper, shingles, and pvc that I used were leftovers in the attic from the previous owner of my house.

All together I spent about $350, most of which was for hardware cloth (expensive!), hardware (hinges, locks, screws etc) and things to properly wire the electric (swapped a 30 amp break to 20 amp, outlets, light fixtures for heat lamp and light on timer). I built my own feeders and waters out of 5 gallon buckets, both of which I can fill from outside the coop. I probably could have done it for cheaper, but it turned out the way I wanted it.

Anyway, here are some pictures. Any questions, comments, or suggestions for improvements would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[AlleysChicks]

Looks awesome! Great job building it!

 

[theuglychick]

This is awesome!!!

 

[aart]

That's a pretty sweet rebuild, nice what you had to start with too.

Are the cupola and gable vents actually functional...eaves vented??

 

[N F C]

Very nice use of re-purposed materials. Looks like you had a lot of help with the project

 

[Cluck-cluck_boogie]

That's a pretty sweet rebuild, nice what you had to start with too.

Are the cupola and gable vents actually functional...eaves vented??

Thanks, much appreciated. The gable vents are functional, the cupola is just decorative. I left the eaves open and covered them with wire for ventilation.

One of the shutters has been broken for some time and is missing. I've searched the internet high and low for the plastic hinge pieces with no luck. My plan is to send one to my brother and he is going to 3D print me a few. I'll try and match the wood the best I can. I also plan on covering the windows with plexi glass when the temp drops. I'm hoping the ventilation will be sufficient with the windows covered.

 

[Cluck-cluck_boogie]

Very nice use of re-purposed materials. Looks like you had a lot of help with the project

Thanks! I tried to get my boys involved as much as I could. They have been a big help, part of which I'm sure has to do with the fact that they get to play with power tools!

 

[tigger19687]

WOW Awesome !

 

[aart]

I'm hoping the ventilation will be sufficient with the windows covered.

Should be fine.
Love those deep overhangs!
Any chance you can post pics of soffit area from outside and inside?

I'd lose the heat lamp....not necessary and very dangerous.

How big is the coop floor itself in feet by feet inside?
How many birds?
Where are the nests?
Southern or Northern IN.....get much snow there??
Plans for winter water heater?
Sorry for all the Q's....I can get carried away....

 

[Cluck-cluck_boogie]

Should be fine.
Love those deep overhangs!
Any chance you can post pics of soffit area from outside and inside?

I'd lose the heat lamp....not necessary and very dangerous.

How big is the coop floor itself in feet by feet inside?
How many birds?
Where are the nests?
Southern or Northern IN.....get much snow there??
Plans for winter water heater?
Sorry for all the Q's....I can get carried away....

Should be fine.
Love those deep overhangs!
Any chance you can post pics of soffit area from outside and inside?

I'd lose the heat lamp....not necessary and very dangerous.

How big is the coop floor itself in feet by feet inside?
How many birds?
Where are the nests?
Southern or Northern IN.....get much snow there??
Plans for winter water heater?
Sorry for all the Q's....I can get carried away....

The lamp is actually a secured flood light fixure covered with chicken wire. Unfortunately it is necessary right now as my chicks range from a 1 1/2 weeks to 6 weeks. The youngest batch are still in the brooder, although I let them out each day to get acclimated. Once they feather out the light will be off. Since it's secured behind the wire, I utilize a remote control outlet so I won't have to mess with its enclosure.

I have 15 birds. The coop floorspace is roughly 33 square feet, so about 2 ft per bird. The nest boxes are located where the lower roof is, there is 4 total and take up 2sq ft of floor space. On the back side of the coop I installed a 4 ft wide door to help with cleaning, allow access to electrical etc. If need be I can expand the coop by building two walls and just detach and move the door. I also may extend the run, which is about 60ish sq ft right now, so 4sq ft per bird. Most of the expansion will be dependent on demeanor and production of the chickens. If they are happy and productive I won't mess with it,

As far as snow, it's hit or miss. We've lived here 3 years and I can recall two or three decent storms. It does get cold, below freezing is common. I'm still debating between a base heater, a bird bath de icer, or a fish tank heater. I have electric outside and inside the coop, so it's just a matter of picking one.

I can probably get a pic of the soffits later. The main roof is about 8 inches wide and the smaller roof is 4-6 ish.