Coop in the making

[FuzzyChicken]

Hello all.

Just picked up a used 6' L x 4' W x 5'6" H shed to construct my chicken coop. It is solid, and from what I can see, weather-proof. I plan on getting my small flock of 3-5 hens in the spring. In the meantime, I will be spending the winter months transforming the shed into what I hope will be a good looking, and functional, little coop.




I figure that this coop, coupled with my outside run (see below), should have my hens pretty comfortable and happy. The run is chain-link and measures 6' W x 6' H x 12' L. I will be removing the deck and setting the coop within (the white dog house I plan on converting to a brooder).



I still haven't decided on how I will orientate the coop inside?. I want to maximize space. In addition to the run, the hens will have access to the yard which is fenced and in a rural area.

I'm quite excited but also new at this so any ideas for the coop and/or run would be welcome and appreciated.

Thanks,

FuzzyChicken

 

[Eggsoteric]

Nice find! Make sure you post progress pics.

 

[aart]

Nice Find!!
Why not put the new coop up against the existing run rather than inside it?
Then they'll have a good sized run if they need to be confined from free ranging for any reason.

 

[FuzzyChicken]

Thanks aart. I have been considering what you suggested. My only concern is cutting the chainlink to allow access to the coop. I would be compromising the overall integrity and aesthetic of the run. What's your thoughts?

 

[Jakoda]

I would also keep the shed outside the kennel area ..Can any of the 'panels" of the kennel be removed? If so, you could butt your shed up where the panel was,

I would also suggest, putting a roof on the kennel, hawks are notorious chicken killers I am snake paranoid so I used 1/2 inch hardware cloth on my entire run/windows, you name it

I have also seen on here, some, that make like a tunnel from their coop door to the outside run area, so that could be a thought to

Nice Find on the shed!

 

[Coop de Grille]

If you keep the coop inside the run you can put it up on a platform to give them space underneath to get out of the sun, rain etc. Cute find!

 

[aart]

I believe that you should be able to unbolt a segment of chainlink instead of cutting it...maybe the one by the door to the run. If the sizes match up to the shed, would take some thinking to figure out the best way. Just think outside the box(kennel haha)

 

[Coop de Grille]

I believe that you should be able to unbolt a segment of chainlink instead of cutting it...maybe the one by the door to the run. If the sizes match up to the shed, would take some thinking to figure out the best way. Just think outside the box(kennel haha)

This is what I did with the run on the left side of my coop. I had a wood frame built around the kennel panels and I divided off an area with a framed out door.



We covered the wood frame with wire:

 

[Scott H]

Nice find! I would put the completed coop against the outside of the run, go inside with some snips and cut out an opening where the coop door is located.
Then pound some staples in around the door securing the opening. Done,secure and no wasted run space. Also, they wont be able to get on top of the coop and jump out if you don't cover it.

 

[FuzzyChicken]

Thanks CdG! I was working away today on it and elevating the coop is in the works. Pic's to follow in the coming days.