I will be starting my new coop in a few weeks as well. The first coop we ever built back in 2002 cost us around $400. Now that the price of wood has gone up so much I expect this one will cost double that, even though they are similar in size. The run on our first coop was covered in vinyl lattice and lined with hardwire cloth so it would look nice for the neighbors. This time I don't think we will be able to afford the lattice which is ok. I would rather put the money into the actual coop. If we decide the lattice is a necessity, then I will go ahead an purchase some. But we will see. I have a budget of $100 to $150 per pay day to spend on the coop until it is done. I am hoping not to go over $600, but I am prepared to keep take the money out of each paycheck until it is done and done right. So I expect it could go as high as $1000. But, I never want to have to go through this again. My husband gets more upset with each coop, so I need to build my ultimate coop and call it a day and hopefully we won't ever move again and have to build another one. So I am biting the bullet and putting everything else on hold that I possibly can and doing this. We will be building a new goat house once the coop is done, so it won't end with the coop. The goat house, however, is much easier for some reason. Probably because they don't need a run, just a door to the pen and the inside will be simple as well. Just sleeping shelves and a milking table. No floor, just the dirt. I am thinking of putting sand in their house as well to absorb urine. I will have to go to the goat section and check on that. I have a feeling it's gonna be a looooong summer. If I had the extra cash, I would just call in my carpenter and have him build them, but then the cost would double. Perhaps I should start buying lottery tickets to fund my animal hobbies! I hope you will show us pictures when you are done.
