Frankencoop

[aart]

I'll ignore the snarky misuse of an aviation pun, and say thank you for the advice.

Was just trying to relate to your experience....in a slightly facetious and humorous way.
You probably did a lot of studying before ever getting into a plane, same goes for chickens.

 

[2 many chickens]

I believe it's called constructive criticism. Sometimes it's best to not sugar coat.

 

[K0k0shka]

I'm unsure of how to make it taller but have already planned on making it longer.

I can't tell from the photo if that's the top surface of the cabinet detached and placed on top, or a separate panel, but if you can detach the top, you can prop it up on half-foot-long "stilts" drilled into the sides, and wrap hardware cloth around the gap. That will raise the ceiling to make the structure taller, and will also add lots of ventilation (plentiful ventilation along the top of the walls is the usual advice).

Because the space will be so tight, even with extensions, the chickens probably won't have enough room to fly up/down from the roost, so consider making a ramp or an intermediate step somewhere so they can hop up to that and then up to the roost, and back down, without having to fly or jump straight to the floor and hit a wall.

I'll ignore the snarky misuse of an aviation pun, and say thank you for the advice. I'm unsure of how to make it taller but have already planned on making it longer.

Was just trying to relate to your experience....in a slightly facetious and humorous way.

Looks like you guys really started off on the wrong foot, so at this point even the peace offerings are being taken the wrong way... Both of you are right in your own way, but it's hard to judge tone in written form, and easy to take things the wrong way. I'm sure there's no ill intent on either side ☺

 

[CindyinSD]

@chickensarecoolsoye , aart is one of our most knowledgeable members and very generous with knowledge and wisdom on all things poultry. Sometimes blunt, but always truthful. That's worth a lot. This isn't a contest. It's okay and completely acceptable not to know everything or even very much about poultry-keeping right out of the box.

Now that you've posted dimensions, we know it's really too small for two chickens--not your fault--it just is. You don't need to save face--you haven lost anyone's respect by not being born with a pre-installed encyclopedic poultry library. You can use it as a bank of nesting boxes or to store grit, oyster shells, chicken first aid supplies, etc. It was a great find and I'll bet you're gonna be glad you picked it up.

As for adding to it, of course you could. I think it would be fiddly, but that's no sign it couldn't be done. That being true, I've done a significant amount of building, and my first instinct would be to use it as a cabinet and build my coop from some other free or nearly free materials such as shipping pallets, or scrap lumber around the place, or from Craig's List, etc. There are a lot of coop builds on site and elsewhere. You'll never copy one precisely as you'll have your own ideas, but there's a lot of inspiration out there. I'll bet you'd enjoy having a look... I sure have.

 

[CatWhisperer]

Was just trying to relate to your experience....in a slightly facetious and humorous way.
You probably did a lot of studying before ever getting into a plane, same goes for chickens.

You actually don’t have to study anything at all before you get in a plane and fly it. I have a pilots license also. I studied a lot more before building a coop and getting chickens. Flying requires a knowledgeable instructor. Chickens require help from other sources.

 

[Ted Brown]

@chickensarecoolsoye

I started reading about chickens and coops about two and a half years ago, built my coop last September/October and need to expand my under coop run space come Spring. I bought 7 ISA Browns in early September and then hatched out 8 more Ameraucana mixes in early October.

I was enormously lucky to have the help of my sister and BIL in the build and hatch events.

Shortly into my reading on Coop building I learned that predators were a critical consideration and I spent a lot of time on that forum and researching what critters we have in my area (I live on a lake in the country). This focus influenced HOW I built my coop and what protections I added after it was built. I have been fortunate so far, my flock is healthy, give me eggs everyday and great enjoyment as I learn how to care for them and maintain their environment.

I still learn stuff at least every week, often on multiple days in said week.

BYC is a great place! One rarely reads a cross word; very often wisdom, experience and, mostly, deep knowledge bred of experience and hard knocks is offered freely to avoid mis-steps.

Throughout my journey here @aart (and a number of others) have answered my questions, offered sage and practical advice and have generally been encouraging in what is a serious undertaking. She had done the same for countless others and I seriously wonder both how she does it and why she bothers year after year. She is matter of fact and perhaps can seem critical (I never felt that) but you can rest assured that her questions and observations are intended to make you successful.

There are many ways to build a coop - pallets, old scrap, PVC pipe for hoops, old sheds and more. I have not read of using a furniture cabinet but immediately was interested in what you might make of it: anything is possible and we all have circumstances within which we must operate. From BYC I believe you will only get practical advice that you can choose to listen too or not, no-one will take offense.

I encourage a deep breath. You have a road ahead of you as you climb the chicken ladder. Take what you want from BYC AND forge your own path. It's all good!

Best of luck and enjoy your journey!

 

[chickencoop57]

Figured id share what wife and I have done for a coop.

We went to habitat for humanity and found this pretty hefty sized cabinet. Which we have been changing into a coop. It'll be on our covered porch so rain shouldn't be an issue. 30 bucks for the cabinet and etc wood cost another 20. I'll share more pics when finished.

 

[NaperLix]

Chickens love to go to bed,when its airy,window to see, but safe.They often move around at night and need a few feet.Unlike birds they also need a flat roost1x4 or -1x6 ( the size they choose most),which could be near the bottom,then they could just hop up.To keep long feathers healthy,turnaround and head room is helpful.Could use wall hanging water and feed.Needs a nest inside,they lay eggs odd hours,and don't like more then one nest location.
No matter what geographical location,there's always many days they can't go out.extreme winds,rain,sleet etc.They would be scared out in these,would not lay eggs as well.Everyone needs a safe,comfy home.Albeit small,can work,just not tiny.

 

[bmurphy349]

I see you are new to BYC, so welcome. The folks on this site are here to help and there is a lot of useful information to be found. As a newbie to chicken keeping you would do well to heed the advice of our more experienced members. Listen with an open mind to helpful advice and don’t be so critical of those who have years of experience in something you are completely new to. We only want to help people new to chicken keeping from making (sometimes expensive) mistakes. I believe Aart is correct in his critique of your new ‘coop’. You may have lost any more help with your new hobby here by your aggressive reply.

I find this site extremely helpful as a newbie to the girls. Most of the members are very helpful and nice. Very seldom do I come across one that is snarky or mean, but direct doesn’t have to be rude. Better to advise the the girls need x sq ft each to be happy and happy girls mean lots of eggs. my 2-cents only. Love this site tho and have learned a lot!!

 

[Wee Farmer Sarah]

The cabinet might seem like a good idea, but it’s really a waste of good furniture. Build your own coop to provide adequate ventilation, roosting, and nest boxes with a little roaming space for when birds can’t get out of the coop. And I’m just a bit confused, because you asked for our advice but when it was freely given by one of our most knowledgeable members, you perceived she was talking “down” to you. That’s not the case and I’m sorry if you were offended. Perhaps reading through the Coop building threads would be helpful. BTW: welcome to BYC!