Has anyone built the "playhouse coop"?

[orcasislandchickens]

I have the smaller version 4x8. It is realy pretty and I love it. I hired a carpenter though so I'm no help as to difficulty or cost. Also I am on the west coast and everything here is hugely expensive. And my chickens are suburban so appearence counts. I matched the siding and roof with my house, and added a cedar lattice with vines at the end of the run (over top of the hardware cloth) . It makes a beautiful addition to my garden. I will have 4-6 bantam hens in it soon. Prior to this 3 large buff orpingtons were very happy there.

For your purposes I would definitely build the larger sized one, with a large run. This coop plan is very popular, many people build it and if you look through all the pictures on this and other sites you will see it, over and over, often with minor modifications to make it match the setting. (ie shingles instead of the metal roof, cedar siding...)

 

[Jenski]

TubbyChicken, we built a coop/run that is similar in style, but on a bit larger scale than the Dennis Playhouse ~ you are welcome to check out the run building process here ~

http://theworldofjenotopia.com/cmsjoomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=63&Itemid=27

~ and the coop building portion here ~

http://theworldofjenotopia.com/cmsjoomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=64&Itemid=27

I did not keep track of expenses during the process (DH is an accountant, and I did not want him putting the kibosh on my little project, heh heh); however, I did convince him to add the materials list on both sections of the article, so you could probably cost it out for your area.

We have been happy with the design; the entire front of the coop opens on hinges for easy cleaning, and the rear has a very large egg/access door as well. We housed four heavy breed hens there, and they run out in the "big yard" when we are at home.

I now have more pix of the inside, and I'd be happy to share them.

Good luck!


Jen in TN

 

[TubbyChicken]

Thank you Jen! Those dimensions would work if we took the coop across the width and the materials list will be a huge help in determining cost! It looks great and I love your blog. (Also good to know that you're in TN...since we're in Ky we have a very comparable climate!) I think we'll price the materials this evening!

(and if you wouldn't mind sharing pics of the inside I'd love to see them) The roosts were a great idea!

 

[TubbyChicken]

Materials are looking to be about $500...Maybe we should just bite the bullet and get started with it already.

 

[moodusnewchick]

I also used 2x4s for the framing. You can cut costs and make a lighter coop by using 2x3...if your climate is ok for lighter...just consider the weight of the roof and whether you can get away with lighter. My next one would be 2x3; the 2x4 is really sturdy...like club house/human quality.

good luck!! take pics!!

 

[SewingDiva]

We built one with the 4x8 run and it came to about $500. We used Tuftex for the roof because it was impossible to find metal roofing in such a small amount. I think the final cost really depends on where you live. We live in the Northeast, so naturally it would be more expensive than if you live down south or in the midwest.

The plans are easy to follow, although a tad sparse on some of the finishing details.

There are more photos on our BYC member page

We really like it and it looks nice in our yard.

~Phyllis