Has anyone made small coops for their small flocks using pallets?

[FTCMRose314]

Was looking through Pinterest and found some really cool pallet chicken coops. Though they were quite big meant for 6-8 chickens. I am looking at only getting 3-4 chickens. Was wondering if anyone in Michigan, Indiana area have done their coops with pallets and how did it work for the winter? also how did you do you ventilation and droppings management? Sorry for all the questions just reeallly excited about what a i found? i would looove to see pictures of already made coops!!

Thanks folks
Mrs. P

 

[alibabba]

Hey, exciting stuff!

I am working on an A Frame with pallets. I am in PA. Struggling with the fact that I don't own a circ saw, just a mitre. And I am nervous enough about cutting my fingers off with that.

I am thinking of insulating and cedar shingling the whole thing. I lived in a house with cedar on the exterior and some even on the interior and it was charming!!


I had two separate large dog houses last winter, not insulated, but I did consider it. No frostbite, no frozen chickens!

There was ventilation in the eaves (not ideal, but it was fine.) On really cold below zeros, I threw old comforters over the top. I was not about reworking coops with insulation in 10 degrees.

Again, no frostbite and happy healthy chickens very chipper to come out in the AM.

Did get a sheet of vinyl/plastic from the paneling section at the depot, but not feeling like it's gonna be the thing.

Have to think some more.


Good Luck, there are a ton of ideas around.

 

[djronron]

Re-cycled pallets

have 6 hens all laying

 

[21hens-incharge]

Even if you are looking at only having a few chickens they will not mind the extra space if you make one a little larger than the 4 square foot per bird.

If you make it say 4x6 feet you will have enough room to have nest boxes and food inside as well. Really having the room to put it inside is nice if you are getting some wet weather.

Here are a couple examples of ones I built. I will also let you know the issues I had with them,




The above coop is 4x6 and had room for the food inside as well as windows and water if needed. I did not like the external nest box as it was prone to mite infestation. Cleaning since it is raised was a breeze.




This coop is 4x4 and very tight inside. I had to hang a rabbit feeder on the inside of the cleanout door for the food and the external nest box had the same issue as the other coop. Cleaning this one was a pain as it was to small to get inside well enough to reach easily.

Of the two coops the larger one worked much better than the smaller one.

Just my 2 cents on size.

 

[Brookliner]

Don't forget about "chicken math". So many breeds, so little room. Plan ahead. Bigger is always better.