how much $$$ do you spend on the coop?

[WhySayWhat]

I got all materials for mine (not done with the building part yet) for around $175...so it can be done!

ETA: I got most of my "frame work" for free from Craigs List...pallets and I got lucky and got Pallet Crates.

 

[annie3001]

first coop about 1,000.00 dollars. adding on to the coop (another attached) about 400.00.
third coop (now duck coop) about less than 100.00 dollars.

 

[Dixiedoodle]

My first coop cost over 1200. It all depends on what size you build and what materials you use... MY only suggestions is skip the chicken wire and invest in some good wire,,

 

[THINGUM]

Purchase the "coops for dummies" available right here on BYC and deck screws (with TORX head) instead of nails. Measure twice and cut once, instead of the other way around. Spend the time to "talk it around" about wanting free stuff, you'll be amazed. My buddy just stumbled across a full on metal door (for my people door), window and all, at another friends house. I'm going to cut in half and make it into a dutch door w/ ledge.

I thought my 7'X8' coop was going to cost appx. $1000. But i got free plywood from concrete forms and used metal roofing (for siding) and I had a bunch of scrap lumber. Go to a glass shop or Habitat for windows, they're cheap.
So far i've bought

treated floor 4X4s $80.
2 ea. 5/8" plywood for floor. $28.
chicken door motor $89.
15ea studs @1.79 ea. at lowes. $25

Im going to make poop boards with formica~plywood~2X2 rails.
I've got the romex to run all the electricity. Want to bring water out to a "yard Hydrant"(lowes $58.) but its only about 18 foot of digging in real sweet ground, about 3 feet of bury. (no feat for an ol' ditch digger like me.) Plastic 5 gallon buckets for nests (square ones from mayonnaise from a restaurant) usually free!
Lots of incidentals always found at Habitat. Got all the know how but cannot run a tape measure with any continuity

Was a remodeler for 30 years. Remember this: you are building a house for chickens whose aggregate I.Q. is around

AND they do their own decorating..... P/M me anytime, I'm a pretty good teacher. Pictures always help, and save about 1000 words.

Quote: Build her hell for stout, 'pretty' always takes care of herself." Charlie Settlemeyer

 

[sueche]

Wow, I just love this site.

I did get some free windows from craigslist and some stuff from restore, some lumber from our remodel. Maybe if I buy it over a long period of time hubby won't realize how much is spent.

I am just nervous to start. I have I tons of links bookmarked.

I think I will post some more on cl begging for materials.

I am just so excited about the project and love seeing everyone else building their coops.

 

[Heckel's Hens]

Ours was just built, by us, for around $325. It is an 8x8 coop, 2 doors, 2 windows and a 16x16 pen with all new chicken wire and hardware wire doubled up at the bottom.

The big pricey things were the all the wire!!! And plywood, latches, etc.

We got a ton of good treatd lumber for cheap at the Lowe's overstock area. Also we used a few scraps of wood in the garage, free windows on our property, recycled paint from interior house projects and deck stain.

LOTS of reusing, repurposing, great deals and free labor.