Bump!
This is too good a thread to lose sight of.
In addition to the great ideas that I have seen posted I 'd like to add a few.
Old plastic kitty litter boxes are fantastic for storing things for the coop. They don't get too heavy either. We have a community recycling center and I've been known to help myself to these freebies.
I make herb tea by walking out to the garden, getting a handful of herbs , into a jar and pouring boiling water over. I could do sun tea with these, too.
The wood we cut on our property is better than the junk sold in the paper or online. "Theirs" is usually from a lawn care company cutting up old long dead wood with nonexistent BTUs.
When I split wood by hand I save little thin pieces and create tiny birdhouse ornaments for my Christmas tree.
We have a pond stocked with perch and bluegill. They said it couldn't be done but we are in our 16th year with good sized perch. We do nothing special, just keep the dog out when they spawn in March.
We have a major department store's clearance store nearby. It is not an outlet store and it is almost a secret. I buy brand new designer clothing for as little as $3 each. Next time you're at the mall stores ask where their clearance store is located.
I work second jobs with perks like free meals, great employee discounts or where I could learn a skill in the process.
I cut up old mini-blinds into plant labels, use the plastic grocery bags to wrap my clean canning jars as each one gets emptied and washed.
I use mirrors by windows to double the winter light into the room.
At yard sales I ask them if they have building materials laying around that they'd like to sell. I got enough plywood to do the exterior of my coop for $10.
I have a blender that I use for any garden produce to make a cold summer soup in a minute.
Use a manual ricer for mashed potatoes, rutabaga or pumpkin instead of an electrical appliance and I think it's better texture.
I make rice or oatmeal milk as a milk substitute.
