I better like chickens..... Im all in on coop construction.

[SteveS]

So, after installing laminate flooring in 1200 square feet of my home, I felt I earned my Jr Carpenter badge and would tackle coop building.

I drew basic sketches of plans, read a lot here, put together a lumber order and $1200 later I had boards, sand, plywood, roofing, stain and chicken wire delivered.

I'll add to this post as I go, because my Facebook friends would disown me if I continually posted chicken stuff there.

I'm only allowed 4 chickens (but I'll try to sneak in a 5th). The coop will be 4x5 and 4 feet tall, raised 2' off ground. The attached run will be 5x16 including the space under coop.

My total cost estimate including brooder, equipment, auto door, chick's and all the food for 2 years is $2000. Yep. Most of that already spent, don't even have chick's yet.

The following pics take you from conception to rough in. I'm building it modularity in the garage by wall sections as it's 40 degrees yet, and rainy season in Wisconsin. A couple screws will temporarily hold solid wall sections together as I hopefully measure, cut and place to exact fit!

It's a work in progres
s as I refine my plan as pieces are assembled.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

The most expensive "free" eggs you will ever eat. But it sounds like you've done your homework, the build appears to be off to a good start, and honestly, the price seems abotu the right range.

Hope you find yourself loving it as much as we who have stuck with it

 

[RubelliteRose]

Welcome to the wonderful world of chickens! That sounds about right. You are being smart and building the coop before getting the chickens. We did it the other way around and had house pets for way too long
Your coop is looking good and I am sure you will love having chickens as much as the rest of us Looking forward to seeing your progress and your flock.

 

[aart]

Tho maybe the details don't show in your sketches, but I hope you plan of large roof overhangs with fascia and open soffit vents for winter ventilation.

 

[RoyalChick]

I am sure you will love them - they have a way of endearing themselves!
In case helpful a few things I have been so very happy I designed in to my chicken Palace:
- Huge roof overhangs with open soffits (hardware clothe protected) as @aart already mentioned
- Way too big for the number of chickens - they love space, and there will always be more chickens
- Full human height so that I can walk in comfortably to do chores. I liberated some doors and windows from a condemned property and so I have full height doors and real windows that open and close.
- A predator proof run so that when they cannot go out to free range, they can at least have some space to run around and it eliminates the whole automated door or getting up early to let them out
- A choice of roosts so they can decide who they want to roost next to - they change it up a surprising amount
Good luck with it!

 

[SteveS]

The most expensive "free" eggs you will ever eat. But it sounds like you've done your homework, the build appears to be off to a good start, and honestly, the price seems abotu the right range.

Hope you find yourself loving it as much as we who have stuck with it

I picked up my babies right after I posted. I see this being like having another puppy. Big reward, big responsibility.

 

[SteveS]

The most expensive "free" eggs you will ever eat. But it sounds like you've done your homework, the build appears to be off to a good start, and honestly, the price seems abotu the right range.

Hope you find yourself loving it as much as we who have stuck with it

Welcome to the wonderful world of chickens! That sounds about right. You are being smart and building the coop before getting the chickens. We did it the other way around and had house pets for way too long
Your coop is looking good and I am sure you will love having chickens as much as the rest of us Looking forward to seeing your progress and your flock.

Welcome to the wonderful world of chickens! That sounds about right. You are being smart and building the coop before getting the chickens. We did it the other way around and had house pets for way too long
Your coop is looking good and I am sure you will love having chickens as much as the rest of us Looking forward to seeing your progress and your flock.

"The flock" has arrived!!

 

[SteveS]

Acclimation is coming along! Day 1.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Congratulations on getting those cute little ones safely home!

 

[Acre4Me]

I'm only allowed 4 chickens (but I'll try to sneak in a 5th).

Pssst…. I see 8 chicks! I see chicken math got you already!

We won’t tell!