I need small coop plans

[duckncover]

I need ideas for a tiny coop for one medium sized chicken. It needs a nest box and a rooster and must close up and be predator proof. It needs to roughly the size of a rabbit hutch and needs to be very nice looking and simple so my neighbors don't complain. I already have the run made I just need the shelter/nestbox/roost/lockup area. I want something like this just weather-proof and I don't want to pay $170 for it if I don't have to.

 

[CHICKLOVER69]

WOOD IS EXPENSIVE. I AM BUILDING MY COOP AND RUN AND HAVE $1000 TIED UP ALREADY. FOR SOMETHING SMALL AND CHEAP, PICK UP SOME PALLETS FROM A HARDWARE STORE TO MAKE THE FOUR WALLS AND ROOF. COVER THE GAPS WITH SOME FENCE BOARDS OR PLY WOOD. SEEN SOME REALLY NICE COOPS MADE OUT OF PALLETS. IF YOU WANT SOMETHING REALLY NICE, ITS NOT THAT MUCH TO MAKE A SMALL COOP. LOOK IN THE COOP SECTION. THERE ARE SOME NICE BUILDS AVAILABLE

 

[luckysaysgo]

I just used pallets..they work pretty well if you are selective..and of course they are free.

 

[duckncover]

I wish I could find a rabbit hutch at a yard sale! One of those ones that they sell at the petstore would be great, All it would need is a roost put in and that's easy. They cost I just want it to be as uniform as possible because I am not supposed to upset my neighbors with the whole chicken keeping thing. I have a dog kennel out there for her with hay and a small perch but it isn't big enough. It's mean to say but I just hate investing money into my chicken because I'm always afraid that I'm going to have to give her back to the farm I got her from.

 

[3riverschick]

I wish I could find a rabbit hutch at a yard sale! One of those ones that they sell at the petstore would be great, All it would need is a roost put in and that's easy. They cost I just want it to be as uniform as possible because I am not supposed to upset my neighbors with the whole chicken keeping thing. I have a dog kennel out there for her with hay and a small perch but it isn't big enough. It's mean to say but I just hate investing money into my chicken because I'm always afraid that I'm going to have to give her back to the farm I got her from.

Hi

,
You only need 4 sq. ft. in the coop for your large fowl adult bird. This is the accepted sq. ft. per large fowl adult
bird if your birds will be cooped 24/7 during foul weather as ours are here in PA during the depths of winter.
That's a 2'x3' coop for one bird. ( with a bit extra added for room for the nest box and feeders, smile). Just
3'x4' is enough for 2 birds.Those premade coops from the stores get bad reviews for longevity.
I kept my 1st 3 chickens in a nice wood dog house. It worked out great! I am in 15658 western PA. It is going to get
very cold this winter, just like last winter. You need a coop with 4 walls and a door you can close and vents in the
walls for proper ventilation. If you can run an outdoor extension cord to your mini coop, hang a 60 watt bulb in there
to warm the air a bit.
Look up the "small coops page here at BYC. You might wan to get your bird a female friend. They enjoy the company
and someone to snuggle with at night. Just tell the farm they don't get their chicken back, she's yours! And enjoy your bird!
Try craigslist for structures to use for coops. I see kids playhouses, dog houses, hutches, sheds, and coops on
there all the time. Here are some examples of structures available in Pittsburgh and Poconos areas. One is even free!
http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/zip/4591047161.html
http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/for/4582339966.html
http://binghamton.craigslist.org/for/4578759967.html
http://allentown.craigslist.org/grd/4532882689.html
Here, you can choose where to search in the USA:
http://www.craigslist.org/about/sites#US
There are some real cute ideas listed in "play house" or "playhouse".
Insulated is a good idea if you only have 1 or 2 birds.
All the Best,
Karen in Ligonier, PA

 

[3riverschick]

hi,
Here is someone who has made a small coop out of one of the dog houses
like one for which I sent you a craigslist link.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/690302/coop-pics/370#post_13901269
Best,
Karen