INDIANA BYC'ers HERE!

[pginsber]

I don't mean to be Debbie Downer, but there's no such thing as building a cheap coop! ---the same goes for building a coop for 12+ birds that wouldn't be too complicated for a non-carpenter to construct. I'm just being realistic because I've heard this type of remark from almost everyone who has built their own coop for the first time: "I had no idea that it would take so long and would cost as much as it did." SallyinIndiana mentioned the best solution, which is converting a shed. It would be much faster (those chicks you got today will grow quickly), and you'll be able to do the finishing/decorating details. It might be difficult to believe, but a shed/yard barn is often less expensive that purchasing all of the supplies and hiring help. Hardware cloth wire is difficult to work with, and is probably the most important feature. Anyway, "IMO" building a coop isn't for the inexperienced, especially when you are in a time crunch. Not to say that it's not worth it or that there aren't alternatives to building your own. I just want you to be aware that many people on BYC have been in the place where you are now and had unrealistic expectations about time/money/stress involved.

I echo M2H...we built our coop two years ago from scratch.
A combination coop/shed/potting shed. Easy, right?
I started as soon as it was warm enough to pour a small concrete floor and planned to be finished before Memorial Day.
I stuck to the design I made, but the timeline turned out to be a joke. Finished it before it snowed though!

My budget was triple from what I had planned to spend. (Of course that does not include the hospital bills from accidentally shooting myself with a framing nailer!)
Anyway...we love our shed/coop and it is exactly what we wanted. If I knew then what I know now, I would've just paid a professional to do it!

 

[raisinemright]

I agree, my "pallet coop" was supposed to be a less expensive way to build a large coop. And granted it was cheaper than buying a shed or pre built coop. But I went with a new lumber floor and roof. Plus all the fasteners I will have $500+ in this coop. Not bad but I'm not rich so it took a toll and a lot of planing. In MPO the coop is there to please you not the chickens. They don't care if their shelter is painted or not new or used, repurposed or pre made. As long as it keeps them safe and sheltered. Quote from one of my fav TV personality's "Everybody's Happy Happy Happy!!!" (Phil Roberston)! I think there is a lot if pride in building something by yourself or with friends and family. But there is no shame in hiring help to get it done properly either! Just my two pennies

 

[ChickCrazed]

I echo M2H...we built our coop two years ago from scratch.
A combination coop/shed/potting shed. Easy, right?
I started as soon as it was warm enough to pour a small concrete floor and planned to be finished before Memorial Day.
I stuck to the design I made, but the timeline turned out to be a joke. Finished it before it snowed though!





My budget was triple from what I had planned to spend. (Of course that does not include the hospital bills from accidentally shooting myself with a framing nailer!)
Anyway...we love our shed/coop and it is exactly what we wanted. If I knew then what I know now, I would've just paid a professional to do it!

WOW! I LOVE IT!!!! Seriously envious!! I have been researching turkey housing needs ever since meeting Racinchickins turkeys

. Is turkey math a thing? I am trying to figure out an EASY way to put something together that would last at least the first year. I can't handle any more MAJOR projects this year and could build/buy something better next year.

I have 40 more trees (to replace my screen poplars that didn't survive the winter) and 35 plants/shrubs getting delivered sometime (online nurseries won't give you a delivery date....seriously miffed about that since I am a planner and can't plan around no date), bee hives to build and a ridiculous amount of mulch to lay and grass seed to get down. Oh, and two huge garden beds to prep and plant! My list has improved....but this rain and mudd is cramping my plans and I want to get everything finished before it gets wicked hot! And now I have TURKEY MATH!!!!! My lack of time and money may keep me at frustrated bay from moving forward.

 

[Leahs Mom]

Yep...from what I keep hearing you could go out and purchase a shed for less ... and way less hassle in the build.... than building something yourself. Especially if you can find a used shed and move it or have it moved to your property. Even with the used shed, the interior work we did was very time consuming.

I, personally, would never purchase something that is called a chicken coop. I'd go for a shed or small transportable barn.

Now that assumes you don't really enjoy building. If you enjoy it, then do it.

 

[bradselig]

Most Lowes store sell basic 8x8 or. 8x10 wood shed kits for $500-$600. This does not include a floor if needed (deep litter method?) or the shingles (as if they have any special order returned shingles at a discount!). If you want windows, basic aluminum storm windows can be used or spend a little more and get a double or triple track storm window (think single or double hung window). Or again look for a special order return window and ASK if they will go any lower. Lowes sees it that if they can resell an SOS returned item, it is 100% profit (as they also see a special order returned as a complete loss).

 

[dogwoodlaine]

All the girls are home and hanging out together. Meet Maryanne, Ginger, Lovey and the yet nameless Buffs.

The screen doors are finished and installed (got one upside-down)

 

[bradselig]

And I just bought 6 lemon cuckoo and 6 lavender cuckoo bantam cochin eggs......I really have an addiction!

 

[bradselig]

All the girls are home and hanging out together. Meet Maryanne, Ginger, Lovey and the yet nameless Buffs.

The screen doors are finished and installed (got one upside-down)

I need to add a screen door to my coop as well. The front section of my shed is storage for feed, wheelbarrow, supplies, ect and when I leave the doors open, they make a mess in there lol.

 

[atrueb00]

atrueb00 ~ I was confused. I was thinking of you when I was responding to leslea who is a writer.

However, she might be a designer, too!

Designing shirts would be fun! I've wanted to design some chicken icons-especially a good silkie one

 

[atrueb00]

Decided to give the Cornish x Rock chicks a new feeder last night and they couldn't figure out how to eat from it.