Is this worth the $$$?

[barn206]

Hi jt
If you build furniture... I don’t think you need plans for a coop
You probably will do a much better job. Be creative

 

[rjohns39]

Check out the BYC coop area, Also look at Ana White's coop plans (free). And then decide. Typically, you want 1 sq ft of ventilation per bird. And in the end it's dependent upon your goals and operation. I too am a woodworker and my shelters are pretty darned ugly, but very functional. Everything on my place moves. With that in mind my new favorite design is the cattle panel shelter.

 

[aart]

So, I'm a handy person I have build furniture and know my way around lumber and angles. So I clicked on a sponsor here and was promised if I part with my ~ $30.00 all my coop problems that I don't even know about will be solved, and they include designs.
The design I have selected will cost me $15 for detailed plans and bill of materials.
The site is "buildingachickencoop.com"
Any thoughts?
Thanks
JT

I would not buy from that site.
Most the coops are tiny, and they don't give any dimensions that I saw.

Hi jt
If you build furniture... I don’t think you need plans for a coop
You probably will do a much better job. Be creative

Agrees...do some research(a lot) and draw your own plans.

 

[lazy gardener]

If you have ever built anything, you can build a coop. Save your money, and put it to use for building materials. Before you even choose a design, scout out your free or nearly free materials. I got an insulated steel door with full sized thermopane window, 3 thermopane windows for free from my Town Mall (aka town dump).

I also found this book at the Town Mall. But, you can easily find this, or something similar at your library, or find lots of "how to" plans on line.

https://www.amazon.com/Sheds-Garage...eST=_SX218_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=detail

Taking a field trip to Lowes will give you lots of ideas.

Suggestions: Check out your local zoning ordinances so you can build without getting nabbed by the town property tax inspector. Be sure your coop is not deemed a permanent structure, and that it is under the size specs that demand a building permit and inspection.

My dream coop is a Woods coop, and that's what I'd build if starting from scratch. You can find photos and plans without cost for them. What I have is a shed, with additions and modifications, and it works very well.
Cutsie little coops never have enough space or ventilation!
Mary

What Mary said 100 x over!!!

You may be able to find a shed that you can re-purpose that will be far cheaper than you could buy the materials to build a similar size. Many companies will be looking to liquidate their inventory of shed models to clear their parking lots for winter snow removal. You might score a pre-fab for a super good deal. (most likely with free delivery and set up)

 

[culturalinfidel]

While it is handy to build off of set plans. I find that every yard/property is different, every owner has different requirements. Buying plans was not even an option for what I had in mind. We built ours over a weekend and built it based on a simple sketch I made and just went for it. We ended up with a 4'x8' raised platform coop, built with reclaimed fence boards and integrated the back half into an existing fence. It turned out fantastic for what we need and our girls love it. Building into the fence the way we did, strengthened the fence and laid the foundation for our future greenhouse build, design-wise, to be built right next to it.

 

[aart]

As a drafter and builder of many things for years,
those step by step DIYfordummie plans confuse the hell out of me,
give me a good set of detailed prints.