JimandHope Coop build 2nd version.

[JimandHope]

OK, looks like this will work. ;-) We started with an 8x12 storage shed that we were no getting any use out of, so we figured we could re purpose it for our chicken coop.


We started with a bakers dozen of week old chicks and went about trying to secure them while I got the coop built for them, we quickly found out that this set up wouldn't work, so I built a cage for them.


It was about 2x4 and 2 high, pretty soon we needed a lid as they seemed like escape was on their minds and we didn't need them running around the laundry room where we temporarily housed them.

 

[JimandHope]

Step 1 was to get the 'foundation' ready so our coop would sit up off the ground so the chickens could get in under it for shade [we saw this design used in other builds on here].

 

[JimandHope]

It took a little bit of effort but we got it moved and lifted up onto our 'foundation', not sure how we would have accomplished this without our tractor.



Here it sits, a little over 2 1/2 feet off the ground and ready for the transformation.

 

[JimandHope]

First we frame out a new doorway, and nail the old one shut.



And one for the ladies [14x17], we figured our birds were going to be so big we went a little larger than the 12x14 many recommended.

 

[JimandHope]

We had a hard time finding windows and ended up with these 2x3 sliders from a local building supplier, one placed on each end for flow through ventilation. We figure if this isn't enough we will add another venting window where the old door is.



We needed a ceiling so I got in there and built a false ceiling even with the top plates on the walls, gave us about 6 1/2 feet of head room and the vents on the end walls were above the insulation where we wanted them..



Here we have it insulated, vapor barrier installed, some wiring put in for heat lamps and lights...we also sheathed the walls and ceiling with 7/16 chip board and gave it a coat of yellow paint. Hope worked hard on the painting while I put in a few shifts at work.

 

[JimandHope]

Well the babies are growing amazingly fast!! We will have to get them in there sooner than we thought [first timers] so a couple of long construction days are in the works to get them moved into the coop!!!!


Here is framing up the new insulated door, it will be filled with 1 1/2" of styro foam.



And a door for the girls too....

 

[JimandHope]

So we have lino on the floor and a divider wall which gives us 8x8 for the coop and 2x8 for storage. We have some roosts in with poop boards, and a slider door for the chicken door with 1/2 hardware, and hardware cloth over the windows...we are ready to move our birds!! The nesting boxes will have to wait.


They are in !! We had a lot of laughs catching them and transporting them to the coop in one of our large dog crates....but they really had outgrown the little cage we had them in.

 

[JimandHope]

A few pictures to show off the inside digs, then a few more days off work and we can get going on the outside run.

 

[SherrieT]

Wow.That is incredible

 

[JimandHope]

WE have the framing up for the covered run, some skirting board, and adding a little stain in this picture prior to covering with hardware cloth [2x4]. Funny thing was we thought the chickens would freak out with all the hammering etc, but they spent a lot of time just watching us from their little door. They sure are curious about everything.The skirting boards will be pretty much free floating once the wire is hung and some soil is put around the area.


Some shots with the wire hung, the log house is the background...