Looking for BASIC step by step instructions......

[LauraZone5]

Oy.
I am looking to build a 'box' with a roof.
Something that will hold 12 birds.

I need something that a 3rd grader can build. I want to do this myself.
I have ZERO construction experience.
My math skills are simple. Counting change and figuring percents off at the grocery store.
I have two girls (20, 16) that are good with math and can help me.
I will be using as much "repurposed' materials as I can. I have to build this on the cheap, but build it to last, and so that it doesn't look like the Clampets live here.
Otherwise, my dh may ask me to live with the birds!!!

I am looking to build a building (like a shed or mini barn type structure) something that can withstand -20 degree wind chills in the winter, and me not have frozen chicken nuggets!!
I was looking on craigs list and see a lot of people are selling "dog runs" (10 x 10 x 6) and I would like to incorporate that as their "run area".....if that's enough space for 12 birds.

What would REALLY be awesome is if I could find someone in my area that has hands on experience with building coops like this, and experience with birds so that I could come and learn from them. I would be willing to clean a coop, or any other kind of labor in exchange for their sharing their knowledge.

Is this possible??

 

[dsqard]

Quote:
Then start all over again because you realize that you want more chickens and your coop is too small for more! (Been there, done that, working on building the third, and my DH swears, FINAL coop)

 

[animalover]

The recommended space requirements per bird are 4 square feet per bird inside the coop, and 10 square feet of run space. A 10 x 10 dog run could accommodate 10 birds.

 

[mcostas]

tag

 

[birdicus7]

Where do you live? Tractor Supply sells a book solely on building a chicken coop. I am a builder and could do some simple plans and step by step instructions for you if absolutely necessary.

 

[gryeyes]

Oh, my - may I suggest you buy the latest Dummies book sold here in the BYC store? Building Chicken Coops for Dummies.
http://coopedup.net/buy/index.php?route=product/product&path=43&product_id=57

I bought it right after it came out, have reviewed it, and plan on using one of the plans at some time in the future. Sure wish I'd had it when I started this new Chicken Thing I'm doing, last summer!

It's $19.99 and you get extra goodies like a GFM membership for six months, a BYC bumper sticker, and some BYC "business cards," all for the price of the book on Amazon.com!

 

[LauraZone5]

Quote:
I have checked this book out at the library before......I will head back and get it again and see if it has what I am looking for!!
Thank you!!

 

[LauraZone5]

Quote:
I live in central Indiana....and I do have a TS close. What is the name of the book?
Thank you

 

[Mtn Cur]

Since you are new I will give you some food for thought. First where you live dictates the style and design you should build. Because for me a four wall coop in Tn is just too hot in the summer and not neccessary in the winter. I made the mistake of looking at the coop page and building something more suitable for a northern state. And lost close to half my flock due to heat.

What kind of birds are you putting in the coop? What weather are your birds tolerant of and what are they not? How much money are you willing to spend on chickens? How many birds are you housing and then allow room to grow, because you will expand the flock. By answering these questions will minimize your list considerably. And then pursue a step by step design that best suits your climate and chickens. Jmo- worth what it cost you.

Good luck and

 

[Schultz]

Quote:
I live in central Indiana....and I do have a TS close. What is the name of the book?
Thank you

Hi Laura. My wife and I are also in central Indiana. We have helped several people out with starting up. We started with layers also and did eventually do meat chickens and meat turkeys. We are certainly willing to help you out. If you would like to come over sometime to check out our set up and get some pointers you are more than welcome to. Just PM me and we can work out the particulars. Who refered you to this site? If you ask them they might know us. We have hosted the Indiana Chickenstock at our house the last couple of years.

TSC does sell several books on coops but I'm not sure if they have the Building Chicken Coops For Dummies quite yet but if they don't I'm sure they will soon.