Lost cost (if not free) materials for coop construction

[EboyDog]

Looking for suggestions and idea for low cost materials for a coop contruction.

I have a large box like thing which I got free which was orginally built for raising rabbits which in conjunction with the a large 8 foot tall dog pen covered with a tarp, I converted to a very good setup however while this works well for warm to decent weather, it's all just temporary and I need to get started on a better housing solution.

So far I have been collecting oak pallets which are free on a limited basis of two or three a week which I am tearing down for construction materials but as my budget is extremly tight, I'm thought perhaps others around here might have insight to possible sources or ideas.

Also for those with Casey's in their area (convenince stores in the mid-america) I have found they are a source of 1 gallon plastic buckets which orginally contain donut icing which depending on the area they go though 1-2 buckets a week and I have been collectiong those to make nesting boxes (layed on their side with 2x4's frame).

 

[BeckyLa]

I found most of the materials for one coop I made by scrounging the trash piles at new construction sites. Talk to the work foreman first but the usually let you take what you want since it's all going to the dump anyway.

Also, you can check freecycle.org for giveaways in your area.

 

[SeaChick]

Eboydog,
If you look at the coop section of the BYC web site (as opposed to this forumj part) there's a coop that someone built out of reclaimed pallet wood. Might have some good ideas for you...
Stacey

 

[Southern28Chick]

Eboydog,
That's a good question to ask, I'm glad you asked it in the forum. There have been lots of people on here that have said they spent very little $ or no money building their coop. I hope one of them finds this thread and helps you out. I can't give you any suggestions because my total chicken cost so far (chicks, wire, house, netting....) $700!!!

 

[HobbyChickener]

BeckyLa is very smart. I can't drive by a new house without stopping to look through scraps. Most of them just burn the left overs. Dog houses, chicken coops, tree houses, green house cabinets an endless list of what I have made from free wood.

 

[speckledhen]

We've made out like bandits by asking foremen at construction sites if we could scavenge their burn piles and/or dumpsters. I built this coop with all free wood, except the large sheets of OSB, which I had to purchase. We've even come away with enough metal roofing to do our first coop entirely.

 

[CoyoteMagic]

Freecycle or cheap cycle.

The back dumpster at Lowe's and Home Depot

Dumpster diving at Walmart & Kmart---they've got pallets!

 

[Motherhenandflock]

Recycling, baby!
Just the other day, on the board, someone used an old truck camper top deal for the top of his coop.

We have an old house on our property that needs to come down. My DH is recycling the siding to line our "airy" barn. It is making real snug areas for my turkeys and soon for some guineas.
Maybe look around for old outbuildings that maybe people might want help taking down. Then use what you can.
Be creative!

 

[NJfarmer]

You could always go Trash picking for wood and sometimes furniture. Desk drawers and shevles can be used as nesting boxes. Your just going to have to be creative. Look through the trash of people that are moving they always throw alot of stuff out

 

[nightshade]

construction sites area great!

Dh works in hvac and he brings home all kinds of stuff. Also look and see if there is a modular home place near you. Our local place has a tractor trailer dumpster that they fill with scap wood once a week from the houses they are building. Its free to the public, what people take they don't have to pay to have removed. Freecycle is also a great plae to look. I got enough used 6ft chicken wire to make the roof cover for my entire run.
On free cycle you can list wanted ads and you may even want to concitter putting one in your local paper. You would be amazed at some of the things people will tell you to just take if you will clean it up for them.

Hope this helps and good luck!