So, my coop design goals were many and varied. Of course, I wanted a safe and comfortable place for my hens, and I wanted it to be easy to give them what they need. I also wanted to use as many repurposed materials as possible, both from an economical standpoint and an environmental one. I was also planning on doing everything myself- maybe a little help from my husband (who is still in chicken denial) but it was definitely my project.
I got a bunch of random lumber from my dad, who is an eternal tinkerer and used to build decks and furniture and whatever else struck someone's fancy. I also scored lots of hardware from him, including some awesome old hinges from our old dock ramp. A friend from work donated two doors off a shed that were removed to allow her husband's new riding mower to get through the opening. We also had an old upright piano that was basically unsalvageable; we even called around to see about donating it to a church or school, but no takers. So, although the musician in me cringed at the thought of taking a crowbar to any musical instrument, it got tossed in the mix for my coop also.
Here's what I ended up with at the "end" of the project. Because who ever actually finishes their coop?
I'm pretty happy so far, and so are my ladies.
More detail pics to come!
I got a bunch of random lumber from my dad, who is an eternal tinkerer and used to build decks and furniture and whatever else struck someone's fancy. I also scored lots of hardware from him, including some awesome old hinges from our old dock ramp. A friend from work donated two doors off a shed that were removed to allow her husband's new riding mower to get through the opening. We also had an old upright piano that was basically unsalvageable; we even called around to see about donating it to a church or school, but no takers. So, although the musician in me cringed at the thought of taking a crowbar to any musical instrument, it got tossed in the mix for my coop also.
Here's what I ended up with at the "end" of the project. Because who ever actually finishes their coop?
I'm pretty happy so far, and so are my ladies.
More detail pics to come!
