My first coop...a pallet coop.

[Flyboy718]

Ok, here is what I did today...I took the day off working on anything yesterday. I built a new brooder/small coop. Inside dimensions are: 88" Long X 26" Wide X 20" Deep. I had to build this because the birds grew out of there small clear storage container and I needed more room for them. So, tonight will be their first night outside and they are two weeks old. Temperatures are holding steady 80 degrees + at night here in Louisiana so they will be fine. I have old window screens on top and wood weighting them down. I will put a tarp over it to keep it dry on inside. It is also able to be added onto in future and make a small coop. On the side opposite in the picture I used pallet wood slats instead of plywood. This cost me nothing to build, all material I got from pallets or construction site.

 

[MARANMAN2011]

Heres my quick pallet coop and run just the starter needed it quick my kids were driveing me crazy. New one will bee started soon now that its cooling down.

 

[auto5man]

Quote:
Funny how much my coop building process has mirrored yours, lol! I built with pallets too and its still in progress. My flock grew outgrew their quarters and I too had to stop work on the main coop and quickly build a brooder. I share your passion to build cheaply, even went so far as to straighten nails and re-use nails, lol. My brooder coop was a pallet crate I found that was perfect with four sides and a floor, like a giant box. I didn't do quite as well as you did on the expense as I bought a small roll of chicken wire to wrap around it covering the gaps between boards, but that was the only $ spent. Now that my hens are roosting in it every night I wonder how hard it will be to retrain them to roost in the big coop when it's done??

Keep up the good work, you are making fast progress and I'm enjoying watching your build!

 

[ChickenSahib]

I'm loving it! In comparison, I think yours is going much better than mine o.o

 

[Flyboy718]

Thanks for the reply's guys! Didn't work on the main coop last night...but will get back in the saddle tonight. I am going to tackle framing for the door and maybe even get the door built. I am having to collect a lot more pallets right now so I can get the slats off of them to use as the outside walls for the coop.

 

[Flyboy718]

Ok, here is what I did yesterday. Basically just built the frame for the door...it's not all perfectly square, it's a little off...I am dealing with pallets of course its going to be off some, but it's free! Anyhow, got the 2X4's from a construction site. I am ready to begin the siding which will be time consuming since I am going to use pallet slats. It has been so hot, 107 today!

 

[SarniaTricia]

That's no chicken coop!!............. That's a chicken condo! I'm wondering were the pool and weight room are.

Great job, I have been following the thread for a bit. (I plan on a pallet coop too)
At first, I was worried you would get a big wind storm and have to start over.

Now,....wow... looks solid and functional.

Keep posting picks so I can use all your great ideas.

Tricia

 

[wattsjadajoe]

And everyone thought I was nutz ..when I told them I am using pallets to make my coops!!

I have been collecting pallets for a while. I have over 600 pallets of the regular size and some 300 with the 3x3s. (10' long)

Love the coop!!!

 

[kuntrygirl]

Quote:
HOW MANY PALLETS?????????

Well, we pallet collectors and builders ARE nuts but we are saving a bunch of money.

 

[wattsjadajoe]

Quote:
HOW MANY PALLETS?????????

Well, we pallet collectors and builders ARE nuts but we are saving a bunch of money.

When I first moved to Colorado last year about this time, I answered a couple of adds for free pallets to burn. One company said they were out when I called and the other company told me to come and get them. The company that informed me to come and get them has pallets made of 3x3s 10' long and 2x4s across. (easy to disassemble) That company owner now has me in his personal phone and calls me to pick up pallets, 55gal poly drums, and other used building material.

Now, the first company I called (9 months ago) just called me 2 weeks ago and asked me to get the pallets. I asked how many they had and the lady informed me "about 100". When I arrived.....there was about 800! I still have to pick up more this weekend....longer ones made with 16' 2x4s!!
Since I have 36 acres.....I'll take em' as long as someone is getting rid of them....LOL I have already given wood to co-workers to make gardens in town! I'm a redneck and I love free stuff!! All it takes is a bit of time and effort!

Joe