My first coop...a pallet coop.

[ernndbrtt]

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The pallets I used which were free from my workplace were oak and nearly impossible to drive a nail into, screw holes HAVE to be pre-drilled. No warping issues or anything like that.... I'm sure there are some pallets out there that are of a lesser quality but I have yet to see any on our dock (I drive for a trucking company). To "stick" build mine would have been FAR more than the $150 I have in it now.

To the OP:

Once you get all your walls, floor (if using one), and roof up the sturdiness will improve tremendously... If you cover it in plywood or OSB sheeting it becomes even MORE sturdy. I've been on the roof of mine, 8' high, putting the sheeting and shingles on and it didn't even wobble.... It has withstood a 60 mph windstorm just recently as well.

It started as this:

Then turned into this:

And now nearly done:

 

[kuntrygirl]

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[ThePigeonKid]

Flyboy718, Looks good keep up the good work!

 

[kuntrygirl]

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x2

 

[Flyboy718]

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Yeap, I completely agree...I actually saw that same picture and decided I need to remove the boards I have there and put 2X4's all the way around. I am going to pick up some hardware and bolt the next course of pallets and also bolt them together in the corners to add strength. I am going to go ahead and frame out the door also.

Thanks to everyone for all the reply's last night!

 

[Chemguy]

If you're still pecking around for a way to stabilize the walls, you could think about spanning the space between the walls with some boards, tying the top of the left wall to the right....rafters. This will give you some stability while you work. You could remove the rafters later on. I agree with a previous poster that once the roof is on, it will all be held in place. Nice looking coop so far!

 

[Flyboy718]

Ok, so here is this evening's work. I contemplated what type of roof to do al day today. I almost decided to do a gabled roof but I changed my mind and went with just a simple slanted roof. I cut three pallets in half which gave me a new 23" course on the front wall. So, now the front wall is 5' 4" tall measured from the floor and the back wall measures 3' 4". I feel that is plenty enough space and I can make it cleaning freindly, I just wanted to stay with something low profile I didn't want to put another full course of pallets all the way around I would end up with something about 10' tall or better and I didn't want something that big in my small backyard. Anyways, next step is to attached 6' 2X4's from the taller front wall to the shorter rear walll and get the roof framed out...I may get this thing ready for some skin by the weekend...let me know whatcha think.

 

[juliaaa]

How inspiring!

 

[ChickenSahib]

I've also started my pallet coop. But it's a bit smaller than yours.

 

[Orange Ribbon]

Looks like you are on your way to a neat chicken house. I built a pallet coop for my ducks to get inside at night. Saved some money using the pallets. These were made of pine, and since it is off the ground and painted, it should last awhile. Had some guys give me a few long pallets this afternoon. I'm already hunting spots to build some more. Years from now my entire 45 acres will be full of chicken coops!