New DIY Coop

[aussiejbl]

Hi, I am planning on making my very first coop and run using 2 swing sets I acquired.
I have the idea heavily in my head. I know what I want to do, but need some advice how to get this started. My birds are 6 weeks old now and need something bigger.

I was planning on using the swing sets and placing them in a T shape. The flat of the T one swing set (which I want to make their house (not on the ground but lifted with space underneath for extra run and shelter during the day) the long of the T the other swing set (which will he used as their run).

Can you guys kinda see what I’m seeing?

I want to use the metal roofing panels for the house walls rather than wood, but the added frame inside the house, made from wood and the floor of the house made from wood.

Can anyone help me with this? Give me some good pointers as how to construct an a frame coop and run?

 

[DobieLover]

I think pictures and sketches are going to be needed before any suggestions can be offered.

 

[aussiejbl]

 

[trumpeting_angel]

I've seen swingset coops online. Not sure if any of them are here on BYC, but they're definitely around. Do a search?

(Metal can get awfully hot. DH is building my coop now, and he set down two pieces of black metal roofing. You can see exactly where because the grass turned brown! They were only laid down for about an hour, he thinks. I'm going to use the leftover piece of roofing to kill weeds in the garden - black plastic takes forever!)

Here's one, but don't use chicken wire - 1/2" hardware cloth is much safer.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/swing-set-chicken-coop.48365/

Here's another one:

http://www.goodshomedesign.com/diy-swing-set-frame-chicken-coop/

Another from BYC:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/upcycled-swing-set-to-chicken-coop.72964/

Good luck!

 

[aussiejbl]

I've seen swingset coops online. Not sure if any of them are here on BYC, but they're definitely around. Do a search?

(Metal can get awfully hot. DH is building my coop now, and he set down two pieces of black metal roofing. You can see exactly where because the grass turned brown! They were only laid down for about an hour, he thinks. I'm going to use the leftover piece of roofing to kill weeds in the garden - black plastic takes forever!)

Here's one, but don't use chicken wire - 1/2" hardware cloth is much safer.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/swing-set-chicken-coop.48365/

Here's another one:

http://www.goodshomedesign.com/diy-swing-set-frame-chicken-coop/

Another from BYC:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/upcycled-swing-set-to-chicken-coop.72964/

Good luck!

I realise that roofing panels can get hot but I fo plan on having adequate ventilation. My first flock I had, their chook house was a galvanised garden shed with a run added.

I really want to use galvanised panels rather than wood for ease of taking apart, should I need to move. Easy to take apart, easy to reconstruct. If I were to use wood for the walls, what type of wood, would you suggest that is weather proof and doesn’t cost 1 billion dollars.
I live in Australia where everything costs an arm and a leg, but because so many people are knocking down houses etc yo rebuild, there’s always a free supply of roof panels etc.

 

[trumpeting_angel]

In Australia, I just have no idea! We used an inexpensive exterior plywood that was made to look like boards. Maybe reclaimed wood? It's tricky with those slanted walls, more like roofs in that they should be waterproof. Hmm.

 

[aussiejbl]

Perhaps I could use the plywood panels as you speak of and also use roofing panels slightly slanted above house so it has a run off and drainage. I’m just trying to save money where I can so the only part that costs me out of pocket is the wire fencing to keep them in

 

[aussiejbl]

This is all really helpful and giving me much more to think about.

 

[trumpeting_angel]

Sorry, I'm not much of a builder and I know nothing about Australia! But best of luck, and keep asking!

 

[marcus76]

I think it's a great idea, great "blue print" haha... I'm trying to get building soon and am thinking about getting this book, has anyone tried it? http://bit.ly/2FtdoIG