Hi Everyone,
I'm in Southern New Hampshire where the winters can be somewhat harsh. I want to build a coop, and to say I'm on a tight budget would be an understatement. I've been trying to come up with creative ways to build a coop cheap, with scrap wood, creative items, etc., but haven't found anything yet. I have a few questions I'm hoping someone can help me with. I'm sure these have been asked by newbies, but I didn't find what I was looking for when I searched the board.
I plan to get 3 Bantams, as pets mainly with eggs being a bonus.
1. Does my coop HAVE to be double walled? I know this is better for the cold, but I have been looking at some cute ready made coop/run combo's that seem great except that they don't appear to be double walled. Being in New Hampshire, should I rule them out or can they work?
2.If the above ready made ones won't work, can anyone suggest CHEAP creative ways to make a coop? Ways to get free or super cheap materials, or other existing items that can be modified into a coop? I've seen campers and dog houses used for example, although I don't happen to have either of those things.
3. Does anyone know of any SIMPLE plans to build a coop if I can come up with some lumber? I am alone and disabled, but I know I can build one myself if it's very basic. I have no carpentry skills to speak of, but I can use a skill saw, swing a hammer & follow some basic directions.
I just bought my first house with an acre of land and it has always been my dream to keep chickens. I've read three books on raising chickens, I just need to somehow come up with a coop & run!! ANY tips to help me accomplish this would be very much appreciated.
Thank you in advance.
I'm in Southern New Hampshire where the winters can be somewhat harsh. I want to build a coop, and to say I'm on a tight budget would be an understatement. I've been trying to come up with creative ways to build a coop cheap, with scrap wood, creative items, etc., but haven't found anything yet. I have a few questions I'm hoping someone can help me with. I'm sure these have been asked by newbies, but I didn't find what I was looking for when I searched the board.
I plan to get 3 Bantams, as pets mainly with eggs being a bonus.
1. Does my coop HAVE to be double walled? I know this is better for the cold, but I have been looking at some cute ready made coop/run combo's that seem great except that they don't appear to be double walled. Being in New Hampshire, should I rule them out or can they work?
2.If the above ready made ones won't work, can anyone suggest CHEAP creative ways to make a coop? Ways to get free or super cheap materials, or other existing items that can be modified into a coop? I've seen campers and dog houses used for example, although I don't happen to have either of those things.
3. Does anyone know of any SIMPLE plans to build a coop if I can come up with some lumber? I am alone and disabled, but I know I can build one myself if it's very basic. I have no carpentry skills to speak of, but I can use a skill saw, swing a hammer & follow some basic directions.
I just bought my first house with an acre of land and it has always been my dream to keep chickens. I've read three books on raising chickens, I just need to somehow come up with a coop & run!! ANY tips to help me accomplish this would be very much appreciated.
Thank you in advance.
