Play Fort to Coop Conversion

[shannix]

I'm in the process of buying a new home that happens to have an existing wooden swing set and play fort. Pictures attached. I would like to safely lower the fort by 2-3 feet and repurpose as a chicken coop. The base of the fort is 4 ft from the ground. I've thought of renting a fork lift or renting jacks to lower the fort. The former isn't likely cost effective and the later may not be as safe as it should be. Does anyone have any experience or advice? Safe, simple and cost effective are my primary criteria. Below are the dimensions and I've calculated the weight of the structure to be ~500 lbs, but let's use 600 lbs in case I've miscalculated or overlooked something. Floor is made from 2" x 6" pressure treated wood, sides are plywood panels (0.25"?) and framing and rafters are 2" x 4" pressure treated wood.

5 ft Wide
10 ft Deep
6 ft Tall (at corners), 8 ft tall (in center)

I have thought of leaving as is, but I would like to make it more accessible for egg collection and cleaning.

Thanks!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

They rent bobcats with forks instead of buckets. You could get the smallest one. Check around, prices vary greatly.
Another option is to use jacks like bottle jacks or floor jacks.

 

[Galeann]

I would enjoy seeing chickens sliding down the slide onto soft straw. Sorry for the distraction. But what a fun and interesting project that will be.

 

[RW1984]

Call me old school, but I would just call all your buddies together and offer beer and pizza. They lift, you cut and lower haha.

additionally though, why not just cut the bottom out of it and wall the base of it?
You’ll give your birds high roosts to perch on and can then have the nesting boxes and the floor be low enough to clean and gather accordingly.
You’ll be able to spend the money from renting a forklift or bobcat on wood and wire to build up the fortifications of their chicken fort.