Recycled Chickens: Let's share what we do to save money and build with recycled materials

[kuntrygirl]

Here's a link to pics of some of the things that we have built over the years with recycled materials. I need to update my page with our latest inventions.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/kuntrygirls-page

 

[Mootworm]

At X-mas time Home Depot and Lowe's set up a tree coral for the sale of tree's, but after xmas is over they sell the fencing they use dirt cheap. It's a great start for an outdoor run. We wrap smaller chicken wire under and around and on top of course but a few 8' metal fence posts (we used the kind you can hammer right into the ground) and you have a pen. I used the fencing and wire for the roof over the pen as well. I made sure to leave the roof pretty loose so I could use a longer post in the center, kind of like how a circus tent is assembled. Instead of a posts in the center I ended up using those unsightly tubular steel T shaped posts for hanging close outside in the yard, which I am not a fan of. I used 2 white vinyl signs over the top to create a roof, the kind you would see outside a club or store for advertising usually hung up in the windows. It's thicker and more durable than a tarp but easier to manipulate than corrugated plastic. I also converted and old dresser that had draws that were to shallow into a coop. I also had a nightstand that was way short so I hollowed it out and attached it to the side of the dresser/coop as a nesting box. It took some engineering because I wanted them to still look some what like what they were but somewhat "French Country-ish".
Now as for feeding them I totally went and bought a metal 3 gal feeder for $30.... Totally wasted my money. It wasn't big enough to feed all my girls so they would get a little feisty at the feeder, had to create another, sure wasn't going to spend another $30 on something inefficient either. so I used the Family sized P.B. jar plastic of course and a dog frisby. Their water is the old 5 gallon bucket and plant coaster method, doesn't freeze here either.

Do you have any pictures of your dresser-turned-chicken coop? I was thinking of trying something similar but I didn't think a dresser would make a large enough coop. I'm planning on 6-8 chicks You've got some great ideas here!!

 

[Mrs. Fluffy Puffy]

Great thread! I have several recycled pens and such we've made for the poultry/waterfowl over the years.

~ Aspen

 

[Marty1876]

Hey folks, post pics of those recycled treasures!

 

[farmerChef]

I get a lot of buckets from work from 1-5 gal sizes. I have used them to make feeders and nests. I leave the lid on the bucket and cut a hole in the side, works better for large (and tall) hens than having it on its side.
I also have made a few breeding/brooder pens from pallets.

 

[DaphneNL]

I built our first chicken coop from materials in and around the house when we bought it.
I found an old tire in the shed and the chickens love to sit on this tire because it gets warm from just a little bit of sunlight.

 

[Marty1876]

You know, we have tires. Your right, black really "soaks up" the suns warmth. It would be a great choice for "portable" small scale hen house warmers. Roll em out in the morning, roll em in as the sun goes down. Hmm....

 

[happybooker1]

This would make a GREAT, HUGE incubator with a few mods: http://houston.craigslist.org/zip/3445627473.html

 

[Mootworm]

Hey guys,
Ok so I haven't been having much luck in finding a playhouse for free/cheap, so I've been trying to think of other things that can be repurposed into a coop. Has anyone ever used a crib as a base? If so, or if you've made a non-traditional coop, PLEASE POST YOUR PICS!!!! Here are some of the ideas I've found online/been toying with: dresser or armoire, or other large furniture; dog house; crib; small shed and then some others that I can't remember right now lol. Also, if anyone has tips for those of us who aren't well versed in carpentry, that would be awesome thanks, and keep sending in pics of your recycled coops!!!

 

[Marty1876]

My first chicken tracter was from a wooden crate from a shipping company. It was basically a heavy frame with two sides solid. I just used some scrap wood somebody gave me from building a deck (12" - 30" long) to cover the back and two sides, then I made a door, and nailed a little scrap of plywood next to it. I don't have its pick. We finished our scrap Java condo today. Its actually extremely functional, and i'm delighted my plan worked so well. look for pics tomarrow.