Repurposed box spring secondary coop

[KBNAZ]

Just wanted to share a money saving idea. Lumber prices are nuts right now! I wanted to build a small secondary coop for an outdoor brooder when our new chicks get a little older. This way they can be inside our larger run and near the big hens. We have 4 chicks, so this small size will be just right. We can later use it for anybody that needs to be separated for any reason. We had a queen size box spring to get rid of because we bought a platform base. I stripped it of all fabric, staples and cardboard, then used some 2x3 lumber we had on hand for some skids and ends. I plan to enclose half and leave the other half open as a run. I will add more pictures as I go. Height is 30 inches and width is 27 inches. I could have gone wider, but wanted to use a scrap piece of tin roofing we have, so kept it narrow.

 

[KBNAZ]

Finished! Just have to add the mama heating pad.

 

[KBNAZ]

It is 79” long and 27” wide. Half will be a slightly raised coop and half will be run. Today I coated the whole thing with some porch paint I got as “oops” paint for $9. If need be, I am thinking I could use some treated 1x wood under the skids around the base. We will see how it does with the paint. This will house 4 chicks until they are ready to mingle with the rest of the flock and join the big coop.

 

[RojoMarz]

great re-use of "free" wood.

 

[writerskramp]

Just wanted to share a money saving idea. Lumber prices are nuts right now! I wanted to build a small secondary coop for an outdoor brooder when our new chicks get a little older. This way they can be inside our larger run and near the big hens. We have 4 chicks, so this small size will be just right. We can later use it for anybody that needs to be separated for any reason. We had a queen size box spring to get rid of because we bought a platform base. I stripped it of all fabric, staples and cardboard, then used some 2x3 lumber we had on hand for some skids and ends. I plan to enclose half and leave the other half open as a run. I will add more pictures as I go. Height is 30 inches and width is 27 inches. I could have gone wider, but wanted to use a scrap piece of tin roofing we have, so kept it narrow.

Like your style.. cheep

 

[3KillerBs]

It is 79” long and 27” wide. Half will be a slightly raised coop and half will be run. Today I coated the whole thing with some porch paint I got as “oops” paint for $9. If need be, I am thinking I could use some treated 1x wood under the skids around the base. We will see how it does with the paint. This will house 4 chicks until they are ready to mingle with the rest of the flock and join the big coop.

Very clever!

I've heard great things about that porch paint.

 

[3KillerBs]

I am not sure how much ventilation is needed.

The usual guideline is 1 square foot of ventilation for each adult, full-size hen.

 

[KBNAZ]

Thank you! So for 4 chicks it can be a little less. I am thinking a solid back wall and then making the door screened facing the covered run. That way there will be less chances of rain blowing in too.

 

[swampfox440]

Looks like a good job . Good luck !

 

[Krugerrand]

Finished! Just have to add the mama heating pad.

So, I've quoted this thread a bunch .... it might be worth worth writing up article for it in the Tractor Coop section. (especially if you're happy with its functionality)
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/categories/tractor-coops.17/