We used the 7'x8' for the turkey shed and was a breeze. We spent a little over $400.00 for the wood (extra because we used treated plywood for the base flooring). Is easy to modify (add windows, etc.). The cutting of the studs was the most time consuming. Once the prep work was done the actual construction took about four hours (two adults in their `50's).
Our turkeys have to be locked up at night owing to predators.
ivan3 - Your coop looks great! I am curious though, the kit calls it a 7x8 (like the one I purchased and am waiting for to arrive) I assumed it has to be this size but am curious, could it made 8x8? The reason I ask is if I use 4x8 plywood for the floor I could use 2 whole sheets w/o cutting them smaller. Thank you in advance! chris........
I'm afraid the `kits' aren't amenable to that sort of `single element alteration' without reworking every other part. We just cut a foot off of one 4'x8' sheet, cut the openings for the studs and placed the two sheets down and attached them. One thing we did do that was necessary was to place 4"x4"s under both sides and along the center line (lengthwise) of the shed frame itself. We then attached 1/2" hardware cloth strips along the front and back of shed. This keeps the shed off the ground and allows us to keep a good handle on the mouse/rat population (can place traps/poison under shed easily - look for nests). Metal or vinyl sheet roofing is easiest to finish it off. Good Luck!
Oh, we used a congoleum remnant that we bought from a carpet store to cover the plywood flooring. We covered that with two hundred pounds of play sand mixed with DE and then covered that with straw and wood chips (turkeys are big poopers!) makes cleanup easy - (raked daily!).
Countrygirl, If I remember right the kit was around 800 for the basic barn. I upgraded on the doors to a pair of 3'x6'8" insulated doors for better security and weather controll. I also did an upgrade on the siding. The kit came with my choice of vinyl or rough sawn plywood I just increased the thickness and design of the siding to a T1-11. I also insulated and dry walled the inside along with wiring for electric, lighting, phone and gas piping for a furnace. The barn does have a floor that is made of 2x6's and sits up on treated 4x6's. All in the price of the origional kit. I would say all total there is 1800 invested. The second 1/2 story is unfinished and just for storage, plywood floor. Up around Akron we have what is called Carter Lumber. I believe they are also down south. Buy Rite also has kits and they are nation wide. Up here Lowes and Home Depot doesn't Carey anything but prebuilt models. If you have any more questions I would be happy to answer them. John
The barn serves many purposes. Building RC airplanes for profit and a work shop for my business. One thing to add all the fasteners and plans came with the kit. For the basic cost of 800 dollars. If you think about it the price can't be beat. John
I just wanted to add a great tax right off. Weather selling a dozen eggs or 1200 dozen it can all be written off. Heat, electricity, phone, land up keep, a sign gives another right off. The time you spend gives another. Material and cost of the barn. It also is a right off for the garden tractor for cutting the grass and leaf pick up, along with trash pick up. If you have a good small business tax person they will take care of it. It also pays for the price of the tax preparation. Bottom line the price of the barn is free. John