Shipping Crate Coops?

[SandyRiverChick]

This is a shipping crate, it was thick, solid and warm, worked great until they outgrew it...

 

[Enjaytoo]

Very cool! I like the sun window....keep 'em coming, I love seeing what everyone has done with these crates, difficult or not

I figure I have it now (unloaded thankfully) just sitting there waiting for me to come up with something so I might as well give it a shot..

 

[AtholCoop]

Two crates actually. Screwed together scrap plywood for roof structure, hinges off of furniture getting tossed at work, clasps came on the crates to begin with. Total cost...20 bucks.

 

[longranger]

Not all shipping crates are created equal. I have found some out of osb board that are not worth the effort and others that are very well built requiring only a few structural reinforcements, roofing and windows for ventilation. In many parts of Arizona and southern California a three sided coop works great and minimizes the need for windows. In fact I don't usually have any.

The best value is often in containers in the 7x7x5' range. I got several for 50$ each. I can justify that just as a seasonal coop for my turkeys and young chickens that will mostly be culled. Then I do no modifications other than those for predator controll. If unusual winds or rain happens a couple of old beaten up heavy duty tarps can do the rest. Sure beats building heirloom quality coops that will sit over the winter when flocks are cut back. Also a great way to be green. Some of the better crates I have were reinforced with "free Scrap lumber" off of craigslist and are surprisingly strong and durable. Ugly though LOL.

 

[Enjaytoo]

These are all great coops I'm seeing! The crate I got is defiantly not flimsy-no osb nor laminate here...thing is very very sturdy... it rests (on the back) on 4X4's so everything is very secure. I like the 3 sided idea too, especially in this weather (HOT!)...