Started building my coop

[Oisian]

I'm new to chickens, but I've been researching like crazy. [thank you everyone on this forum]
I decided to go with a hoop coop because I could build it myself. I've never done construction of anything before and I felt it was easier to start with something that created its own walls.
I'm in central NH and it gets hot in the summer and we get a lot of snow in winter. The last couple of winters have been brutal. My intention was to build a sturdy hoop and layer it up for winter. As things have turned out I need a speedy construction for now, and I will make it more robust as I progress.
Also, I had to do it as cheaply as possible because we are downsizing into what is basically a construction zone.

Anyhow. Here's what I have so far.






This was arching the panels that I got second hand. They were a bit warped so I cable tied them and ratchet strapped them to form the arch before I tried to attach to the wood. I got two panels for $20.00 so it was worth it. Running total $20.00.








I made the bottom frame and attached the panels, started to frame out the ends. The wood is pressure treated and it was free. [construction zone perk] Same with the tarp Running Total = $20.00











Here's what I have so far. Got some more bits of fencing for free, so I'm still at $20.00. The hardware cloth will change all that. I'll update soon.

 

[Emma Miriam]

Nice job! Looks good so far. Definitely shop around for deals on hardware cloth — usually Amazon has the best deals, but occasionally Home Depot, Lowes, or TrueValue prices are better. Keep us updated!

 

[3baymares]

Looks like a great start. I would want to suggest using PT wood on the bottom that is going to be in contact with the ground or painting those pieces with something that is going to protect them from rotting. It looks like you could make some skids for it and move it around too. Is that what you are planning?

 

[Oisian]

Not going to move it, I am going to use it as a central coop and attach some hoop tunnels radiating out into my veggie garden. This is the 'flung together' version that I will be reinforcing and weatherproofing as well as predator proofing. Its pretty much a case of using what I can scrounge up or find.

 

[Oisian]

Progressing nicely. I am still using scrounged materials that I have either been given, have leftover from construction or have repurposed.
I'm using snow fencing to close in the gaps in the cattle panel for now. I'll put chicken wire or hardware cloth later. I don't like the orange, but for now it's under the tarp anyway.









The run is the next part...I have some more lightweight cattle panel fencing that I am going to hoop over the front of this one and keep the shape.
I'm in process of bending it and cutting to size.

I have since added a tarp to cover the joins in the existing ones and it's very very dry in there. A roof will be put on before the snow. I have some tin roof fence and tar paper if I want, but I like the tarp sides for the ventilation. These tarps I used to move house and they are flimsy at best.

The composting section will be moved into the run once I have the front wall in place and can utilise it.
Hardware cloth has been added all around the outside of the coop and reaches about three feet up the sides.