Things you've learned while building your coop...

[Ed62]

1. I poured a concrete pad for the floor. Now I wish I had built up the perimeter to put the walls on. That would be a plus when cleaning the coop.

2. Learn about ventilation before you start. Proper ventilation is very important. Adding ventilation after the fact is just extra work.

3. Making the roof wider or longer than needed for the coop will allow you to have a covered run if you get snow.

4. Allow yourself plenty of time when planning the coop. This will allow you to try freecycle groups and craigslist or other sources to get free supplies for building. I was able to score enough 2X4s and used paneling to cover the walls, along with full sheets of insulation, all free of charge. If I had started looking earlier, I might have been able to make the coop for nothing (except for the concrete floor).

5. If the coop will share a wall with a garage or other building, consider making the access to the "people door" through the other building (if it works for you).

6. Learn what worked for others living in the same type of weather you live in.

7. Almost forgot to add sealing the concrete floor, if that's what you will use.

Ed

 

[Ivywoods]

Okay, I think I have a new one. We recently purchased on old horse-drawn BLACKSMITH WAGON at an auction. It was going cheap... so I couldn't help myself. It looks a lot like an old circus wagon. It is over 100 years old, and has been very well taken care of. It is very sturdy and weatherproof. It has a door on each end and one in the middle of each side. It is 8' x 16'. It is on steel wheels with a broken axle, so we will take it off the axles and wheels.

I think I will have a pretty functional, unique chicken house when I am done with it. I have all the material for the run. I have chain link fencing and panels that are 6' high. I'm only 5'5" so that should be high enough. I have poultry netting for the top, poultry wire and welded wire. I'll secure everything around the bottom so nothing can dig in. I've done this before, so I think I've got that down.

One thing I am still trying to decide is how to make good ventilation in there without compromising the aesthetics and wether/waterproof factor. I'm leaning toward having some kind of interior doors that could be opened completely, screened or partially opened. The outer doors open "out" so I think it would be very do-able.

 

[Ivywoods]

I just built a chicken tractor...all by my little self. This summer we had a storm and lost two of our barns. I built the tractor with all salvaged material. The roof of the run is made from our old trampoline tarp, that was also ruined in the storm. The chickens love it and are doing well. I still need to put the wheels on the thing to make it easier to move around. I only have 3 bantams in there, so I don't have to move it very often.

One tip to remeber is if you have screws or nails that protrude through the building material, grind them off or clench them down. If you don't, you will surely find them with your head or hand, or your chickens might possibly"nail" themselves when they get to fussing around.

My head works very well for finding nails and screws projecting farther than necessary.

I have a camera on order which should be here before too long. Once it arrives I will post some pictures of my tractor and eventually my antique blacksmith wagon chicken coop. I'm kind of proud of both of them.

 

[Dixieangeln]

WOW-- I read all 32 pages!

Got some great tips, and had some great laughs, thanks for all the info!! Going to start building our coop this weekend!!

 

[sreihart]

Quote:
And double it once again.

 

[MydearWatson]

Greatest thread EVER! Thank you all so much for the great tips! I read every page! I even enjoyed the repeat suggestions, it really helped to see what is truly important. Not starting my coop till next spring but I cant WAIT to get started!!

 

[KensingtonHens]

Wish I'd seen this thread two weeks ago when we built ours!! We forgot the gate (to get in

), the roost and the egg doors! Will be revisiting our design!

Luckily we only have two hens and so far they've been very patient with our slow learning curve..

 

[gfcm]

I just joined today, but have been reading this and other posts for over a week. We are planning a coop and I am over the top with doing it right the first time around. Thanks to all who have posted (especially with pics). Hopefully, all will go well. I have plans for 10x12 coop, a fixed 10x30 run attached to coop, and a tractor (not sure of size yet). We are building from scratch, but have 'some' carpentry skills. My brother is consulting with me on this, as he has more carpentry skills.

Besides, not sure if plans would work anyway, with all the customization for ventilation, clean-ability, and added security features. I'll be sure and posts pics of progress and finished product. Wish us luck, least amount of injuries, and mistakes! We think it'll be fun. Me thinks I'm over-thinking a lot of it, but I like to do things right the first time!

 

[ReddMuse]

Quote:
I truly look forward to seeing those pictures! What an amazing find the wagon was - you are very lucky!

My DH and I are just getting started on our Chicken Adventure and, though reading all these posts too me two days, we are feeling more and more prepared thanks to everyone's priceless information.

Perhaps we will have some wise words to share after our coop is finished!

 

[Knittycat]

Never underestimate the usefulness of a level.
Also, a circular saw removes about 1/8 of an inch of material. You need to plan for that in your measurements.

You can see the results of remembering neither on my BYC page. I've got a coop dr seuss would be proud of.