Tips on building a cheapo coop and run?

[yellowish_chickenfeet]

Thanks for the responses everyone! I think it's cool how much of a DIY adventure chickens really are. Have any of you had any experience with plastic corrugated roofing. From what I can see, it's a lot more expensive, but I'm fine with looking for the cheapest I can get as long as it keeps rain and snow out of the run while letting natural light in. We would probably go with a regular run fenced with hardware cloth on the sides and roof, but then maybe put up corrugated roofing at a slight slope. Another question: How important is having a shield against the wind? It's not like wind is a serious problem, but especially in winter it can make the cold unbearable.

 

[speedy2020]

Thanks for the responses everyone! I think it's cool how much of a DIY adventure chickens really are. Have any of you had any experience with plastic corrugated roofing. From what I can see, it's a lot more expensive, but I'm fine with looking for the cheapest I can get as long as it keeps rain and snow out of the run while letting natural light in. We would probably go with a regular run fenced with hardware cloth on the sides and roof, but then maybe put up corrugated roofing at a slight slope. Another question: How important is having a shield against the wind? It's not like wind is a serious problem, but especially in winter it can make the cold unbearable.

Lowes has good deal on white corrugated roofing 75% off going on now. I purchased 6 sheets and plan to upgrade next spring. It rain so much here that make the run so muddy and stink.

 

[lazy gardener]

Don't forget road side freebies. In my area, especially in the spring, lots of building materials are put out at road side for trash pick up or "please take my stuff". I got a steel full thermopane panel door complete with lever style handle and dead bolt. I also can get all of the windows I could ever hope to use at my dump. Every spring, I could pick up enough materials for free to do windows, doors, and sheathing for several coops. Pick up your free supplies before designing your coop!

My coop can be seen in my interview at bottom of my signature. You'll have to paste the "address" cause I've not paid for premium membership, so the link does not work.

 

[yellowish_chickenfeet]

Lowes has good deal on white corrugated roofing 75% off going on now. I purchased 6 sheets and plan to upgrade next spring. It rain so much here that make the run so muddy and sting.

I'll make sure I check that out. Thanks!

 

[yellowish_chickenfeet]

Don't forget road side freebies. In my area, especially in the spring, lots of building materials are put out at road side for trash pick up or "please take my stuff". I got a steel full thermopane panel door complete with lever style handle and dead bolt. I also can get all of the windows I could ever hope to use at my dump. Every spring, I could pick up enough materials for free to do windows, doors, and sheathing for several coops. Pick up your free supplies before designing your coop!

My coop can be seen in my interview at bottom of my signature. You'll have to paste the "address" cause I've not paid for premium membership, so the link does not work.

Interesting, in my area people are mostly giving away old furniture, but I do see windows now and again.

 

[lazy gardener]

I call my town dump: The town mall! I brought home a hardwood night stand this summer. It was thrown on the town dump burn pile because it had a little cigarette burn on the top. Hubby painted it white, put new knob on the drawer, and it made the perfect completion for our guest bedroom. My neighbor brought home a ride on lawn mower. It needed a new starter. Hubby doesn't want to take me to the dump with him b/c I like to go shopping too much.

 

[8 Chicks 1967]

I built this one out of mostly Pallet spacers. Most of them are pressure treated. I was going through some cull 50% off wood at Lowes and got to talking to the lumber specialist there. They will give you the pallet spacers free. This coop and run is not very pretty but I Have 75.00 dollars in it. Wire and tin cost the most.

View attachment 1222858

 

[Blooie]

Did you see that I recommended your thread on using cattle panels, LG? I love going to that thread and seeing comments and new posts, even if I don't always comment myself!

 

[PirateGirl]

I know others have mentioned Craigslist, my favorite sections to peruse are the "free" section and the "farm and garden" section. Browse the photos, lots of things can be used for purposes they weren't intended for.

The wire fencing was my only substantial expense to my build and one of the only things I bought new. (I did buy a few 2X4s when we ran out, I probably could have found more free, but wanted to finish up quickly).

I also second the idea of scouting construction sites. I saw a neighbor getting a new roof and walked over and asked for some of the old shingles, they happily obliged and there were plenty enough in good condition for a small coop, just not enough in good condition for their entire home's roof.

The other thing I keep an eye out for that could easily be re-purposed are old playhouses, sheds, dog houses, tree houses, or swing sets. People often give these things away if someone is able to dismantle them and move them. If you have access to a truck and/or trailer and some help, you never know what you might score.

I think I spent about $200 all up for a 5'x4' coop and fully fenced run. The bulk of that price was for the wire fencing which I bought new from the hardware store. I probably could have done it for even less if I spent a bit more time gathering materials, but 90% of my wood was free, including my fence posts.

 

[PirateGirl]

Interesting, in my area people are mostly giving away old furniture, but I do see windows now and again.

old furniture can be made into a coop too! drawers for nest boxes! Armoires already have doors that open (for easy coop cleaning) and some have clothes hanging bars that can be roosts, get creative! The chickens don't care what it looks like if their needs are met.