We just finished our coop (converted play structure) picture heavy

crosbygroup

Songster
14 Years
Jan 9, 2010
488
4
236
Northridge, California
We just finished converting the old swing set play structure into a coop. We purchased the swing set from Costco about 13 years ago. All of the kids had out grown it so we converted it into a coop. It was the type that had a slide that came down from a raised platform 4'x4' square and about 4 feet high with a framed area above that supported safety rails and had a canopy. It also had a ladder up to the platform and two swings hanging from a 4x4 beam supported by 2x4's in a triangle shape. (sorry no picture). We reused the platform part and framed area above as is and used the 4x4 beam, and 2x4's when building the run and adding nest boxes.

All of the doors on it are cabinet doors from the Habitat for Humanity Re-store. Also from the Re-store was the nest box - a used over the refrigerator cabinet, 2 pieces of plexiglass, and hinges.

The 2x6's were all scrap from an old project and the shingles were left over from a home remodel. The only things we purchased new were: Hardware cloth 36'' and 24'' rolls, hooks, 4x8 sheet of 5/8 plywood, linoleum and stain.
46800_dsc_0234.jpg

The coop from the front doors closed.

46800_dsc_0237.jpg

The coop from the front/side showing some of the run, roof line and plexiglass window near top.

46800_dsc_0235.jpg

Front showing more of the run (under our garage window) you can see a little of the nest box top left.

46800_dsc_0238.jpg

side view the run is about 4' by 7' and 2.5' tall. Below the main structure is open to the run 4'x4'. The top coop part is also 4'x4'.

46800_dsc_0240.jpg

side view of the top showing plexiglass window, shingled 8' long roof, under the eve of the house the coop is covered in hardware cloth.

46800_dsc_0232.jpg

close up of the run the doors were from the Re-store and were only $1.00 each - we added hardware cloth.

46800_dsc_0245.jpg

Inside bottom part of coop looking toward run. Ramp to top coop on left side.

46800_dsc_0241.jpg

view of nest box cabinet, plexiglass window above

46800_dsc_0242.jpg

view from inside top part of coop showing nest boxes and plexiglass window above. Droppings board showing top right.

46800_dsc_0230.jpg

view from front with top and bottom doors open showing inside of upper coop. Droppings board and roost top right.

46800_dsc_0243.jpg

view inside top left side showing Droppings board and roost, plexiglass window above.

46800_dsc_0244.jpg

Both top and bottom doors open slight view of top platform better view of lower coop into run.

46800_dsc_0231.jpg

view of bottom coop with doors open

46800_dsc_0226.jpg

top coop Annie flew up for scale
smile.png
floor is covered in linoleum as is dropping board. Behind Annie is the door to lower coop.
 
Last edited:
NICE!!

One quick thing. I see you those hook latches. May I suggest something a little sturdier. I don't know what predators you have in your area (even some urban areas have raccoons and possums) Those latches are easily opened.

You really did do a fantastic job!!
 
Quote:
Thanks, the hook latches I used have the spring closures and I put 2 on each of the lower doors (run and coop). I'm not sure if you could see the spring part that holds the hook in place. We do have a raccoon and opossums that visit the front yard, but I've never seen him in the back yard - we have a Shepard mix and a Chessie in the back. What type of latches do you suggest? I tried to find some hasps but could not make them fit. I do want to make sure the girls are safe.
 
Okay, but why would you attach it to your house. Looks like a cleaning and rodent nightmare. I would move it away from the house before problems start. Not trying to discourage your enthusiasm.
Good luck
 
Quote:
It is on the back side of the car garage. We did not really want it in the middle of the lawn or by the pool
smile.png
We also wanted to keep it away from the neighbors fence line.

I hope it does not become a rodent problem. If it does I'm firing all of the out door cats.
fl.gif
 

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom