What would be the easiest coop to build?

[Chelseyb123]

Pallets plywood an screws or nails. But screws I think are much easier to work with. You seen my coop in my featured post. I really like these to designs for simplesimpleness. Clearly would have to suit your climate. An the second pic clearly isn't complete but The lay out is. If you can get your hands on good used pallets your can make a lot. I made a couch when we were looking for a new one lol

 

[Chelseyb123]

And I have zero experience other than common sense lol. I also have made different pallet furniture.. My ad on to the back of my coop im using pallets.

 

[LamarshFish]

I've always found iterations of the simple lean to to be the easiest to build. You can save time and money by doing things like swapping real siding for pre-finished 4x8' sheets of smart siding, and things like that.

That all being said, if you're not handy, or don't have a lot of experience framing things up, I would say the easiest thing to build is something you have plans/specifications for. IMO, guesswork and plan as you go builds either do not end up working out well, you spend more time than necessary, etc.

So, I recommend trying to get some plans for a simple lean to coop.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Pallets plywood an screws or nails. But screws I think are much easier to work with. You seen my coop in my featured post. I really like these to designs for simplesimpleness. Clearly would have to suit your climate. An the second pic clearly isn't complete but The lay out is. If you can get your hands on good used pallets your can make a lot. I made a couch when we were looking for a new one lol

A couch? Really?
I never thought to use pallets and plywood. I thought you had to tear those pallets apart to use them. How would you make the base? Nevermind, I looked at your photo again. We have pallet companies in the area, I wonder if they evet have any to give away. Or I will check craigslist, there are always ones listed on CL.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

I've always found iterations of the simple lean to to be the easiest to build. You can save time and money by doing things like swapping real siding for pre-finished 4x8' sheets of smart siding, and things like that.

That all being said, if you're not handy, or don't have a lot of experience framing things up, I would say the easiest thing to build is something you have plans/specifications for. IMO, guesswork and plan as you go builds either do not end up working out well, you spend more time than necessary, etc.

So, I recommend trying to get some plans for a simple lean to coop.

Thanks, I will look into a lean-to coop. I have zero build experience. I used a saw once in middle school. Oh and a jigsaw this past summer. Lol

 

[LamarshFish]

Thanks, I will look into a lean-to coop. I have zero build experience. I used a saw once in middle school. Oh and a jigsaw this past summer. Lol

Unfortunately, if you build something like a lean to, or anything that requires framing free hand or off of plans/specs (i.e., anything that is not a "kit"), you will likely have to make cuts and chops, so you need a miter box and at least a circular saw (table saw is easier). And you'll need a good drill to drive nice deck screws (screws are better than nails).

If I were lacking the tools and the experience building things, like you say you are, I would look into either buying a coop online that you can simply assemble, or buy a kit shed of some sort, they sell them online in as many sizes and shapes as you can imagine, and many require only a screwdriver or drill to assemble. You would then need to convert it for your needs as a coop, which won't be that hard.

 

[jthornton]

Yes, I have thought of that, but you still need to build something inside it For night protection?

You cover the outside with 1/2 hardware cloth on the bottom 2' and 1" x 2" welded wire on the top then toss a tarp on top. You would need to frame a square opening on one end for a door. Make the whole thing night protection. The cool thing is you can start with one panel the add more as needed for more room.

JT

 

[PirateGirl]

So I just used pallets to build my duck house. Ducks require a bit less than chickens. But ask around, lots of businesses receive things on pallets, big box stores, restaurants, hotels. I expected a standard pallet when I'd inquired at work and ended up with some shipping flats that were already covered with plywood. I just screwed a few together to build an AFrame. The only wood I cut was another piece of plywood I used for a door.

 

[PirateGirl]

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Unfortunately, if you build something like a lean to, or anything that requires framing free hand or off of plans/specs (i.e., anything that is not a "kit"), you will likely have to make cuts and chops, so you need a miter box and at least a circular saw (table saw is easier). And you'll need a good drill to drive nice deck screws (screws are better than nails).

If I were lacking the tools and the experience building things, like you say you are, I would look into either buying a coop online that you can simply assemble, or buy a kit shed of some sort, they sell them online in as many sizes and shapes as you can imagine, and many require only a screwdriver or drill to assemble. You would then need to convert it for your needs as a coop, which won't be that hard.

We have tools, I just don't use them. We have saws and drills. I have used a drill. Lol. I'm just not sure about using a saw. I am a little nervous learning to use it. I know how to use a tape measure too.
I have a prefab now and am looking into other prefabs, but then I dont want to spend the money on another one that is useful, but lacking space. I am also considering a shed conversion. But, we have a lot of miscellaneous scraps - wood, siding, shingles, etc. I just keep thinking that I should give it a try. As well, I think if I got in a jam, my husband would relent and help me out.