Which is easier?

[Gdurham]

So I’m a moving along with my plan. A few hitches, but ok so far. Many materials I was able to find at work getting tossed like pallets. So in an effort to save money I’m going to work my plan to work with pallets.

question though - I’m removing the pallet boards and because pallet wood isn’t even and perfect, what have others done with the tiny gaps in between boards when fastening them all together? Will those crevices make it too cold in winter? I’m in the mid Hudson valley ny so winters are cold. We are getting favorelles which I ready are cold hardy.

 

[Eggstatic ChickyDoo]

Will those crevices make it too cold in winter? I’m in the mid Hudson valley ny so winters are cold. We are getting favorelles which I ready are cold hardy.

From what I've seen, adequate ventilation is more important than protection from cold, though hopefully someone with more experience with your local conditions can give you better insight soon.

 

[CinnaBun]

Board and Batten style?
Clapboard style?
I've seen both on here.

 

[Gdurham]

Board and Batten style?
Clapboard style?
I've seen both on here.

haven't completely decided yet, but was thinking about fastening them in a pattern similar to bricks since they're not all the same size. im trying to make this look as nice as possible even though pallet wood. im not sure what that would be called, I think clapboard but not overlapping.

 

[Gdurham]

the pieces of wood laid like this... https://www.1001pallets.com/shed-made-from-pallets-and-tin-cans/

will I need a solid layer inside or seal the crevices? I plan on painting it too.

 

[Gdurham]

Here is where I am so far!

 

[aart]

will I need a solid layer inside or seal the crevices?

Might want wall pretty tight on a small coop like that.
Ventilation could be tricky.
Large(12") roof overhangs can help protect sides of coop and vent/window openings.
Snow load will be an issue in Dutchess County NY.

Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

I've looked at the eglu coops. They are cute. However, they do not hold many chickens. The largest coop that I saw was not really adequate for 2 chickens even though the company said it was good for 10. The run looks flimsy to me. The apron does not appear wide enough to work well.

A chicken needs about 4 square feet of area per chicken inside the coop not counting the nesting box. They should have about 10 square feet per chicken in the run. Having less than this space may lead to stress in the flock and pecking each other.

Have you considered buying a shed and converting it to a coop? You would just have to add ventilation, pop door, and roosts to make that work. Might be cheaper than the eglu. You might even be able to find a used shed to convert.

I was lucky when building my coop. Neighbor is a retired builder. He also owned a dog that was known to kill chickens. To avoid any problems he volunteered to do the building. You might want to talk to your neighbors. One might help you in return for some fresh eggs later.

Wahhh? You had someone build a coop for you free of charge?!!

 

[wamtazlady]

Wahhh? You had someone build a coop for you free of charge?!!

Yep, I live in a great neighborhood. Besides building the coop he has installed new windows in my house. When my late partner was too ill to drive home from Arizona, he flew to AZ and drove my partner home. Another neighbor has volunteered to do my grocery shopping so I don't have to go into a store. The guy across the street tore down my old shed when my little dog got stuck under it so that could never happen again. We all take care of each other here. I can't do much physically for my neighbors but I do watch out for their horses and goats. Can call them if one gets loose. It is a real neighborhood here.

 

[Gdurham]

Yep, I live in a great neighborhood. Besides building the coop he has installed new windows in my house. When my late partner was too ill to drive home from Arizona, he flew to AZ and drove my partner home. Another neighbor has volunteered to do my grocery shopping so I don't have to go into a store. The guy across the street tore down my old shed when my little dog got stuck under it so that could never happen again. We all take care of each other here. I can't do much physically for my neighbors but I do watch out for their horses and goats. Can call them if one gets loose. It is a real neighborhood here.

That’s really beautiful that you have that.