Women coop builders

[Amp]

Thanks again everyone, I'm even more convinced now that I can do it.

 

[snozzleberry]

Hi there,
I am just finishing up my coop today. It is the first of anything I have built as well. If I can do it, you can!! Do not be discouraged. I cant tell you how proud of myself I am! My self esteem has improved a great deal. It took me quite a while to build it (2 1/2 months), but I needed to take it slowly and be very calculated in my actions as mistakes can easily happen. If you are like me and have visualization problems, graph paper will be invaluable.
My coop is a 4x6 structure that is 2 feet off the ground. I found a dog run on Craigslist and tried to use as much recycled material as possible. If you have a Habitat for Humanity you should frequent the place. Good luck! Let me know if you have any questions.

 

[RiddleMe]

You can totally do this! I'm building a 10x12 shed/coop, it took about 2 months but I've gotten it to the functional stage - ie interior painted, hardwire up, chicks moved in. Still have to install the pop door and put up the run (kennel panels), then purty it up with a few more windows, exterior paint and trim, etc. DH has no carpentry skills, so other than helping me hoist the front wall (9') and rafters (2x8x14) and a few other small contributions here and there, it was all me. I also have a little one, one thing I learned fast was do all my cutting while he napped, then I could assemble while he played outside. I will say, once this is done, I'm sticking to smaller structures/chicken tractors, I'm in the over-40 crowd and this has caused a lot of sore nights.

edited to update link

 

[ShanCarl1971]

Quote:
Military wives are some of the bravest people I know!! You, Bev, have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and for every one of us that live here! There is no sufficient way to say "Thank you"!!

 

[AZChicken_Kat]

Where there is a will there is a way.

My mom and I are currently in the process of building a coop and the only other thing we have built was a fence (plus we had help). ANything is possible if you put your mind to it and your body in motion. Good luck, I can't post photos on here yet (too new) but you can check out our build progress at the forum link below.

http://chickensintheroad.com/forum/the-old-barn/baby-chicks/?value=baby chicks&type=1&include=1&search=1

 

[luvpartridge]

of course you can do it yourself! a carpenter friend of mine told me (when i was building stairs from one floor of my house to another, as a first time homeowner project) that it's about how you FIX (read: hide) the mistakes, not whether you make them or not.

i'm a single mom, and i'm almost done with my first coop. it's pretty, and my five year old son was happy to help watch the chickens while i constructed, and painted himself and the coop from head to foot when i gave him a brush.

good luck! and yes, measure twice, cut once.

 

[benjoycei]

You all did a great job!!!

 

[hcppam]

building mine all by my lonesome...I have been making it panel a time, all the framing is built into teach side, doors windows and then when I get the last panel done, ill screw them all together, then add the roof. So far so good...alot of work though.

 

[motoclown]

I have helped with ours, I've learned how to use the grinder, circular saw, drill and more.

Bonus,
Always get the big box of screws,
different nails go in easier then others, some bend
angles can be tough, need a miter saw.
Great to have around-hand saw, draw knife, pliers, chisel, screw drivers, wire cutters
extra drill bits, sharp saw blades, a square, hammer, tape measure, level.....
.....and a few pencils.

 

[Kikiriki]

Quote:
Another idea is having a plug in drill-- even with two batteries, my cordless would give out too often...grrr. Plus it will not provide good torque (strength to turn) when the battery weakens. Having two drills set up with one having a bit, and one having a screwdriver tip made the job much faster and easier. I prefer screws because they keep stable much better. Pre drilling a hole keeps wood from splitting and even makes it easier to pound nails.