how should i build a cheap chicken coop?

2 Responses to “how should i build a cheap chicken coop?”

1. Wade says:

   March 10, 2010 at 6:27 am

   I checked alot of sites for free plans, but I just finished up using the concepts and doing my own. Alot simpler I found to just wing it. I wanted a coop that had an attached cage so they could wander around a bit and also use the space best since I place the coop in my garden. Ill clarify what I did the best I can and maybe you can use some thoughts: I used 4×8 plywood, 2×4x8s, 2×4x12s, 4×4x8s. I dont really have any measurements, I just basically used all wood cut into halfs to keep it dimensional, trimmed where it needed it. Cut 4×4s in half, dug down about a foot to set them in ground, made sure level. Screwed floor to these posts, attached walls, using 2×4x8s I sliced in half lengthwise to use as braces on the inside corners for the screws to set. Place in a couple nesting boxes. Ran the 2×4x12s lengthwise along the ground as well as just below roof. Supported it all where needed with 2×4s cut to fit. Made a door with 2×4s using regular door hinges and corner brackets. Made a window using plexiglass. Had some extra roof shingles so I applied them. Cut out a door, attached a ramp. Used wire mesh from Home Depot, I didnt like the thinner chicken wire since I have a few larger dogs, so I got the thicker gauge stuff. Tacked it all down. Place a back door on it to have access to eggs, water, cleaning. Place various extra trim pieces on, mostly to seal any slight gaps. And cut a vent on one side that I place mesh over for summertime, I just cover it in winter tho.

   Couple tips:
   For backdoor I marked the opening to be cut, used circular saw to cut out the square(careful not to overcut). I took the cutout piece and trimmed another 1/4 inch off all way around, then screwed some other small boards onto it.

   Window I measured some trim wood to fit around glass, mitred it, then cut about a 1/4 inch groove using a tablesaw along inner edge for the glass to set in, so its held in place.

   If you have drip irrigation/sprinklers, you can run a line into the coop and place a drip end on it. Cant do in winter here, but usually mine set up to automatically water.

   Anyhow, I probably spent $60 or so on wood, $10 on screws and nails, $5 on plexiglass, $25 on wire mesh, $10 on hinges/clasp. Used scrap wood I had around, extra paint and shingles.

   http://i993.photobucket.com/albums/af58/wobblewabs/PIC_0023.jpg
   http://i993.photobucket.com/albums/af58/wobblewabs/PIC_0024.jpg
   http://i993.photobucket.com/albums/af58/wobblewabs/PIC_0025.jpg
   http://i993.photobucket.com/albums/af58/wobblewabs/PIC_0026.jpg
   http://i993.photobucket.com/albums/af58/wobblewabs/PIC_0022.jpg
2. meanolmaw says:

   March 10, 2010 at 6:27 am

   http://www.google.com/search?q=chicken+coops+DIY&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&startIndex=&startPage=1

   http://images.google.com/images?q=chicken%20coops%20DIY&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&oe=UTF-8&startIndex=&startPage=1&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi

   maybe go a small less ‘cheep’ and build one that will hold up longer so the ladies will feel more secure and comfy and give you more eggs?…..