This combination yard feature and chicken coop is patterned off a 100 plus year old restored cabin I saw in Ohio's Amish country. The board and batten walls are constructed with rough sawed Cedar purchased from a small local mill. The metal roof was repurposed from an old barn that a friend tore down on his property. Exterior and landscaping were finished this week. Interior work begins next week. When complete the coop will feature five nesting boxes with exterior access, a closet with a work table built in with equipment storage above the table and feed storage below. The poured foundation (9x12) contains a drain for easy hosing out and waterproof plastic panel walls. The roof and west wall are insulated to maintain cooler temps in the summer heat.The roost will have a poop tray below for easy maintenance and odor control. The automated chicken door will be solar powered and controlled by a photocell. Chicks arrive mid May. A predator proof 6x35 foot run will be constructed this Summer. Reading what others have done in the construction of their coops on BackYard chickens has proven to be very valuable as we began work on our project. Thanks for sharing your ideas.
Framing went up pretty quickly, siding was only slowed by the application of four coats of clear sealant. Of course we did have a good on site supervisor who "bird dogged" us on those early Spring days.
Her title now changes from construction supervisor to protector of the birds.
The recycled tin roof was a little more difficult to work with than if we had used new roofing materials, but the old timey look it added to the structure was worth it.
The rocks for steps and a path were selected at a local quarry. The old weathered door was discovered at a local thrift store. We simply painted it a new color and added some additional stress.
The interior is still being finished but we are getting close.
Hen boxes directly below a window. Older grand daughter decided she needed to make curtains, so should be ready soon.
Storage closet not yet finished but already being used to house the brooder as 16 chicks arrived last week.
Youngest grand daughter is already assuming a motherly attitude toward the new baby chicks. Fun to watch!
Finally finished the run. Run is covered, walled with hardware cloth, and surrounded by rocks to discourage digging predators. The floor is a fine gravel called "minus" here?
Rock path leads to horse barn for the sloppy time of year access.
The chicks have grown into chickens under the watchful eye of my chicken helper always ready to give them a treat.
Should have eggs soon.
