CoolHandJack
In the Brooder
TLDR Save money and build this coop if you have the ability but it will take some thinking on your end.
Many have seen the Third Coast Craftsman's popular YouTube chicken coop video and after a year and a half of altering a cheap store bought coop, I decided it was time to just build a structure that would last.
I did plenty of research on both building and buying a coop. Living in Pennsylvania, I looked into a few Amish made coops. Similar style and size builds were in the ballpark of $2000-$3500. My build total came in around $750 so decided to build my own. I settled on TCC's coop plans because it met most of the needs and wants that I was looking for in a coop. The build took about two weeks mostly working after work and the weekends. The plans are nicely drawn but can be difficult to follow at times for a few reasons. Firstly, the measurements are given as distance between board edges and not board centers. He also will combine multiple steps into one picture without much of an order of operations which takes time to determine which step should be done first (having an accompanying video is helpful though.) There are also some odd size pieces used that can make things a bit more difficult than using dimensional lumber. Also, the doors aren't the most sturdiest of constructs, the long front egg box one twists pretty easily over that length.
It is noted in the plans that after a certain step all measurements are approximate and I recommend heeding that and measuring all cuts from then on.
Overall, I am happy with the coop build and think it will hold up well. I made a few alterations to fit my needs including more ventilation, adding the automatic door to the sidewall instead of off the back underneath the dropping board, and other small adjustments to trim and hardware. I think this coop will serve our flock well for many years to come.
Many have seen the Third Coast Craftsman's popular YouTube chicken coop video and after a year and a half of altering a cheap store bought coop, I decided it was time to just build a structure that would last.
I did plenty of research on both building and buying a coop. Living in Pennsylvania, I looked into a few Amish made coops. Similar style and size builds were in the ballpark of $2000-$3500. My build total came in around $750 so decided to build my own. I settled on TCC's coop plans because it met most of the needs and wants that I was looking for in a coop. The build took about two weeks mostly working after work and the weekends. The plans are nicely drawn but can be difficult to follow at times for a few reasons. Firstly, the measurements are given as distance between board edges and not board centers. He also will combine multiple steps into one picture without much of an order of operations which takes time to determine which step should be done first (having an accompanying video is helpful though.) There are also some odd size pieces used that can make things a bit more difficult than using dimensional lumber. Also, the doors aren't the most sturdiest of constructs, the long front egg box one twists pretty easily over that length.
It is noted in the plans that after a certain step all measurements are approximate and I recommend heeding that and measuring all cuts from then on.
Overall, I am happy with the coop build and think it will hold up well. I made a few alterations to fit my needs including more ventilation, adding the automatic door to the sidewall instead of off the back underneath the dropping board, and other small adjustments to trim and hardware. I think this coop will serve our flock well for many years to come.
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