Coop alteration/design advice

[Bossmom412]

Hi all,
Last summer we bought a coop from tractor supply with the idea that this summer we would build a fence to go around it for an inclosed safe run. Now that spring is here we are trying to start plans for how to do the enclosed run. At first our plan was to purchase a large fenced chicken pen/run from Amazon but they aren’t quite as large as we’d like. So now we are planning to go the diy route.

My question to all you handy construction types - what are your thoughts on being able to build a wood base frame on which to raise the current coop up onto? It’s pretty darn heavy so not sure we can do it but if we could…. Possibly even remove the current little attached run and raise up the coop side….

Any all advice is welcome! Thx

 

[Dominique King]

Hi all,
Last summer we bought a coop from tractor supply with the idea that this summer we would build a fence to go around it for an inclosed safe run. Now that spring is here we are trying to start plans for how to do the enclosed run. At first our plan was to purchase a large fenced chicken pen/run from Amazon but they aren’t quite as large as we’d like. So now we are planning to go the diy route.

My question to all you handy construction types - what are your thoughts on being able to build a wood base frame on which to raise the current coop up onto? It’s pretty darn heavy so not sure we can do it but if we could…. Possibly even remove the current little attached run and raise up the coop side….

Any all advice is welcome! Thx

I used a treated wood base frame on cement pads and then made the coop our of rough sawn boards from my local saw mill with 2x4 from the same place. I used galvanized tin roofing for the roof.

 

[Island Coppers]

Bossmom412,​

Welcome to BYC!

I'm thinking 'levers'. If you get a long enough lever you can lift anything. You'll need a fulcrum, lever it up if few inches at a time and block it and move to the other end. Repeat, until the desired height is reached.

 

[Dominique King]

Here are some photos!

 

[Dominique King]

Bossmom412,​

Welcome to BYC!

I'm thinking 'levers'. If you get a long enough lever you can lift anything. You'll need a fulcrum, lever it up if few inches at a time and block it and move to the other end. Repeat, until the desired height is reached.

That is good advice!
I was just sharing what my folks and I did with our coop.

 

[perkolator]

First off, that's a fantastic octopus mural!

Which question are you asking here - how to add a bigger run structure, or how to raise the existing coop onto a platform?

IMO raising the coop onto a platform wouldn't be hard to do. Those kits all bolt together, so simply detach the run portion so it's lighter. If I was doing this by myself or with a helper, I definitely wouldn't try to dead lift this right off the ground - I'd raise it up in "steps" one side at at time by tipping it up and setting something sturdy underneath, like a stack of cinder blocks or stacked free wood pallets, etc. Do one side a foot or so, then do the opposite side a little bit higher; repeat raising it in "steps" until it's high enough, then slip the new platform underneath. This can work in reverse too if you need to lower a heavy object, I've done it many times with stuff out of my truck bed since I don't own a forklift or tractor

For the run I'd use taller t-posts and reuse that welded wire fencing as a structural backing for some 1/2" hardware cloth along the bottom walls and dig skirting, and maybe cheaper fencing like metal chicken wire above welded wire for overhead protection (depending on your predators)

 

[Bossmom412]

I used a treated wood base frame on cement pads and then made the coop our of rough sawn boards from my local saw mill with 2x4 from the same place. I used galvanized tin roofing for the roof.

Love this- great resourcing! Thank you

 

[Bossmom412]

Bossmom412,​

Welcome to BYC!

I'm thinking 'levers'. If you get a long enough lever you can lift anything. You'll need a fulcrum, lever it up if few inches at a time and block it and move to the other end. Repeat, until the desired height is reached.

Ok, yes! This sounds achievable thanks!

 

[Bossmom412]

Here are some photos!
View attachment 4094709
View attachment 4094710
View attachment 4094711
View attachment 4094712

Love. And is that hemp
Bedding you’re using? I haven’t tried fit yet myself but I’ve been tempted to, just don’t like then cost…I’m debating between trying that or just going all in on sand

 

[Bossmom412]

First off, that's a fantastic octopus mural!

Which question are you asking here - how to add a bigger run structure, or how to raise the existing coop onto a platform?

IMO raising the coop onto a platform wouldn't be hard to do. Those kits all bolt together, so simply detach the run portion so it's lighter. If I was doing this by myself or with a helper, I definitely wouldn't try to dead lift this right off the ground - I'd raise it up in "steps" one side at at time by tipping it up and setting something sturdy underneath, like a stack of cinder blocks or stacked free wood pallets, etc. Do one side a foot or so, then do the opposite side a little bit higher; repeat raising it in "steps" until it's high enough, then slip the new platform underneath. This can work in reverse too if you need to lower a heavy object, I've done it many times with stuff out of my truck bed since I don't own a forklift or tractor

For the run I'd use taller t-posts and reuse that welded wire fencing as a structural backing for some 1/2" hardware cloth along the bottom walls and dig skirting, and maybe cheaper fencing like metal chicken wire above welded wire for overhead protection (depending on your predators)

Yes to both! I do think detaching the run portion and lifting each side separately is the way to go. As for the run, great advice doing hardware cloth in bottom and chicken wire up top. It seems we have every predator in the book - fox, coyote, hawk, owl, and most recently raccoons. Our sweet cattle dog/husky rescue is more farm dig than husky so he does an excellent job patrolling the coop land and sky, but those dang rash pandas keep coming around at night and climbing into the run. Needles to say our girls are definitely spooked. We’ve got some electric fencing coming which we’ll put around the outside of our current run for now and then We are going for some 4x4s to put up a more permanent and sturdy fence/run and then either putting chicken wire across the top or knotted aviary netting.