FREE chicken coop plan (nice one too) on the Purina Mills Website

[suthapklomrod]

It wasn't until I found this site that I finally completed my chicken coop project. Learn how to build your own chicken coop and start raising chickens in your own backyard. Details here http://bit.ly/UpVkyz

 

[semichar]

I have never built anything from scratch, but I am pretty handy with a screwdriver and a saw. I am going to attempt this coop for my much-loved Wyandottes who seem happy enough in their ramshackle housing, but I worry about their security at night. I just don't understand what the issue is with the roof dimensions that some people have mentioned. Can anyone explain this in simple terms so that I can try to get it right? I haven't built anything directly from plans without more detailed instructions, so it's tough for me to visualize what people are talking about. Thanks! I'm also reading a few chapters in a DIY type of how-to-build-things book before I rush out and buy materials, so I have a few days to figure it out. Thanks to anyone who can shed light on it!
Charlene

 

[RonC]

The thickness of the siding on the coop will change the distance between the runners that fit on either side of the coop itself. These are the ones that actually attach the roof to the coop, about 6 inches in from the edges, not the ones on their sides near the center. The plans call for 49 inches apart which is leaves no room with 1/2 inch siding, might add 1/4 inch to be sure (49 1/4) or wait till the coop itself is finished and actually measure how far they need to be.

I didn't install the skylight in mine. Just covered it with plywood and then sealed it with the rubber roof in a can.

Read the instructions a couple of times before starting. Measure at least twice before cutting anything. I hate cutting something off twice and it's still too short! If you don't understand anything just ask.

 

[semichar]

Thank you. I think I finally figured that out. What I'm doing is putting the roof together without those "runners" and then I'll custom fit them to adjust for any minor discrepancy. Should work. I have the legs and floor mostly done, getting 2 x 4s cut tomorrow for the roof. I'm kind of shocked it's all coming together. Although I never really had doubts, it's still very cool actually seeing it come together bit by bit.

 

[taylynnp]

I've learned so much from reading this thread! Great tips on modifying this coop's plans. Thank you.

 

[Tune]

You are welcome.  I also updated my page to add some more detail on the build.  I like the coop and with the run I think it has plenty of space for my six girls.  Let me know if you have any questions about the build and I will help.

Hi Maree,
I would like to see your page with info on the building of this coop, we like the look of it and are novices. How do I access your page.

 

[jobouss]

I am not an experienced carpenter. I am just a crazy women with a skill saw, a hammer and a power drill. I used the basic idea but modified the heck out of it. Thanks to my dad and helping him with his building projects as a teen, I became pretty good with power tools. lol. I made it 4' x 6 ' and also made it taller. I put the pop door on the left side and a wide access door on the right side. I moved the nesting boxes to the back. I have ventilation windows across the upper front and back. I made a ladder roost in the front. I also made a poop tray with skinny access door in the lower front to remove the poop tray for cleaning. It is almost complete. I just have to add the siding and trim. I will need help and will have to wait until the weekend so my husband can help. I think I have spent about 350 dollars. that's everything, including paint and hardware accessories. I will post pics when I am done. Hopefully this weekend.

 

[cobbcruiser]

I really like your design lashlsufan. I'm planning to definitely put a window in. I like your sliding door, and contemplating designing the 2x4's door "tracks" to act as roost supports.

Thanks to everyone's comments and inputs! I hope to start on my modified coop design this weekend and like so many of the great ideas here - hope nobody minds my borrowing anyone's.

We just got 5 pullets yesterday and my teen-aged girls are having sooo much fun.

 

[hopefulpeeps]

If you do a somewhat heavily modified 4'x6' version of this coop, is it okay to still have it with only 4 uprights or should there be six? I want to use 4x4's.

 

[jobouss]

I am building a 4x6 version of this. I did not go directly by the instructions, just used them as a guide. I changed it around a bit. Put the nest boxes on the back, make an access door for the poop board on the bottom front and put the pop door on the side and a big access door on the other side. I did use 4x4 post at the corners. Here is a picture. It is not done, I have the trim pieces primed and need to paint them. need to make the doors. Here is some pics of what I have done so far. I am not an experienced builder, so there are mistakes, but that's ok. My girls will love it!