Here's my DIY Coop!

[humblehillsfarm]

I have zero design and carpentry skills so I spent A LOT of time just on the design, pricing materials, setting up my work space, etc. All that I had was a circular saw, drill, a triangular measuring tool, and measuring tape. I used 2x4s but next time I would only make the base frame from 2x4s and make the rest from 1x2s to save on weight and cost. I covered the entire roof with a single pack of clearance shingles, but next time I would use clear plastic roofing for greenhouse and lay it over the plywood to save on weight. I already had the paint and some leftover chicken wire fencing. I had to buy the screws, latches, and hinges for the doors. I also bought cheap peal and stick tile which has held up extremely well. Total cost was probably less than $150. I made this as a brooder coop or emergency isolation coop. The total space, including interior and exterior was roughly 55 square feet. I housed 7 babies until they were 16 weeks old but by week 12 I had to build an exterior fenced in enclosure adding an additional 100 sq feet of space because there was no grass left and way too much poop. It could probably house full time 2-4 standard sized hens provided the coop could be moved once a month or so.

 

[DobieLover]

You have no ventilation in it. You still need ventilation.
You should also use hardware cloth as the chicken wire will not stop any self respecting predator from tearing in there and going after it's occupants.

 

[ColoradoPip]

Agree with DobieLover's advice.

Great job! It looks really nice and well made!

 

[aart]

t could probably house full time 2-4 standard sized hens provided the coop could be moved once a month or so.

That sounds about right.
What are the dimensions of the foot print on the ground?

Welcome to BYC! @humblehillsfarm
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[Anime2lover]

I have zero design and carpentry skills so I spent A LOT of time just on the design, pricing materials, setting up my work space, etc. All that I had was a circular saw, drill, a triangular measuring tool, and measuring tape. I used 2x4s but next time I would only make the base frame from 2x4s and make the rest from 1x2s to save on weight and cost. I covered the entire roof with a single pack of clearance shingles, but next time I would use clear plastic roofing for greenhouse and lay it over the plywood to save on weight. I already had the paint and some leftover chicken wire fencing. I had to buy the screws, latches, and hinges for the doors. I also bought cheap peal and stick tile which has held up extremely well. Total cost was probably less than $150. I made this as a brooder coop or emergency isolation coop. The total space, including interior and exterior was roughly 55 square feet. I housed 7 babies until they were 16 weeks old but by week 12 I had to build an exterior fenced in enclosure adding an additional 100 sq feet of space because there was no grass left and way too much poop. It could probably house full time 2-4 standard sized hens provided the coop could be moved once a month or so.

Hardware cloth offers more protection for the chicks. It's stronger. We have that lining our brooder to. Also, a window is neccessary dor venting. Otherwise it's harder to keep the temp comfortable for them on hot days.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

You have no ventilation in it. You still need ventilation.
You should also use hardware cloth as the chicken wire will not stop any self respecting predator from tearing in there and going after it's occupants.

I'm sorry, but the giant 6" x 6" hole inside the coop, which is pictured, isn't ventilation to you? Look at the picture of the chicks inside the coop. The ventilation hole is clearly pictured. The ventilation hole is covered in hardwire as well, although in that image it was chicken wire, but it has since been changed. In addition, the chickens go inside the coop at night and are locked up so there is zero need to use hardware cloth on the exterior of the coop. Given that most predators prowl at night, I have a dog, and my entire property is fenced in, I'll take my chances on using lighter weight and more affordable chicken wire. For my purposes this was never intended to be a full-time coop. I put my spring time chicks in it, broody hens, injured hens, etc. I have a large 10x15' Amish built coop for the regular flock.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

That sounds about right.
What are the dimensions of the foot print on the ground?

I believe the interior is 4' x 3.5'ish while the exterior is 4.5'x8' but I don't have the plans handy and I'm not at home to measure. Sorry!

 

[SanJuan]

I love the design and the colors, WAO!!! no skills you did awesome.... We just finished building the chicken run and now is my time to decorated.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

I love the design and the colors, WAO!!! no skills you did awesome.... We just finished building the chicken run and now is my time to decorated.

WOW your coop is HUGE! I love your water catchment system! I'm working on setting that up off of our house this year to water the garden.

 

[Tre3hugger]

Nice job! A frames are not that easy, you nailed it. I plan on doing something similar to this but a little bigger soon for some meat birds. Thanks for sharing!