I found this artile - http://www.doityourself.com/stry/make-a-small-chicken-coop-from-a-garbage-can - where they explained how to make a coop out of a garbage can. I wouldn't think it would hold more than a couple small bantams, or maybe a few quail, with a run.
I copied and pasted the trash can part, if you don't want to read the whole article:
Step 1 - Making the Shelter
You will need an old but solid garbage can. It should have minimal rust and no holes. Clean it out thoroughly and allow it to dry completely. Draw an opening on the side, going up from the bottom of the can. It should be big enough for the chickens to easily access the space.
Use a metal saw to cut out the opening and discard the metal you’ve cut away. Wear protective gloves and safety glasses for this operation. Stand the can where you’ll want the chicken coop to be. To keep it in place, drive metal stakes into the ground through the bottom of the can. You’ll have access to the coop through the garbage can lid although you should keep it weighted down with bricks to stop predatory animals from getting in and harming the chickens.
I was wondering if anyone thought this might be possible. I can think of a few things that could be an issue. How about the part about not having a door? And then it probably should be off the ground a bit, so when we have flooding (we sometimes get 2-3 inches of water on our yard when we have big storms) they don't get soaked to the bone. And there also would need to be a perch, unless quail are being kept in there. Also, making a run to fit that might be a bit hard. And in the summer, heat may get trapped, and they will need ventilation year around.
I would really like to hear what others think of this! Do it think it has too many issues? Do you think that they can be worked out? Or do you think it just isn't a place where chickens should live?
I copied and pasted the trash can part, if you don't want to read the whole article:
Step 1 - Making the Shelter
You will need an old but solid garbage can. It should have minimal rust and no holes. Clean it out thoroughly and allow it to dry completely. Draw an opening on the side, going up from the bottom of the can. It should be big enough for the chickens to easily access the space.
Use a metal saw to cut out the opening and discard the metal you’ve cut away. Wear protective gloves and safety glasses for this operation. Stand the can where you’ll want the chicken coop to be. To keep it in place, drive metal stakes into the ground through the bottom of the can. You’ll have access to the coop through the garbage can lid although you should keep it weighted down with bricks to stop predatory animals from getting in and harming the chickens.
I was wondering if anyone thought this might be possible. I can think of a few things that could be an issue. How about the part about not having a door? And then it probably should be off the ground a bit, so when we have flooding (we sometimes get 2-3 inches of water on our yard when we have big storms) they don't get soaked to the bone. And there also would need to be a perch, unless quail are being kept in there. Also, making a run to fit that might be a bit hard. And in the summer, heat may get trapped, and they will need ventilation year around.
I would really like to hear what others think of this! Do it think it has too many issues? Do you think that they can be worked out? Or do you think it just isn't a place where chickens should live?
