Build Chicken Coops » Chicken Coop Construction

Chicken Tractor Coop Design

Mike Conrad — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 11:47:49 +0000

Here is the construction of a chicken tractor coop, as detailed by pictures. To view the pictures, just click on the link provided.

Chicken tractor at finished stage:

Opening the tractor door:

Nest box being ready to be placed on tractor coop:

Nest box placed on tractor coop:

Building the frame:

Total cost of the whole project

4 pieces of 10′ corrugated roofing – $50.00
3 – 2 x 6 x 8′ for framing – $10.50
7 – 2 x 4 x 8′ – $17.50
4 – 1 x 2 x 8′ wire cleats – $3.20
1/2 sheet of 1/2″ plywood – $5.00 ($10.00 if you have to buy a full sheet)
Stucco netting – 16′ @ .18 – $3.00 [$28.00 for a full roll (150')]
1 piece of 4″ x 4″ flashing – ridge cap – $8.00
1 piece metal corner trim – $4.00
1 pair 3″ x 3″ door hinges – $3.50
2 gate latches – $2.00
misc. screws, nails, etc. – $15.00 (Will be some left over)
3 feet of 4″ PVC pipe @ .80 – feeder – $2.40 ($8.00 for a 10′ piece)
2 – 4″ PVC elbows – feeder – $5.00
1 – 4″ PVC cap – feeder – $1.50
3 gallon metal waterer – $30.00

The whole project came out to $160.60, and this is only because the coop builder decided not to spend time looking for spare parts. $160.60 is still a very good deal for a chicken coop of its size. Want to build a coop just like this? Check out how to with this guide.

– Pictures taken from Azeglin of BackYardChickens.com

Designing A Chicken Coop

Mike Conrad — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 17:59:52 +0000

Could you imagine going into your yard in the morning and harvesting fresh, organic eggs that are ready for consumption? Not only are they delicious, but best of all, they are completely free. This is possible by raising your own chickens. However, chickens need a shelter to stay in. Chicken coops are these shelters, and can hold all the chickens you plan on owning.

Before you go to work on your chicken coop, you may want to consider the design of the chicken coop. I recommend taking out a piece of paper and pencil and begin to draw a rough sketch of what you want your chicken coop to look like. Do you want a large chicken coop, a small chicken coop, or a specially designed chicken coop? It’s also suggested to measure out your backyard and draw your chicken coop according to these dimensions. You don’t want to begin the building process and then realize that the coop may be to big for your yard.

I also recommend thinking of how the chicken coop will look on the outside. If you have neighbors nearby, they may not find a big shed in your backyard aesthetically pleasing. However, if you decorate the coop in some way or do some interesting carpenter work on it, the coop may actually draw a neighbors eye in a pleasant way. Having nice windows installed in the coop is one quick way of making your coop look beautiful.

As you consider how your chicken coop will look, check out this guide that shows you how to build a chicken coop in many different styles. The guide includes pictures and will go a long way in making sure your coop looks awesome.

Things To Consider Before Chicken Coop Construction

Mike Conrad — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:01:24 +0000

Before building your very own chicken coop, there are a few things to consider. Some people choose to have their chicken coops built by professional chicken coop constructors, while others choose to build the chicken coops themselves. Building a coop yourself is not hard and does not require expensive materials. Many of the materials can be found around your garage.

However, before you go to work on your chicken coop, you must consider a few things first. One thing you must consider is the size of the coop and the number of chickens you wish to hold. Small chicken coops offer more versatility in placement, they are easier to move, and they are easier to clean. Large chicken coops can hold more chickens and therefore you can get more out of your coop investment in the long term. If you have or wish to have many chickens, going with a large coop is a wise idea. If you want to only keep the chickens as pets, go with the small chicken coop.

Environment is also an important factor. If the climate is hot, the chickens need a spacious coop in order to avoid any heat exhaustion. If the climate around your coop is cold, you should build the coop in a way that the water supply will not freeze and the chickens get sunlight. Sunlight in any coop is important, because it catalyzes the production of eggs.

Interested in constructing your coop now? Check out this guide which will show you exactly how to build your own coop with inexpensive materials.