I've been wanting to get some laying hens for a number of years, but just never really got the itch to build a coop until this year. I figured with everything going on in the world I probably better shit or get off the pot.

If I learned anything from my dad, it was that if you're going to build something you damned sure need to over-engineer and over-build it. He'd be proud of this project.

After well in excess of $1000 in lumber, wire, screws, nails, etc..., trying to cut off my finger with a sawzall, and piercing my nose (unintentionally) with hardware cloth, here is my new chicken coop (or as my lady friend calls it, the chicken condo).




And, yeah, you guys who work construction for a living have all my respect. That is some got-damned hard work (and dangerous). It makes me really happy I earn a living inside sitting on my ass.

I still have a little bit of trim to put on and painting to do, but she's ready for the birds that'll be here tomorrow. Four 20 week old Rhode Island Reds.

I would never have guessed you for a guy who keeps chickens.

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:
I would never have guessed you for a guy who keeps chickens.

Well, I grew up raising them. Haven't done so since, other than broilers every year. They're easy though...feed 'em for seven weeks and knock 'em in the head.

My wife has became a chicken nut over the last year. The eggs are fantastic to have and they do great work in our flower beds. I’ll admit I really do enjoy having them. I was originally going to build an over engineered house but my procrastination and the price of lumber led me to a cheaper coop from tractor supply. This worked out better because for us because it gave my wife an opportunity to learn what she did and didn’t want in a coop. Maybe this fall I’ll get around to it. Yours looks great.

Do you recall PHPauls awsome chicken plucker? Nice work BTW.

quote:

Originally posted by David Lee:
Do you recall PHPauls awsome chicken plucker?

I do. I actually had built one before he did. I've since gifted that one to some friends and bought a stainless steel one for myself. Got a great price on it a couple of years ago and it'll do two birds in about 15 seconds.

quote:

Yours looks great.

you could list that with AirBnB for rural getaways. Complete with feather pillows.

I don't know much about chickens or bears but I have heard of bears trying to get into chicken coops. Any danger of that where you live?

That is a work of art bro
You will need to free range them daily, that’s what I do
Less stress, happy chicks and nonstop eggs
Plus it’s a stress reliever to just watch them pecking around
I get too attached to a dog as much as I want one
When they die, I go into depression
Chickens tho, well it’s time to get another
They’re great to have
Yours are gonna be spoiled

quote:

Originally posted by Gene Hillman:
I don't know much about chickens or bears but I have heard of bears trying to get into chicken coops. Any danger of that where you live?

I've had two come through (that I know of). One surprised me early one morning when I went out to get some wood for the fire, and another one got into my bee hives a few years back. Not too worried about them.

Looks great. Here's mine when it was about 3/4 of the way done. I added a run that is about 24x16'

Everything loves chicken…

quote:

Originally posted by ryan81986:
Here's mine when it was about 3/4 of the way done.

Holy crap! That's a cabin.

Mine's only 6X12. The hen house is 4X6. Plenty big for my needs.

quote:

Originally posted by Gustofer:

quote:

Originally posted by ryan81986:
Here's mine when it was about 3/4 of the way done.

Holy crap! That's a cabin.

Mine's only 6X12. The hen house is 4X6. Plenty big for my needs.

Yeah I tend to subscribe to the go big or go home mentality haha. And I wanted a lot of birds. Started with 15 of them.

My daughters raise chickens for 4H. Of course it was up to dad to make the coop. Being the lazy guy I am, I just bought a 10x10 fancy plastic shed (has windows and stuff and is normally used for lawn mowers and yard stuff), made a bunch of egg laying boxes and added some roosting beams. During nice weather the double doors stay open and stays pretty warm in winter.

Ended up being way cheaper and easier than if I built a coop from scratch and looks better in suburban yard. Cleans easier too since it's all plastic, I just whip out the power sprayer and blast everything.

quote:

Originally posted by Gustofer:
I figured with everything going on in the world .

If you can get your family to the kitchen table without going to the "grocery store" you're doing great.

Did you have to pull permits for that?

I assume you mean a building permit?

No. Not around these parts.

Nice work!

Great job.