Introduction: Homemade Chicken Coop
now I wasn't planning to do an instructable on this at the time of building, so some steps may be missing, but you will get the general idea. basically this is my homemade chicken coop. I have no wood working skills, and basic tools, my most advanced tools are a table circular saw, and a dremel, I also borrowed a jigsaw from the neighbor. the wood I used came from an old tree house that I took apart, although I did have to buy a few extras to complete the project. now if your pondering the idea of building a chicken coop, my advice to you is to just get stuck in, I looked for ages on the internet for designs I liked, and not finding exactly what worked for me I just said screw it and went outside and started putting it together. I was nervous that I didn't have the skills to do this, but now all is said and done I will say to anyone, just push through that doubt and you will get it done. this is by no means top of the line, top quality workmanship lol, but it serves its purpose.
Step 1: Let's Begin.
OK, now I'm not gonna give you dimensions, as this will all depend on how many chickens you have, but the total size of mine for my 5 chickens is, 5' x 5' for the inside area, and 10' x 5' for the outside area. total height is about 5-1/2'.
Step 2: Framing
OK, let's get started. first I build 2, 5'x5'frames which I then mounted to 4, 4"x4" posts of approximately 5' in height. this was my main starting structure. I placed the first frame at 2-1/2' and the second flush (level) with the top. ( these were all attached with 3" screws.
Step 3: Door and Window.
now, as my 2 frame pieces that i mentioned earlier sat outside of the 4"x4" posts, I added 8, 2"x4" sections to the corners to make the outside flush. I also added 3, 2"x4" sections to 1 side so I could attach the window you see ( this was also just screwed to the framing) and also I made a similar small framed section at the front for a door. I then took 2, 5'- 2"x4" sections and cut them diagonally down the length and attached them to the top to create a sloping roof.
Step 4: Mounting Walls.
I then cut and mounted the front and side walls. these were just nailed on with 1" nails.
Step 5: Doors and Nesting Area.
I then attached a shelf inside about half way up, supported on the sides and middle by 2"x4"s then screwed in and sectioned it off at the top in to 5 sections. these would be the nesting boxes. I also placed a 1" dowel rod inside just in front of the nesting boxes for them to sit or climb on to.
Step 6: Doors.
I then cut a section of wood the size of the back and cut it in half, this would make 2 doors, the top door for collecting the eggs, and the lower door for cleaning the coop. I also added a piece of wood to the roof and screwed a section of the metal roof from the tree house to that. I have 2 hinges on each door to hold them in place, and 2 locks on each door that locks each door to the sides (1 either side of each door) and 1 lock in the center that locks the 2 doors together.
Step 7: Caulk and Paint.
I then caulked around the window and the corners and under the edge of the roof to seal it from the weather. I then painted it with an outdoor waterproof paint I got from home depot.
Step 8: Outer Framing, Door.
next I built the outer frame with 2"x4" wood, and attached a door which was also made from 2"x4" wood. I then cut the 4, 5' sections of 2"x4"s diagonally along the length again to make another slanted roof, then attached another metal roof section from the treehouse. I sprayed expanding foam between the 2 roof sections to keep water out. also I added a small door to the coop so I could close the chickens in at night if needed.
Step 9: Finished.
finally I added a ramp for the chickens to walk down (this was a piece of wood flooring) and then I stapled chicken wire around the framing. and their you have it. nothing amazing but it serves its purpose. I hope my explanation was not too confusing, that's not one of my strong points lol. any questions please ask. thank you.