DIY Chicken Coop: Create a Dream Home for Your Chicks!
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Our Farmhouse Fixer Upper
- 2.1. Our Challenges and Progress
- Planning the Land Makeover
- 3.1. Clearing the Weeds
- 3.2. Raising Chickens
- 3.3. Buying the Chicks
- 3.4. Setting Up a Temporary Home
- Building the Chicken Coop
- 4.1. Buying Plans
- 4.2. Materials and Tools
- 4.3. Day 1: Building the Base
- 4.4. Day 1: Wall Construction
- 4.5. Day 1: Making Mistakes and Corrections
- 4.6. Day 2: Roofing and Windows
- 4.7. Day 3: Finishing Touches
- Watching the Chicks Grow
- 5.1. The Growth Process
- 5.2. Sleepy Chicks and Active Playtime
- 5.3. Anticipating Egg Laying
- Wrapping Up the Coop
- 6.1. Day 4: Trimming and Attaching Doors
- 6.2. Day 4: Paint Selection and Application
- 6.3. The Final Touches
- Conclusion
Our Farmhouse Fixer Upper
When my husband and I bought our farmhouse fixer upper in September 2020, we knew we had a long journey ahead of us. The house needed a lot of work, but we were determined to turn it into our dream home. In addition to renovating the interior, we also had to address the five acres of land that came with the property. In this article, I'll share our experiences with transforming the land and building a chicken coop.
Planning the Land Makeover
Clearing the Weeds
One of the first tasks we faced was clearing the overgrown vegetation from the land. The five acres were filled with weeds, making it difficult to envision our plans for the space. We devoted several days to removing the weeds manually, ensuring a clean slate for our future projects.
Raising Chickens
Deciding to raise chickens was an exciting prospect for us. We researched different breeds and settled on a mix of Americana, Sapphire Gems, and a few others. These breeds were known for their beautiful eggs, which added an extra layer of excitement to our project. We purchased 12 baby chicks from a local farm store and prepared a temporary home for them in our basement.
Buying the Chicks
We headed to Rural King, where we found a variety of baby chicks to choose from. After careful consideration, we selected our 12 little ones and brought them home. The chicks were an adorable addition to our family, and we couldn't wait to see them grow.
Setting Up a Temporary Home
While the basement wasn't an ideal long-term home for our chicks, it served as a temporary solution. We set up a large tub with bedding, food, and water for the chicks. To ensure their comfort and safety, we installed two heat lamps to keep them warm during their early days.
Building the Chicken Coop
Buying Plans
When it came to building the chicken coop, we decided to invest in pre-made plans. We found a set of plans on Etsy for only $16, which provided detailed instructions and measurements. Although we usually prefer to wing it and build things ourselves, we recognized the importance of having a solid structure that could withstand the weather and protect our chickens from predators.
Materials and Tools
To begin the construction, we purchased the necessary materials from our local hardware store. The list included a lot of two-by-fours, plywood, windows, nails, and screws. While we didn't have all the tools we needed, we made do with what we had on hand and relied on our problem-solving skills.
Day 1: Building the Base
On the first day of construction, we focused on building the base or platform of the coop. It took us approximately two hours to complete this step. Despite encountering a few challenges along the way, we were satisfied with our progress.
Day 1: Wall Construction
With the base in place, we moved on to constructing the walls. We built one side at a time, paying careful attention to the measurements and angles specified in the plans. While some aspects, such as the nesting box angles, proved tricky, we managed to complete two walls before calling it a day.
Day 1: Making Mistakes and Corrections
During the wall construction process, we realized that we had made a mistake with the back wall. It was upside down and needed to be flipped to accommodate the roosting ledges and nesting boxes. Instead of starting from scratch, we decided to make the necessary adjustments by adding extra pieces of wood. It wasn't perfect, but it served its purpose.
Day 2: Roofing and Windows
On the second day, we focused on adding the roof and installing the windows. These steps required careful measurements and precise cuts, but we were able to complete them with relative ease. By the end of the day, the coop was starting to take shape.
Day 3: Finishing Touches
With most of the major construction complete, we moved on to the finishing touches. We attached the doors, built the nesting box lid, and added trim to give the coop a polished look. By the end of the third day, the coop was ready for its final steps: painting and adding the chicken run.
Watching the Chicks Grow
The Growth Process
While we were busy building the chicken coop, the chicks were growing rapidly. In just a week, they had transformed from fuzzy little balls to fully-feathered chicks. It was amazing to witness their growth and see their personalities develop.
Sleepy Chicks and Active Playtime
Despite their occasional sleepiness after a hearty meal, the chicks proved to be lively and active creatures. They constantly explored their surroundings, chirping and pecking their way through the day. We enjoyed watching their antics and learning about their different personalities.
Anticipating Egg Laying
As our chicks continued to grow, we eagerly anticipated the day when they would start laying eggs. Each breed we chose had unique characteristics, including the ability to lay blue or brown eggs. It was exciting to think about the colorful array of eggs we might have in the future.
Wrapping Up the Coop
Day 4: Trimming and Attaching Doors
On the fourth and final day of coop construction, we focused on adding the trim and attaching the doors. These details brought the coop to life and gave it a polished appearance. We made sure everything was secure and functional before moving on to the next step.
Day 4: Paint Selection and Application
To protect the coop from weather elements, we decided to paint it. We used leftover exterior paint from our house renovation and opted for a classic white color. Painting the coop not only added a layer of protection but also gave it a cohesive and finished look.
The Final Touches
With the coop construction complete, we took a moment to admire our handiwork. The crooked coop, as we affectionately called it, had come together beautifully despite a few imperfections. It was ready to provide a safe and comfortable home for our chickens.
Conclusion
Building a chicken coop on our farmhouse fixer upper was a challenging yet rewarding experience. We faced setbacks and made mistakes along the way, but we persevered and created a functional and cozy home for our chickens. As we watched our chicks grow and prepared to move them to their new coop, we couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. Our journey was far from perfect, but it was filled with excitement and the satisfaction of creating something with our own hands.
Highlights
- The challenges and progress of renovating our farmhouse fixer upper
- Clearing the land and planning for its transformation
- The joy of raising baby chicks and watching them grow
- Building the chicken coop using pre-made plans
- Overcoming obstacles and making adjustments during the construction process
- Anticipating the chickens' egg-laying and selecting different breeds
- Finishing touches, including trim, doors, and painting
- The satisfaction of completing the coop and preparing for the chickens' move
FAQ
Q: How long did it take to build the chicken coop?
A: It took us approximately seven days spread over several weeks to complete the coop.
Q: Did you encounter any challenges during the construction process?
A: Yes, we faced challenges such as making mistakes with the wall orientation and working without some of the necessary tools.
Q: How much did the chicken coop cost to build?
A: We spent around $700 to $800 on materials, plus $16 for the plans we purchased from Etsy.
Q: How many chickens will the coop accommodate?
A: The coop is designed to hold a dozen chickens comfortably.
Q: Do you plan to add a chicken run?
A: Yes, we plan to build a chicken run in the near future.
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