🖼️
The project:
The old chicken coop I was using for my 4 little bantam girls was bringing us no joy, and wanted to upgrade. I thought about buying but nothing stood out. I grew up in an A frame house and thought it was only fitting that my girls do too, so I decided I’d do it myself.
- Materials:
https://www.bunnings.com.au/90-x-45mm-framing-mgp10-untreated-pine-2-4m_p8030079
https://www.bunnings.com.au/matpro-2m-black-garage-floor-mat_p4490445
https://www.bunnings.com.au/2440-x-1200mm-7mm-braceboard-plywood-pine-2440-x-1200mm_p0391229
https://www.bunnings.com.au/jack-90cm-x-5m-x-25mm-x-12mm-aviary-mesh_p3040082
https://www.bunnings.com.au/cabot-s-500ml-white-timbercolour-deck-exterior-paint_p1520553
https://www.bunnings.com.au/22mm-x-1-2m-eucalyptus-grandis-dowel_p0497525
Left over formply -
https://www.bunnings.com.au/specrite-1800-x-1200mm-17mm-formply-f17_p0390220
https://www.bunnings.com.au/sika-310ml-white-sikaflex-pro-polyurethane-sealant-310ml-white_p0083587?store=6011&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21122993677&gbraid=0AAAAADtbEB9SLSOf2Xq0uTFdOqbBJ9Jp3&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlfnN1fDvlQMVQoRmAh3xLy-JEAQYASACEgK8LvD_BwE
Delux W.LIB / Taubmans Interior Exterior (custom colours)
Pieces I took from the old coop, such as the door/door frame.
- Tools:
https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-18v-one-drill-driver-starter-kit-r18dd22_p0715241
https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-40-piece-specialty-metric-drill-and-drive-set_p0354519
https://www.bunnings.com.au/trojan-3-in-1-heavy-duty-staple-gun-set_p0217503
https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-homeowners-hand-tools-kit_p0520538
https://www.bunnings.com.au/bahco-350mm-and-550mm-handsaws-twin-pack_p0817639
https://www.bunnings.com.au/uni-pro-5-piece-paint-brush-set_p1661066
Electric sander
- Step 1:
Decided on the size I wanted the coop and started with the frame. Had a friend assist with the framing: Started with the 3x triangles to ensure it was the height I was after as I was wanting to be able to stand in the chicken run. Formed the square base of the run and connected the 3 triangles with a single beam running across the top. Added a “platform” half way up two triangles which would be the flooring of the roosting box, using ply on the base.
- Step 2:
Painted 2 coats of white to the frame before moving on to the wire mesh. Using the stable gun, I secured the aviary mesh tight around the chicken run - I added a further couple horizontal beams on either side for further support and to staple the mesh on to those also.
- Step 3:
Started sanding the formply that would sit on either side of the coop roosting area. Once the shine was completely removed, leaving it matte, I filled some holes and sanded back over those. I painted 2x coats of pink and let them dry
- Step 4:
Had my friend help cut 2 more triangular pieces of ply for the front and back of the roosting area, with a space for the nesting box on the back and a hole for them to walk through on the front. I then painted the outside of those pink and painted the inside with some left over grey. I added the rubber matting onto the platform to prevent moisture going through and so it would be easy to take out and clean when need be.
- Step 5:
Once the paint was dry on the sanded formply panels, I cut half way down one, which I would attach using hinges so I can open and close to clean. I had my friend help me attach the large pink panels to either side of the roosting box with a nail gun and added screws given their weight.
- Step 6:
I pulled the nesting box, door and door frame off the old coop. I cut the door frame to size so it fit the front triangle and drilled it on, and then added the door. I then added the nesting box after having to remove some panels for it to fit in the hole I had left for it. I drilled the box securely to the platform base and reattached the flip lid with hinges. To prevent water seeping through into the nesting box, I added a small “roof” like piece of ply used sikaflex to ensure it was sealed
- Step 7:
I then added further mesh around the front door so it was completely enclosed and secure.
I have yet to add in their roosting bars for the run but I have cut those to size and I’ll attach these with wing nuts through the wire mesh. I will also be adding a ridge cap over the top of the roosting box to ensure no water will seep through.
