Chicken Coop Construction, part 2

Howdy All,

Here is part two of our multi part series on the construction of our chicken coop. We did alot of things this past week!








For starters, we put the permanent foundation blocks on. We did this to raise the wood up from the dirt, which would eventually start to rot the legs.
















The new foundation raised the height of the nesting box, so we may need to raise up the dirt below it so Nicky can reach the eggs easily,

We also cut out some openings for our custom chicken shaped window. We are going to put a sheet of plexiglass behind it, once we finish painting.

We also finished the roof! This is a good thing since it is supposed to start raining soon. We put down a layer of tar paper, and then used some awesomely aged cedar shingles donated from my parents.Mostly I based my roof on this video (as well as some clarification from my Dad, the architect):
http://www.finehomebuilding.com/how-to/video/install-cedar-shingle-polycarbonate-roofing-shed.aspx

Here you can see Mike  putting the tar paper on top of the plywood

Here is a view of Mike finishing the roof. Didn't fall off once!

We also cut out the opening for the chickens to leave the coop, into the (as of yet) unbuilt chicken run. We hope they dont mind!

We also started our first coat of paint. Here is Nicky painting the body of the coop.









We still have a little bit more to do, and will post an update soon!

M & N

Chicken Coop construction, part 1

We have finally embarked on our long-awaited backyard chicken adventure! After many delays, we decided there's no time like the present and so spent the weekend working on the coop. Our hope - fresh eggs by Christmas, and fabulous compost in spring, and maybe even new feathered friends for Flint :)

Even though it has become incredibly easier to buy pre-fab chicken coops online, we went with the home-grown variety, with Michael designing the plans and most of the weekend spent building it ourselves from the frame up!

It began with these plans:

Plans agreed upon, we headed to Home Depot and spent a good chunk of change (thanks to Dorothy!) on lumber and building supplies.

Step 1- build the floor:

Step 2 - build the frame:

For this part, since the posts are 8 feet tall, we moved the operation to the future site of the chicken coop, in the far corner of our yard. Our neighbors are already beginning to ask questions, but we hope to win them over with offerings of fresh eggs :)

Step 3 - up go the walls!:

We finished the main structure and built the roof all in the first day, and got it into place with the help of my Aunt and cousin - thanks guys! 

Step 4 - roofing and siding:

The next day we manhandled the roof onto the coop (not an easy task), and secured it all into place. Michael is drilling the roof onto the posts, below I am busy sawing wood to complete the siding.

Step 5 - finishing touches:

Here I am designing the chicken-shaped windows to go on the side of the coop, yes, our coop will be very stylish indeed :) 

Next steps - finishing the exit hole and ramp for the chickens, decorating the coop, building the enclosed run, and finally, getting the chickens! :) See you soon!