My 10 year old grand daughter fell in love with her Uncle's chickens and began begging her Dad for a coop. Her dad, my son, works long hours and didn't see a way to be able to do it. I volunteered to build the coop.
I tried to make it as kid friendly as I could. I incorporated several features to make caring for chickens an easy chore. The coop is small but it has a little storage cupboard to keep feed and supplies nearby and accessible. There is a separate door for egg collection and nest access. The feeder will hold a few days worth of food and the same with the waterer. She can feed and water the birds without needing to enter the run.
I gave her four Silkie pullets as they are fun birds.
I got the idea from The Tractor Supply Store web site. http://t.tractorsupply.com/know-how_Chicken-Coops_gypsy-hen-caravan-chicken-coop-design
I liked the idea but as I said above I needed to customize it for a young first time chicken carer.
Easy clean out
The doors in the back are a split dutch design
The run is 3' x 6' x 4' high I built it in panels so that they could be transported easily.
Update
I have noticed that the plans for this are no longer on the TS web site. That is a shame because they were very detailed.
I will add some more of the build pictures so that someone with skills can duplicate the build. I do not remember the dimensions.
I used 3/4" pressure treated plywood for the panels. Dimensional lumber for the rest. A linoleum remnant on the floor.
I cut the wheels on the table saw out of 3/4" plywood. They were functional but just barely. The coop was not intended to move.
FYI the cost of the materials, even back then was huge! I cringe at the cost for today.
This was a labor of love. That grand daughter is in college now, her baby sister uses the coop as a playhouse.
I will add some more of the build pictures so that someone with skills can duplicate the build. I do not remember the dimensions.
I used 3/4" pressure treated plywood for the panels. Dimensional lumber for the rest. A linoleum remnant on the floor.
I cut the wheels on the table saw out of 3/4" plywood. They were functional but just barely. The coop was not intended to move.
FYI the cost of the materials, even back then was huge! I cringe at the cost for today.
This was a labor of love. That grand daughter is in college now, her baby sister uses the coop as a playhouse.
