The cost of building a traditional four-sided wooden chicken coop this year may be twice that of the same period last year. Therefore, using recycled materials to build poultry houses this year may have a lot of economic and practical significance.
Anyone can have a standard chicken coop. But when there are so many other creative options, why do you want to do this? Just make sure that the finished product can cover various elements to prevent predation by predators, and is properly ventilated and sufficient to hold your birds.
Some trampolines have built-in fences around the periphery. This safety feature makes it very easy to transform into a ready-made chicken house. By turning the trampoline upside down, the springboard becomes a roof with an enclosed fenced area below. You can add a smaller structure inside the fence-the dog house can even solve the problem-and your chicken can sleep.
Speaking of childhood toys. If you can put your hands on the old metal swing, then you will have a perfect chicken coop frame. Remove the swing, slide, or any other accessories, and cover the frame with a grid or wire mesh provided by most hardware or produce supply stores. Don’t forget to leave an opening in the fenced area so you can enter and leave the area. A small pre-built door can solve this problem. Like a trampoline chicken coop, you need to place some enclosed shelters for bird species on the swing. Or use a metal roof to cover part of the frame to provide shade and shelter. And, frankly, if you want to leave a swing or slide for your birds to play, they might like it very much.
If you only have two or three chickens and spend most of your time near your homestead, then a crib may be what you need. You can cut a metal roof to cover it, then just cut a small door at one end, install a ramp for your bird, and you’re done. To enhance safety, you can nail the chicken wire to the side of the crib slat.
If you can find an old bureau or wardrobe to upgrade, then your chicken will become a topic nearby. First remove all drawers and shelves. Then use barbed wire to cover the remaining space. It has built-in doors, but you can cut smaller doors into the side and fence areas outside of that area to provide them with space for fresh air.
Once upon a time, large wooden spools containing industrial wires or cables were necessary in the decoration of university dormitories. These days, they can also make basic chicken coops. Find a spool for every two or three chickens and place it in the enclosed fenced area of ​​your homestead. Then cut an opening in the center of the spool. Place the spool on its end to complete the operation. A good way to find spools is to contact your local utility company (phone or power company) to see if they have products for sale or gift. If you happen to find something on the construction site, you may ask if they are also available.
If you know an ice fisherman who wants to replace their fishing hut, please see if you can get their old fishing gear. This is a ready-made four-sided shed that is fully assembled and may even be insulated.
Pallets have been used to make everything from lawn furniture to wine racks. Why not use them as building blocks for chicken coops? You can nail them together to create a shelter, and the space between the wooden planks on the pallet can be used as a window for your chicken coop. In order to protect the tray cage from carnivores, nail the chicken wire on the tray.
Going to your local junkyard may bring other ideas to the DIY co-op. Remember, you need to be able to get inside to clean and collect all eggs. Other than that, let your imagination run wild.
Julia Bayly is a reporter for the Bangor Daily News and a regular bi-weekly column. Julia has been a freelance travel writer/photographer since 2000. More artworks by Julia Bayly