Thursday, May 3, 2012

Frugal Challenge - Our Super Frugal Chicken Coop - Taa Daa!

  Before you see the ugly chicken coop I thought I would share a pretty chicken picture. My daughter took this of flower muffin, Q's chick.

Got my self a new pair of muck shoes. Boots are too hot here in summer so these low ones will be great for coop trips.


Okay don't laugh but it's done and the only money spent was on the coop enclosure. The little hen house was completely done for zero dollars. I know it looks like it but I didn't want to spend hundred's of dollars on this venture to begin with. Maybe down the road we will upgrade or change things but this will do for now.
This is the old cabinet turned on it's side. Hubby made the ramp out of scrap and the side of the cupboard not needed.

chicken coop made from dresser


I just have them roosting on some logs. Maybe a large coop with high roosting bars would be ideal but this has to do. We live in SoCal so these birds will be able to come outside 365 days a year. No snow here. The run will have a solid cover over most of it and they free range every day in the back yard when we are home which is most days.

cheap chicken coop

Vent holes were covered with hardware cloth so they will be safe. There are five vent holes. The floor is lined with a scrap piece of vinyl flooring so I can slide it out for a good scrubbing.

homemade chicken coop from furniture

Underneath in the quiet space below I will put a nesting box and one under the ramp. Both cozy and out of the way for the girls to lay.


There, not fancy, not cute but cheap. They seem to be happy in there so glad it is done for hubby's sake.

young chickens

Update: We later moved our chickens to a small coop we ordered from Amazon. I still have this first coop and use it as a grow out coop and would work to isolate a sick chicken as well.

25 comments:

  1. I think its beautiful and i grew up on a farm where we raised chickens, for eggs and sadly a few made it in the pot, they weren't really pet pets but very happy.Your chickens look like they are so wellloved, good for you, you won't eat them will you?My husband and I rasied chickens for fresh egggs as well but we NEVER ate our chickens

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  2. So cute. The bottom photo looks like the 2 girls are discussing their new home and how they will deocrate it. :) made me smile today.
    blessings.

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  3. They have grown so much! I think the coop looks great. Functional, safe and comfy for the girls. They obviously like it too and that's what is important. Look forward to updates! Ann

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  4. What are you talking about? It's darling! You utilized the space and what you had on hand and it turned out just right! Congrats to hubby too for a job well done!

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  5. It looks so cozy and inviting, I'm sure the girls will spend many happy days there.

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  6. I think it looks great...great idea using what you have!! Your girls are really growing!!

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  7. It looks perfect, Elaine. And, the girls look happy with their new coop! It does look like they're having a discussion! Cute!
    -Lynn

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  8. Beautiful! Who doesn't love chickens! And that's the sort of coop we'd make here - whatever we have lying around that looks like it could be a coop. You've got a functional and frugal coop. Lucky chickens. :-)

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  9. It's just PERFECT! Using what you have, hubby making it, you and Q tending it-that equals PERFECT (and I think it looks both functional AND adorable!)
    Congrats on a job well done!

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  10. I like your coop! I like it the best because y'all made it! And Miss Q's sweet chicken is mighty pretty. Hugs ~ Mary

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  11. It looks amazing.. very quaint... Only thing is I dont know what type of area you live in, But predators might be a problem... Other than that it looks GREAT

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  12. Well, I think that is pretty darned smart AND thrifty. Those are lucky chicks...now can you wire it for cable so they can watch the Animal Planet?;>) xo Diana

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  13. It looks small but cozy and they will be out every day.
    now on with the eggs.
    Cathy

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  14. Love your muck shoes. I've got a pair for the garden. The coop looks great and safe. Can't believe how they have grown,

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  15. Love your muck shoes. I've got a pair for the garden. The coop looks great and safe. Can't believe how they have grown,

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  16. The coop is ideal Elaine! They are happy as can be!!!! Love it!!

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  17. The coop looks great! And your chickens don't care anyway, they just need to be safe and have a place to rest and lay their eggs. You are doing a wonderful job of frugal chicken keeping!

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  18. Hey, if the chickens like it and it functions well, then it's perfect! ~ Maureen

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  19. Your muck shoes are perfect. I have a pair of yellow one that I use in the garden. The girls look very happy in their home and I think it is fantastic that you did it for zero dollars :)
    Laura

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  20. Did you ever figure out if they are all hens yet? I cannot believe that Mr. Sunny made the coop out of a cabinet. I think it looks authentic, but then again I do not know anything about raising chickens.

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  21. I think it's perfect! I want some chickens! BAD!!! But hubby doesn't want them cuz he says he will end up taking care of them. lol! Probably true. We get lots of snow here and I am not about to trek out there in the snow to feed and clean. LOL!

    Carmen and the Primcats

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  22. It perfect! love to see other chicken lovers and where their chickens live! it really is adorable! xoox, tracie

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  23. Perfect!!!!! let em lay!!!!

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  24. Elaine,

    I'm so jeaulous! I want to jump on the chicken bandwagon, but I know I'm not ready yet to committ. And I haven't determined a good spot in the yard yet.

    So, I just visit my friend who has chickens. Lucky for me, she shares -I can't believe how much better the eggs are, significantly better, both in taste and appearance.

    I'm visiting from the Bowl Full of Lemons linky party. I would love if you stopped by my blog.

    Thanks for sharing,
    Laura

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  25. Why spend money on a chicken coop when you can build it for virtually pennies? I love to see how your chickens are doing and I'm glad you linked up at Sunday Blog Love...wishing you a wonderful week!

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