A new coop, from old materials.....

So, we had our large chickens in our "old" coop and they were happy, but with the arrival of more we needed a bigger coop and free ranging area.  They were allowed all over our property, but without a fence around it they ventured across the road, or to the neighbors.  Not everyone loves chicken poop on their yard so we had to do something!  My husband, Mr. Hopewell we dub him, came up with a plan.  He found a hay wagon for sale online nearby and purchased it as we made plans.  He then started collecting materials.  We found some scrap wood around the property, used 2X4s from the small coop that were roosting boards, purchased windows from the local Habitat for Humanity Restore, used our old basement door, and got some free pallets from one of the home improvement stores.  We did need to purchase new 2X4s for the frame, nails and screws, roofing(which he got about 1/2 price since it was damaged), and some siding(which was also almost 1/2 price at the store since it was damaged.).  It is amazing what you can scrounge up!  It is not the prettiest coop, but the chickens seems to LOVE it! 

Mr. Hopewell and some of the kiddos showing off the coop. 

 The lower window opens to let chickens in.  The larger window does not open but streams in sunlight, helping them know when the sun rises and they should start laying.

The larger door,  we need to work on a latch to hold it open. 

 They have a large fenced in yard for now, until we can fence more of the wooded property, and make a fenced path to the garden so they can work on bug control this summer.  We needed a smaller area to start so they would know where to return at night. 

Someone wants to try a nesting box before they are even finished!

Roosting spaces for those who like to sleep high. 

Inside view of the boxes, unfinished, they are finished now.  He will add another row above.

The youngest at the time, about 2 1/2 months old, those beautiful Ameraucanas and Rhode Island Reds joined the flock. 

They are so curious!  Night is falling they are getting ready to rest. 

We added a sturdy ladder from logs we found on the property and cedar branches. 

Another ladder for the window door. 

This is much better for their food and water than before.  Now it is under the roof overhang so when it rains it doesn't get ruined, and we can catch extra water in buckets to use. 

You coming up?

They must like it!