[linnyw]

 Hello, I am getting my first chickens in a few weeks time from a neighbour and am looking to build a coop rather than buy one. Can any one advise me as to what is the best materials to build it from? Marine ply, mdf etc. Thanks.

[Foxy]

Hi linnyw

have moved you to the henhouse where you will get more answers! In my experience it is better to use sterling board for the floor and tongue and groove for the main building.

[spudgun]

Hi Linnyw,

I built my own chicken coop & run, I used ply for coop - used some fence paint to treat it and covered the roof with roofing felt. The chickens seem pretty happy with it, they all lay an egg a day!

[Roughlee Handled]

Nest box Size = 14 x 14 for normal birds, 12x 12 for bantam
They would need 9 inches of perch space each at about 1 to 2 foot off the ground - lower for big heavy breeds and higher for lighter breeds.
perch Size 3" x 2" they sit on the broad edge you should round the edges off.

[craig1981]

im not as experienced as the folks above but i purchased a cheap 6ft by 4ft shed and converted that . all in i think the coop and a 10ft by 12ft run i have built has set me back about £200 .

[Vember]

Hi linnyw

Welcome to the Hen House

Have a read through this it's full of great info which will help

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=32947.0

Sarah

[linnyw]

Thanks for the replies. Is it okay to use pressure treated timber for the frame?

[spudgun]

Hi Linnyw, yeah I used pressurised timber, and i've had no problems.

I used black gloss on the inside to help prevent red mite, it lives in wood by all accounts. Not had a problem so far, so must have done something right!

how many chooks are you getting? we have 3 and get an egg a day off each of them! I've started to sell the surplus!

I should have made the money for the coop back by 2020! lol