|
Page eight: Instructions step 7 - 8
|
Page:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
|
Step seven: Front door, storage door, hatchway and windows.
A basic door can be made from 3/4" exterior plywood.
A hole can be cut out for a window and covered with a piece of Perspex/Plexiglas (or similar clear acrylic sheet) about 2" bigger than the hole, all the way around. The acrylic sheet can be fixed to the door with screws. Drill the screw holes in the sheet first and apply a bead of clear waterproof sealant around the edge of the acrylic sheet before screwing in place.
Fitting the door
The door should have a 1/4" gap each side and the bottom should be slightly above the top of the litter board. When the door is hinged in place (to open in), add the door stops (see diagram).
The windows in the walls can be made in the same way as the door window.
Make the chicken hatchway door so that it is hinged at the bottom and can be opened down to form a ramp. Make the door bigger than the hole, so when the door is closed it will fit between the battens on the side and tuck neatly under the flashing at the top.
You will need to add some type of pad bolt or latch to keep the hatchway door closed.
|
|
NOTE: This complete plan-set can be immediately purchased in downloadable PDF format free of advertising and print friendly for only $5.
click here for more info
|
|
Step eight: Perch, mesh, ventilation
Add the perch as shown in Plan - Front elevation and Plan - Side elevation. The perch can be supported by a 2X4 prop at one end and fixed to the lower part of the storage box at the other end with a joist hanger (or similar type fixing bracket).
Ventilation
At the top of the side wall there will be a gap between the top of the wall cladding and the underside of the roofing boards. This gap can be covered with a suitable mesh or purpose-made vents. They can be fitted between the rafters and fixed to the top of the plywood exterior cladding.
And finally!
A bit of paint and it's finished!
Different climatic conditions and environments may necessitate additions and/or variations to this basic plan. For example, in hotter climates the chicken coop may need to be insulated and have windows that can be opened. In colder areas the chicken coop may need to be insulated and have shutters that can cover any ventilation areas.
As stated at the beginning, the best type of information and knowledge available is local knowledge, so ask around.
|
Post comments about this project via the contact us page.
User comments and/or photos
We built your chicken coop. Here is a photo or two. See pictures here.
John Beaty
We also added an automatic chicken house door. Perhaps it is of interest. To see how to make an automatic chicken house door
click here.
Hello,
I just finished a chicken coop based off your plans. Your site was a lot of help with Ideas. Thanks
I did make many changes most of them are cosmetic to match the house, the biggest change is I framed it like you would a house and used pier pads for the foundation. This made it much easier to insulate and sheet the inside walls.
I would say with all the labor that went into this project if I was to do it again I would make it 8'x 8'. It wouldn't take much more in labor but it would increase your material cost.
I call it an architectural out building sounds better when I look at the material and labor cost. LOL
Thanks again I hope you enjoy the pic's. See Eds pictures here
ED
Hi,
Just wanted to say thanks to you. Through your website I got the inspiration to build my own hen house. It was a lot cheaper than commercially available ones and was specific to my needs. I now have four hens and they laid their first egg today. Great.
Thanks, MickE
Read people's comments about other projects in the site click here
To see other people's photos of various projects
click here
|
|
