The "Scratch Pad"

After we finally got settled into the house I began planning the chicken coop. After a good deal of research I decided I would limit our flock to 5 birds and that I could easily construct a good house for the hens. It seemed that good fortune was on our side given that the backyard had a 6'x 6'x 12' chain-link dog run and this would serve perfectly as the chicken run. I wanted to limit cost and, in my research, I found that many people constructed coops out of just about everything and anything. If you don't believe me just type "chicken coop" into Google Images and you will see some creations that span the gamut from very humble to very posh poultry palaces. I also had lots of scrap lumber and the like that I could recycle/re-use in the construction. In very short course I found an old generator shed that a kind new neighbor was looking to get rid of for a $100. The structure was mostly sound and the size (6'x 4'x 6') was perfect for my needs. So without further adieu, and for those of you who haven't seen the latest addition to my garage for the last several months, I present to you in pictures and text the "Scratch Pad".

Coop bought "as is". Front side and door.

Interior.

Side view.

Backyard dog kennel which will be the run. The old doghouse will be converted into a brooder for the chicks.

Front door removed.

Floor damage.

Removed the OSB patch to reveal the extent of the damage. My chicks will have no part of such shoddy work!

Removed floor and base from structure.

Added legs to elevate the coop and reinforced the base.