A-Frame Chicken Coop: Redux

One of my first instructables was the backyard chicken coop I made in New Orleans '09. Now in Southeast, MN I've built a new coop and have put together plans to help neighbors start raising backyard chickens - 6 neighbors have started within two blocks!

This is also my first product on Etsy - www.etsy.com/listing/602561678/a-frame-chicken-coop

• Know that everything I provide on the Etsy plans is available in this Instructable.
• Hope you find value. Certainly welcome any purchases that may come through Etsy but, again, you have everything here.

--here's my initial A-Frame Coop Post

The plans provide step references for assembly and figures to show how all the details come together.

In the first few steps I'll mainly reference the drawings with a few reference photos. In the final detail steps I show a few examples.

The images show the required cuts for the 2 by's and sheething.

Materials List

• (9) 2x4s *all are assumed at 8'
• (2) 2x2s
• (4) 2x1s
• (1) 4'x8' sheet of 3/4 plywood
• (1) 24" x 33' roll of chicken wire (designed for this smaller roll, less than 50')
• (1) 4' piece of 1/2" wire mesh *optional
• 2" & 3" outdoor screws
• paint *optional

Tool List

• Basics: Four foot level, Hammer, Pry Bar, Tape Measure, Extension Cord, Speed Square, Paint Brush
• Circular Saw + Diablo Finish Blade
• 'Japanese Style' Handsaw
• Drill & Drill Bits *I recommend corded drills unless you specifically need cordless
• Staple Gun + Staples
• Safety: Goggles/Ear Protection

The first step is to build the A-Frame. The construction is built around a right triangle. By having 60 degree angles at each corner it's easy to set the angle on a miter or circular saw to 30 degrees.

Screws are shown in each of the images. Please note that a few are at an angle or "toenailed" into the boards. These are the screws that are placed over two boards.

The next step isn't well shown in the photos but the goal is to get the three framing members in place.

By using the 2x2s and 2x4s cut to length it's easy to secure a single screw so that the spacing allows 44" between the first two and then 22" between the second.

Spacing Clarification

• The hutch section is 44" to allow for an overhang when using 48" plywood sheething.
• The open spacing is based on the 24" chicken wire.
• Found materials can be used to replace any of the standard sheeting/chicken wire. In a few photos you'll see how I placed crib sides into the open section.

The goal here is to use a single piece of plywood. This is to keep down weight and cost.

Sheathing Pieces

• 4' x 43.5" back of hutch. The back of the hutch provides reinforcement for the coop and is the first to be installed. I can be added before all 2x2s are in place. one 2x2 is placed under this piece of plywood to provide a rest... that 2x2 can later be removed.
• 4' x 10" overhang of hutch. See how this connects along the angled pieces of 2x4 that run past the apex of the a-frame. No need for an angled cut but it's an option.
• 4' x 32" door. This piece is mounted using hinges. More in the next step.

--see in the sheeting cut section of step 3 how to use 1/2" wire mess to replace the drawer. This option is really only usable in warm climates.

Here is my approach to hinged doors, roosting pole and laying box.

Hinged Doors

• The main door should be either 3/4" or 1/2" plywood if you have it available. I suggest painting the outside of the plywood to protect it from the elements.
• Door hinges work fine. I expect if you're jumping into the project you have a few laying around... also great to stop into your local Habitat Restore.
• I used an old cabinet door for this most recent version. I used a waterproof paint to protect the door and the entire hutch. The paint is use for surfaces exposed to standing water. Really important if you use found materials that aren't ideal for the environment. ---here's the coating I used... can't believe how popular flex seal is on tv. would probably try it on the next one

Laying Box

• Each time I build a coop I start with a milk crate. It works for a few weeks...
• Then I build a box. I started with a very simple box. In the photo you'll see a piece of trim that holds the bedding in place.

Roosting Pole

• I used an old rake handle... really anything works.
• See how one piece is nailed on an angle.. a second hangs from wire along the center. Once the girls big enough it was necessary to add the second pole.

Unnecessary Elements

• A Ladder. Before I raised chickens I remember thinking I needed a little ladder for them to access the hutch. Totally unnecessary. They'll use it but it's easy for them to hop where they need to go.
• A Door to the Run. Yes the hens need to be enclosed to protect them from predators and your yard from them... they do not, however, need a door to the hutch. No one wants to wake up early and let them out with the sun. They simply wake up on their own time and start scratching!

Here's a recent post I put together for keeping chickens in cold climates - Backyard Chickens Thrive in Winter

So easy to get started with backyard chickens.

These photos are form our local Tractor Supply. When they have a stock you can see how they package them like a little happy meal... when they don't there is a couple that shows up and sells chicks/bantams in the parking lot. So easy. There are also always birds posted on Craigslist.

Our Ladies! here are way too many photos of our girls.

• Have a look on instagram to see more of the ladies.
• Two new bantams added 6/12, today!!

Like Eggs? here are a few uses for the homegrown eggs:

• Vietnamese Egg Coffee -an egg based creamer
• Tea Leaf Eggs -pickled in tea/soy
• Egg Candles -cast shells

Complete Plans - if you are interested in purchasing I have the plans posted on Etsy at $2. Happy to have a first post online! Etsy/A-Frame Chicken Coop

Thank you for reading and thank you instructables!!

Jeff