Chicken Condo

In a slow housing market recently occupied: A condo with lots of yard space, sleeping lofts (roosts), plush carpet (pine bedding), handicap access (ramp), security system (raccoon proof latches and snake proof mesh), bi-level kitchens (feeder and water in coop and run), excellent lighting (heat bulb in coop and run), beautiful views, and lots of chicks!

The chicks were rapidly outgrowing their brooder, and loved to be outside in their daytime pen. In looking at housing ideas on the Internet it seemed that there were two options-a coop or a tractor. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. The coop can be larger and more secure, but cannot provide fresh ground or shade or sun as the weather changes. The tractor can be moved as the weather dictates, and gives the chickens access to free range while keeping them safe. So it seemed the tractor would be the best option, but as they are designed to be easy to move, I couldn't find a plan that was large and secure enough for our kids.

I drew up a rough plan for Bill, (builder extraordinaire) with these provisions: moveability, security, easy human access; warm when needed, but ventilation when needed; and this is what he built.

The coop has "awning windows" on both sides, covered with hardware cloth. These can be closed for cooler temps, or opened via an attached washer which hangs on a screw. It has bottom openings on each side so I can easily sweep out old bedding and replace with new. The back panel will be replaced with an outside access nestbox before they are layer age. There are 2"x4"'s in the coop for roosts. The wheel assembly made of wheelbarrow wheels took a whole day to fabricate and weld, but allow the pen to sit flush to the ground when not mobile. All of openings have raccoon proof locks. The coop is wired for electricity so we can keep them warm with a heat bulb while they are young, or provide extra light to keep them laying in the winter.

This coop/tractor can be moved with the lawn tractor or truck.

This was built from leftovers of several remodeling/building jobs and the chicks love their new home!