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- This is the used coop that was donated to the ranch
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- This is the frame for the coop extention
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- We’re using old wood, new wood, and recycled wood. Much of it is warped. This makes for creative building techniques.
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- The supports for the hay bales
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- A three-string hay bale which will become a wall for the coop extention
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- The basic frame is up
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- The old coop and the new framing
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- The old coop and new framing
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- This is our roofing material. Number 10 cans donated by the local pie shop
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- The roof is made of recycled pallets
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- Roof and framing in place
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- Old coop and new extension under construction
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- The “laying boxes” installed
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- The roof — next is double-bubble insulation and flattened out cans
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- All we need now is to install three jay bales to make two walls
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- The “ceiling”
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- Two hay bale walls installed
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- Laying boxes still needing a hinged door
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- Mesh flooring installed. Allows droppings to, well, drop. Made of a spare dog kennel panel
As you may know 2016 is the “Year of the Chicken” here at Cielito Lindo Ranch. This is the partial story about the new chicken coop that is currently under construction.
Initially a small coop was donated. A phone of it is in the gallery above. This coop is very small, and can only accommodate three chickens at the most. We currently have seven chickens, so we’re literally building just ahead of the chicken’s alarmingly fast growth.
Extending the coop was the only answer. You can see we’re using old, new, and salvaged materials. Doing this requires a lot of flexible and innovative building techniques — especially since the boards are often warped and bent.
The frame is made of new, old, and salvaged 2x4s. The roof is made of boards salvaged from shipping palettes. The roofing tiles are made of cut and flattened number 10 cans donated from the local pie shop.
The floor is made of a spare dog kennel panel which was also donated.
Two of the walls are made of three-string straw bales. It provides excellent thermal protection and allows you to remove the walls in case of mite infestation.
We’ll keep you updated as construction continues.
