Building a Chicken Coop - Part 1

[@michaelwoodruff7867]

Process of buying my first house and getting excited about doing my own projects. Seeing the bloopers at the end lets me know I won't be alone with the mess ups. Thanks for the encouragement April!

[@drdreambig]

You are the epitome of GREAT IDEAS and working Smarter not harder. THX April

[@alaverga3455]

April, You are what I want to find in life. A lady thats good with her hands the way you are. Great job!

[@HBTwoodworking]

Although inspirational and insightful, the bloopers help me in realizing you are actually human. As a result, I am less fearful in starting a few of my bigger projects. Thank you for being transparent and helpful!

[@rickmartin976]

You're an awesome carpenter. I just love how real you are. Showing your "bloopers" and how you adjust your plans when you get new information. Nice job!

[@mamaisondor734]

I find your projects are very beautiful and you are an artist .... I follow you from Algeria (North Africa) .. Thank you for your videos..I have a lot of your projects ..... a big thank you for you and your family

[@edaker4684]

I grew up with chickens and spent many hours refurbishing coops. The drawers are nice but imagine the plywood bottom will decay eventually unless protected somehow. If I was building them I'd probably coat them with an epoxy type paint or the green wood preservative used on buried posts. Looking forward to part 2!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Yeah a coat of protection on the inside of the drawers isn't a bad idea.

[@mjname]

I would be concerned with the humidity build up during the winter and freezing the chickens to death? Even with a good epoxy paint the humidity and the composting of the material will probably just eat those plywood draws within 18 months. If they just went with a wire bottom the poop could fall through into an eight inch mulch on the ground which allows the bugs and worms to help with the compost and if chickens have access to this they get a good free protein source. While stirring up the mulch on their own. The bottom area could be closed off on the wind side as needed to better regulate the humidity and warmth as needed in the winter. Also heat will rise off of a compost pile. It will be interesting to see how well this drawer system works. Please keep us updated.

[@edaker4684]

mjname Humidity is not an issue. It's naturally very low in cold temperatures. But leaving it to drop down below and left there to compost would create an environment for decay of any structure nearby. I would not leave the bedding in there for a year though. All the years we've had chickens we never had one freeze to death and our coops were not anything as nice as April's.

[@mjname]

The chickens will put out a good amount of humidity through respiration.

[@edaker4684]

mjname Really? C'mon you're kidding now. 😂

[@JeffsTrades]

Nice work. Love the drawer idea....that will save a lot of CS on my next coop. Mention adding lime and diatomaceous earth to the substrate to 86 smell and bugs.

[@tealkerberus748]

EARTHCRAFT line the floor with something waterproof and slippery such as cheap vinyl and you won't need the drawers, just rake the composted bedding and manure straight out into your wheelbarrow. Vinyl flooring won't outgas any worse than all that soon-to-be-rotting plywood, after all.

[@joedecook]

When I built our coop, I had access to Hardi siding. Usually surplus sheets from repair projects. I put those down, over the subflooring, and sealed the edges with caulking. We use the deep beding method with our chickens too. The coop is 15 years old now and the there is no rot or wear.

[@AprilWilkerson]

That's good to hear! I'm going to suggest my neighbors paint or at least seal the inside of the drawers before putting in the shred.

[@williamj.stilianessis1851]

I love the drawer idea. Not sure if its actually necessary though. I am making a similar coop but instead of the drawer method, I did make a sort of bowl of the 2x12 and then worked up from there. At cleaning time, the wheelbarrow or muck trailer is pulled up along side of the coop and hoed out. One less part to build. Overall, great build. And, thank you for the bloopers reel. Nice to see the real project. I feel like less of a dope when I drop something.

[@AHmidi-eu1rt]

The materials in America are amazing. Abril is an artist worthy of respect

[@jacalli]

Have you seen Justin Rhodes chickshaw. He's got a great set up. Coop on wheels. He moves them around. Plants after they have fertilized. Chickens will spread woodchips too. Looking forward to seeing the end coop!

[@peterbathum2775]

Thank you for the clear no chatting directions. AW stands for always working ... super cool. Please god send me a woman that loves to build things as much as I do ...

[@jmhm17]

haha love the end. It's nice to show everyone that the cadence of building something is not perfect and never is unless you do it every day (especially framing). Every project is a learning experience and all tho your video portrays it all comes together without a hitch theres always mistakes, and learning where you need to build a jig, or temporary support. You should end every video this way to help the new people not get discouraged when they start having a tough time getting through a task. It happens to everyone!

[@AprilWilkerson]

I agree with the thought and is exactly the reason I included the bloopers. Editing a week long project into 8 mins makes it seem like everything is smooth and easy when in fact, I'm just a typical person trying to figure it out and have plenty of goofs along the way. ;)

[@vtramell3196]

Beautiful job. The blooper reel was cute and a humorous reminder that having a job go exactly as planned is rare. Just a tip, Sakrete makes a fast set concrete mix that does not require pre-mixing. You just pour it in the hole with the post and add water. It solidifies to the point where you can begin nailing on the post in as little as 45 minutes.

[@ThriftyGarage]

I built my own coop and always enjoy watching a coop build! Thanks for sharing.

[@jimgam730]

Looks like it'll be a nice coop. I hate to be the one to bring this up but, you shouldn't have put your post in the concrete. You should've poured your footers then set the post on top of them. Having the post in the concrete will cause them to rot.

[@gregrowe80]

What diameter footing and how deep would you recommend it to be?

[@marknielsen389]

Your building skills and vision for the finished project are master level and I love your videos

[@jvversozatanaka452]

unbelievable women can do things like this...you have a great talent young lady...you made a very nice chicken coop

[@MrMunk3]

hey April thank you so much for showing the bloopers at the end they were not just only funny I thank it helps for people to see that when you try to build something things don't always go as planed

[@tinak6281]

I'm trying to learn to making a coop for my own chicken and I'm also trying to learn how to build walls and plaster and all of the other good stuff since the price for calling a company in Germany is getting near to ridiculous and also many workers are not very reliable. So I LOVE your videos and appreciate them very much! I also bought some of your plans and will try to build them ... 😎😁 God bless and protect you!! Keep up the awesome work!! 👍🏽❤😍❤👍🏽

[@dempseyguidry5433]

There is no limitations when you are talented !!!

[@HardwayRanch]

When I made a chicken coop I added a scrap of linoleum flooring I got for about $10 at a local home improvement store. When cleaning out the coop everything slides off the slick linoleum really easy.

[@tealkerberus748]

HardwayRanch you wouldn't even bother with those drawers then, just box it up, line it with vinyl, and rake it out when it's ready.

[@kythan]

The dowels for the roosts still could be larger, however the size of the coop is refreshing to see plus all the plans for long term maintenance. Always build a larger coop than you think you need.

[@annamedvecky4793]

We built this coop and it is pretty awesome. We modified a bit. We used ground contact pressure treated for the bottom plates and used 4 16' ers and 6 8' ers. And 4 16' ers for the top plates on the run portion. So your material list was altered. And instead of one opening for the drawers, we did two. And we eliminated the slider windows with actual doors. This is not Texas.....I live in the mountains of TN. We ended up buying a couple more sheets of plywood and eliminating 2 sheets of T1-11. And we topped ours with metal roof, only because the distributor was only 25 miles away. It was an awesome plan, even my buddy Allen who is a master carpenter thought it was too. I can't let my chickens free roam without supervision. Too many predators out here on the mountain. I have 12 chickens in there now but got some chicks that I am growing to add to my rainbow of fresh eggs. But this Cluckingham Palace is almost done. I still am slowing working on the predator apron little by little. We are back-filling with gravel. The master carpenter had to go home to VA and my sugar Daddy had to go back to being a rolling stone. Awesome coop design with predators in mind. Great job!!

[@joshuaanderson8869]

Very nice looking coop. However have you thought about moving the chicken roost away from the nesting boxes. Would keep your eggs cleaner because those boxes are gonna fill and the poop will stick to chickens feet. Chickens poop a lot while roosting

[@fredwoods9030]

Hi, April, Great start on building the chicken coop, things are already starting to come together, we'll be watching the part two, thanks for sharing.Blessing! !!!!!!!

[@gateway8833]

On the two drawers, cleaning thoes out will be so much easier if you have roll out to the outside of the coop and have piano hinges on the drawes face so the will flip down and be out of the way. This does require the door that covers the drawers side of the coop. I can tell you that after many many years of chicken raising cleaning that box needs to be really simple. One time I made a solid plywood, fiberglass floor in the coop and just fitted a five gallon bucket with the bottom cut out in the floor, that was the best one I ever made.

[@danielstoican7588]

I am watching this in 2019 and i cant belive how cool this woman is, because my dad used to be a builder to. She can do what other mans can’t even think about

[@danielmitchell6940]

More like a chicken penthouse than a coop. Way way more than I've ever had for chickens. I bet they will love it.

[@Scrufflebag]

I have enjoyed your video. And love the fact you're not afraid to show your mistakes.

[@HimanshuMehru]

I watched you build this thing so professionally that I immediately got discouraged. I'm building a tiny house these days and my day looks a lot like your bloopers. Thanks for including them and letting me know professionals are humans too. :)

[@mpreyesmr]

I used to be horrible at building chicken coops. I used to pay a fortune for them too! I no longer suffer from those problems anymore. Here's a great guide for building affordable chicken coops: ChickCoop.xyz

[@10lizzard]

In the future... Dowels are bad for chicken feet and can cause deformations. They sleep squatted on their feet to keep their toes warm, so 2x4's are preferable so the birds can stay flat footed for their comfortable and health. Having said that, I wish I had half your skill! My first coop was built into the hill and is approx 12'x10'x 10' tall. It is built on the ground so I used hardware fabric across the floor then covered that with several wheel barrows full of top soil ( this was a mistake and is being replaced with arena sand). Because it was build into the hill I wrapped the back and sides with 3' wide roofing metal and back filled with gravel to direct the snow melt and rain water passed my coop. I have since added an additional 12x16 foot sheltered area off the low side of the roof line to give them an area out of the sun and snow (90°+ summers, -30° winters). Also, deep litter method is fantastic, but you don't have to stir it manually. Just throw some scratch or other treats down and the chickens will do it 😁. I'm seriously considering some of your ideas on my next one which is really going to be more like a barn probably around 20'x40'. Blame it on the chicken math 😜

[@LosEloi]

I like blooper because I like to feel like I'm not that clumsy, I always see you very safe and I feel silly when I spend all my time what you have shown as bloopers. Congratulations April your videos very good

[@mindseyeproductions8798]

for a weight reduction use sheet metal (galvanized) or wire mesh.. 1"x 1" through 1/2"X 1/2" to replace the plywood in some areas, similar in price. purchase a power sheet metal trimmer to help cut) approx. $70 for cheap ones. Chickens like 2X4's to perch on. (by the way excellent video)

[@jaduca22]

Entertaining, informative, and made in Texas. Pure excellence!!!

[@marlenekutcher938]

Do you realize chickens have difficulty perching on doweling. Unlike perching birds their feet are designed to be on a flat surface. They will perch on doweling if that is all they have, but for comfort even 2"x 2" boards would work. Just doing some research on chicken perching and wanted to share. Your channel is great! You do amazing work.

[@Mark_Dee]

Hi April, the posts will not make it for a long time because they are not separated to the mud. Best would have been to use metal holders in the concrete and mount the post on them. But in your case I would put some protection paint on the lower end of the posts to protect them from mud and water. But the chicken coop locks pretty awesome :-)

[@leonk.1031]

Mark Dee There pressure treated in the US they also build pole barns like that although I would have used metal holders too.Usually you would use those here in Germany too!

[@bubbashimp24]

You have the best videos lol your the only woodworker who shows bloopers 👍

[@bensteele566]

Very impressive. I like the idea of building the nesters to where they're on the outside of the coup giving the chickens that much more room and also keeps you from having to crawl underneath them to gather floor eggs.

[@benjaminjohnson824]

I’ve got some tips for ya on putting those posts for the coop, you can save a load of concrete and work in the future by only pouring about half a food of concrete in each pole and filling the rest with dirt after the concrete had hardened. it will save you in the future by when the coop shifts in 10 years you wont have and concrete cracking and sticking above the surface

[@dgaztec1977]

Using a clamp as an extra hand...I'm such an airhead. What a brilliant idea April. I could have used that idea earlier when I was framing out my coop.

[@duno288]

love ur work April, Bit useless info regarding Chicken preach, Chickens and other fowl dont have any gripping strength in the feet like parrots so they find it hard to sit on a round preach, we always use 2x2 lumber for small fowl and 4x2 for large fowl, it is more comfortable for them to roost on, keep up the great vids always look farward to see them

[@felixs6587]

that is correct. we use 40x60 mm (on end) for big chickens and 20-30x40 mm for smaller chickens. Round rods cripple the feet of the chickens, so we prefer rectangular woods.

[@Hannah-wm6og]

I can only agree! I made the same mistake with my chickens in the beginning but I changed to rectangular rods as well. Also some chickens fight over sitting on the highest rod because they feel it's the best one so having all rods at the same high might seem impractical but the chickens won't fight in the barn about that

[@csima1224]

Love the "bloopers" at the end makes it look more like real life at least how my projects go

[@isleta521a]

Nice work! Enjoyed your bloopers - keeps it real and human.

[@LifeOnBeagleRoad]

Thanks for the video April. We just recently built a coop. Its still not finished....ugh. Looks good though April. Thanks again!

[@crystalphillips4009]

Fantastic job!! My husband was very impressed, he has been a carpenter for 20 years 😊

[@michaelacevedo7476]

April I do domestic central air and plumbing,tiles.half assed carpentry. But you impressed the hell out of me.wow.

[@bransonhauntedhills]

I have had withdrawals from being so busy with the haunt and haven't had time to watch your videos! Playing catch up now.

[@erisi6204]

YMMV but in the UK; I personally try to make all areas of the coup accessible and avoid having hidden crevices which will attract and make it hard to get rid of red mite and other chicken parasites. Lime washing the inside also helps.

[@usamasallam5507]

A friend from Egypt, the mother of the world, greetings to you beautiful master and good work with the help of friends and machines

[@dtriniboss]

Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge, skills and your challengees. The bloopers added a refreshing kind of reminder that cut and edited building videos aren't cut and dry perfect.

[@tpobrienjr]

My city (San Antonio) just raised the limit on chicken flocks from 3 to 8 hens, still just one rooster. One may apply for an excess chicken permit. I have a dog bark preventer, but do not know if there's a rooster muting device available. Nice project.

[@DrGreg28]

The BEST AW vid I’ve seen in a long time! Excellent content, excellent instructions!

[@wonka6848]

Thumbs up. Very interesting seeing you constructing the coop. There are many differences comparing the US and Germany how such things are resolved. Starting with the tools, but also I don't think anybody in Germany would put wood directly inside concrete but use pole keepers or ankers(? no clue if that's the right word). Kind regards from Germany and a happy new year in advance!

[@tealkerberus748]

Dirk Ho anchors, yes, if you set timber directly in concrete it will rot - unless it's treated, and I wouldn't use that poisonous stuff near food producing livestock. Set a galvanised anchor in the concrete and bolt the timber to that, it will take much longer to rot and even when it does it's possible to replace it. Or use steel and cement all over, but most parts of the US don't seem to have the issues of wildfire or termites that are background noise in my life.

[@camohawk6703]

lot fancier than the chicken coop i built for my chickens. i just used pallets by taking the apart except for the two boards on the end and the three structural boards and filling in between the boards with the boards i pulled off the pallet and other pallets to get a small wall. put enough of them together for the four walls with space for a door and window and frame the roof with just 2x4's with plywood top covered by empty feed bags stapled onto the top and sides to waterproof it. in total it cost me about 100 dollars in wood, screws, and feed.

[@IanFlyinGremlinRCNZ]

Nice to see another video April, Its been a while..But one thing I noticed or didnt notice as the case maybe, this is the 2nd video I have seen you put posts in the ground and let set over night and never use bracing to keep posts level.

[@shahramtayefi8398]

I encouraged you from the beginning to the end of the film. How smart and how beautiful you worked. that was perfect.

[@TonyButchT]

Very rewarding project...Good Job April!

[@ohioladybug7390]

You go girl!! I love seeing other women that just do it themselves. I’m getting older and do as much but I’m too stubborn to give up.

[@shutupsavannah2195]

There are probably younger women in your area who want to learn some of the same skills to do things themselves! Younger hands to help you, plus your knowledge helping them. Might be worth looking into :)

[@donaldshulman6771]

April - All that work for a chicken coop! When it's completed, they could pay you in eggs. How many eggs do you charge per hour?

[@candancerushing2731]

I like it when you add in the deleted scenes from building your creation

[@JuNaSoSt]

Can’t wait for the next vid. I love watching people build stuff from nothing I find it fascinating

[@dalejones4186]

Hi April. When will you be building your new shop. Great video. Thanks for the work you put into them. We appreciate it.

[@AprilWilkerson]

yep I will be. Concrete for it is being poured next week!

[@mascatrails661]

Looks like a sturdy coop! I love the idea of drawer bottoms... I've actually built a cardboard mockup of a coop I will build one day with a drawer bottom. Can't wait to see part 2!

[@Kievlar]

Amazing woman!!! Coop is so massive it could be a kiddie house!

[@intoart340]

Hi April. I haven't seen any of your video's in a while. I have many other interests. Hope all is well. Glad your keeping it real, that was a good chuckle as i recognize myself in those scenario's. Wish you the best young lady, i admire your drive.

[@marklamb3484]

Love the idea I have 22 chickens and trying to find new ideas for living space for them this really helps

[@karlschelling4777]

love the bloopers shows as much as the rest we all make mistakes. you do great work!

[@SawmillerSmith]

you're right chickens like to hoost in a high space spot. I have 8 of them hoosting on the roof of my house tonight. LOL

[@Sonal_Mobile]

Awesome work April! Can't wait to see the finished project!

[@astonmcleod5344]

On your post hole boring attachment, please consider a PTO shaft guard, nasty accidents have happened.

[@SergRyabinin]

Your design inspires me to replicate it on my home farm. Thanks.

[@praiseYAHalways]

Hi April, just a thought but have you ever considered building a sloping floor (perhaps with tin roofing etc) in lieu of a poop box/drawer? it could be sprayed off from one side and let it rinse into a catch box on the far side/outside. I won't go into detail about my design's, I just thought you might like and/or could use the idea (and build on it as you see fit) to make a little $$,. Also it's great way to keep it clean daily/weekly/monthly etc and perhaps use the poo that's been washed out in a fertilizer mix that can be made quicker and in smaller batches.

[@АлександрКостин-л1и]

April good luck with building the coop

[@susantipsyhealy7655]

i am needing this to build a coop, also needed the bloopers! love that you are so real

[@afonsobatista923]

Fantastic job. Congratulations!

[@giancarlopavanello3315]

I have seen the assembly of your greetings at the bottom of the movies, with pleasure I understand that you have been keeping company for quite some time. Hello and thanks

[@DoubleRRestorations]

Great project and cool vid. Your neighbor has a cool shop too!

[@normk5761]

I learn more in your 8min videos than 30min from others. Great project, great editing. Thanks!

[@AprilWilkerson]

: ) Thank you. I put a lot of effort into it so that's great feedback.

[@PumpkinDog33]

I love my little giant style ladder for uneven ground. There's a lot of slopes around my house and I can always find a way to set it up so it feels very secure without anyone holding it. Downside is it is very heavy compared to a regular 6' step ladder.

[@borristhebutcher6632]

If you ever need to build another one I will volunteer my place in AZ lol.. would love to have one built by you!

[@Chris-yo4ks]

looking good.....I'm working on a coop for my mom....will hold 26 chickens.....we just use 2x4 standing on end for the roosts......much stronger than dowels...and cheaper

[@thomasarussellsr]

Love the bloopers, it looked like things were going to easy until you shared them. Coop is looking pretty nice. so, Ball bearing roller or tracks for the coop poop drawers? Guess we'll see next time. Great job so far. So I surmise the whole area is going to have the grade built up, otherwise they'll have to have a step stool just to harvest the eggs. I'll be watching for the conclusion to this 'series'.

[@AprilWilkerson]

: ) Ha yeah, things always look easy when I cram a week's worth of work into 8 mins. I added them so people can see I make plenty of goofs too. ; ) For the drawers I made some simple wooden tracks. They work great! Well the neighbors requested this height and already have a plan for adding in a step stool type bench on the sides then landscaping around it. I doubt it will be done by the time I release the final video but knowing my neighbors, I know it will look killer.

[@tonialzola]

Loved the bloopers too!!

[@tjmakes_]

Awesome video, April! You’re my hero!

[@DesN4IN]

Awesome build, April!

[@nan9mo]

..... Now that's what I call a Texas sized Chicken Coupe! Time fer y'all to git out and buy some Texas size chickens! 🐔🐓🐣

[@Landrew0]

Chickens are a joy forever.

[@JasonTheGreat18]

I kinda want chickens so I can build them a coop. I can’t wait to see the finished product

[@mohammedali808]

Hi April, the size of the rounded pieces for the chicken to sit on 11/8 " dia. is perfect. I rear chickens, and with this size their claws will clamp it perfect. 2" is too big, their claws cannot hold on to it.

[@pamperedchickenmama]

This looks great so far

[@rinokaz]

With such amount of equipment chickens could build coop them self.

[@hotdrippyglass]

Thanks for the outtakes April. Brings you even closer to perfection in my book!

[@lelandj57]

Living Dangerously April being alone while wobbling atop a ladder with a skill saw. Which my next statement is no better but you may prefer a saws all when topping a 4x4 post. Still never safe on a ladder , the better way if needed would be walk boards and benches for a more sturdy platform . I do enjoy your DIY projects both funny and informative as well as pleasant to the eyes :) Keep up the good work.

[@MrTgpargolf]

Like the blooper touch! YOU ARE HUMAN! Love the channel!

[@RadioactiveOwl1]

Looks great! Keep up the good work.

[@melaginago8186]

First, kudos to you for showing that 1 person, and a lady at that, can do this. Impressive! Can you please list all the tools that you have used to make this?

[@MrMeasureTwice]

LOVE the bloopers - I lost count on how many times I have dropped, knocked out, tripped, broken and many other adjectives while building things. Looking good so far April - keep up the great work and videos!! May your shop always be filled with shavings & sawdust, - Jim “Mr. Measure Twice” Marchetti

[@VintageTexas59]

Fancy chicken cop indeed, nice build April !

[@AtomicGeckoBrewing]

Saw you on the DIY channel this morning...awesome!!

[@Woodhead4sure]

Good job, keep up the good work.