Building a wonky chicken coop.

[@sandramcelrea1842]

I love Sunday mornings here in NZ. Your videos are the highlight of my KZbin week . My faith in humanity is in people just like your good selves. What a beautiful world if we all lived like this. I can see it is endless hard work and you never complain. Any learning errors will be corrected in due course. You eminate such peace and love to each other, the animals, the birds, the plants, your garden, your tiny home....Im in awe of you both and of all you're doing 😊🤗

[@leslietarboxjr4287]

Hi, I am 68 years old and the wonderful thing about not knowing what you are doing forces you to sit back, evaluate, come up with workable solutions and get the job done. In doing so it will remain with you for a lifetime and your sense of accomplishment gives you a real ego boost and actually bonds both of you closer together as partners and enhances your relationship. As I said I am 68 and when you look back from years gone by you feel extra good about all your failures and wins because without failure there are no wins. Those who have never had failures have never done anything worth wild. You are doing very well and learning together, be proud of it all.

[@robine916]

All these "mess ups" are actually good for you! It requires you to use your critical thinking to solve the issues, while also teaching you to evaluate possible problems on future projects. You will also learn that things don't necessarily need to be perfect, just safe, solid and functional. Great work! 💕

[@SJC49]

The chickens will be forever grateful!🐓😍🇨🇦

[@lucaspolderman6622]

From the Netherlands: well done, you made it. One tip: when you need to cut chicken wire, you can use your angle grinder. Much faster. Thank you for sharing and a nice week over there.

[@peterwhite9261]

You got the best wonky chicken house in Portugal. Be very proud of your accomplishments. The chickens love it.

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Thanks Peter!

[@biddiemutter3481]

Your vlogs are so peaceful...sorry for finding watching you work peaceful 😂

[@barbaranielsen2888]

I love how humble you both are! It is very refreshing to my spirit to watch and leaern right along with you both! Thank you for your perserverence and dedecation to figuring out how to make things work! You both encourage me! I tend to give up because I am a perfectionist and get decustted with myself! Then old tapes of very critical people from my past start playing in my head! Hugs from Costa Rica!

[@suzilouden5964]

Well done to you both....a great job overall with the delightfully Wonky Chicken House! A tip for clearing out screwholes in cement/concrete. Use a longish tube, shove one end into the hole & blow the dust out - you do need eye protectionl. Drinking straw or anything similar work well....bon courage 🥰

[@sharondoust5002]

Great job I'm always learning even at 68 repairing cages for rabbits and ginnie pigs it's the satisfaction at the end that counts keep going with the flow love to you both and cuddles to Frankie Diego and puss greetings from Australia

[@TheIndigoEscape]

Really cool video guys! I think concrete structure for chickens is the best as it’s so much more secure and weather proof! Just how the Portuguese make them. Chickens are going to be very happy! Your tomato plants are massive Carissa!! Mine are just sprouting 🫤

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Thanks guys ☺️ we’re super happy with it and the chickens seem to be too! We haven’t put their nesting boxes in yet but they’ve already started laying eggs in there 😆 the tomatoes are plug plants, I got them and some courgettes and they’re thriving in the raised beds! My seedlings are just struggling along apart from my peas which have down great! Can’t wait to catch up on your vid and see what you’ve been up to ☺️ xxx

[@nickytanton107]

@@FrankieOffGrid cheating plugs and seeds are the way to go, although a majority of my sweet pea plugs have been eaten probably by slugs (not sheep Carissa) doh!!

[@Neilhuny]

These hens had better darned well appreciate the effort gone in to making a safe and secure home for them! I love the honesty - truth is valuable!

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Haha they better had!

[@annadaurie2435]

The most important thing is you try. You two always come through with the project in the end. Have fun with it.

[@ruthconstantino6861]

Goodness, some commentors! Easy, take it easy. They are (as I would be) on a learning curve. It's OK, and they will amend as they recognize any things not working well. 💪🏻👩🏻‍🌾👨🏻‍🌾👍🏻 What sweet chookies to keep underfoot, they know their ma and pa 😊. Snuggly Albi🐈 snoopurrvising 😄.

[@deborahlee8135]

Seeing everything happen perfectly isnt a learning experience for me, so i enjoy the "mistakes" because it helps me think things through before i try similar. I'm here not to just enjoy your lifestyle vicariously (at the moment) but to learn. So thank you for showing the not so perfect and the struggles, the challenges as well as the fabulous results. I'd recommend putting a gutter on the roof to direct rain outside the chook pen. Otherise the girls will be standing in muddy water getting in and out of the chookhouse in winter and that could lead to disease

[@nickytanton107]

And maybe the water collected could be for the chickens somehow.

[@FrankieOffGrid]

That’s exactly the plan.. gutter into a water butt.

[@jennya2439]

Loved your chicken two step dance 💃 😂

[@christine3358]

I’m with you Ewan…foiled by the bricks! 😉

[@larrymunden1753]

BRAVO! It turned out great! You carried on and solved every problem. 🐔👍🙏

[@vickieb2781]

I think “wonky” is my new favorite word! It looks cute! ❤ from Michigan

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Haha it’s a good word!

[@carlospacheco5686]

Hey , well done! You have made the best ever decision by building a chicken coop / capoeira or even galinheiro if you prefer out of concrete! Once you render it and if you lime wash it , it will be red mite proof ! Very cleaver move ! All the best

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Thank you Carlos!

[@carolbulmer8253]

Hi, Carissa and Iwan. You have done a great job of building the chicken coop. I especially like the way you figure out solutions to any problem. See you next week❤️❤️

[@terryevans5476]

A fine job on the new coop. Love from Cornwall ♥️

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Thanks Terry!

[@vickyeblatherwick284]

Love the piano background music. 🎶🎶

[@ShirleyFoshee]

We that love your adventurous lives don't care about messing up!!! You are loved and prayed for through your journey! May the Lord.bless you and keep you and may His face shine upon you and give you Peace, His Peace!!!

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Thank you so much Shirley ☺️💛

[@AleeshaSattva]

I love how authentic you both are. (((heart)))

[@FrankieOffGrid]

❤️❤️

[@SmithsdaleFarm]

Made us laugh so much when the wonky wood fit the wall so perfectly! It’s like it was meant to be

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Haha us too!

[@jeanettenicholas2863]

Everyone makes mistakes your both doing a great job good luck to you both

[@lucy2beme]

Great job, you two. Your chickens have a really nice home.

[@marybates2201]

Yay, finished. You should feel acomplished and proud. Yes some learning during the process of building. But it is done and standing and chickens have a safe peoper new home x

[@Tigger4747]

Top woodworking tip: buy straight pieces of wood! You can get a good idea of whether a piece of wood is fairly straight lengthways by using a piece of string or use a metal tape measure as a straight edge to see how curved/odd the wood is along its length. Also don't buy pieces of wood that "rock" from corner to corner. Buy yourself a decent small carpenter's square and take that with you to assess how twisted the wood is across shorter distances - eg across the board rather than along it - and whether the corners around the wood are anything like 90 degrees. (If that makes sense!) Considering how wonky the planks were the door turned out really well. :))

[@sydneyevans2637]

In building your chicken coop, they aren't mistakes. Tell your friends and neighbors it's a prototype. Best to all!

[@nickytanton107]

We don't make mistakes just happy little accidents, by Bob Ross. Words of wisdom. I do think they should let her mum stencil lovely flowers and plants all over it lol.

[@ernie7065]

it likely will need to be replaced or changed

[@FrankieOffGrid]

😂 why would it need to be replaced or changed? Did you not see the last one we built?! 😅

[@tlc1718]

We all try but yet startover. Just keeping it real enjoying the process and thanks for sharing❤

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Thanks for watching ☺️💛

[@jeanrichardson2044]

I can't believe the negativity of some of your viewers. At least you make the effort, which many of your armchair viewers never have. The chickens are not fussy, they look to be very content, and well cared for. Well done to you both.

[@judithgolledge1960]

I love your videos guys, ‘informative’ and fun. Well worth watching❣️

[@nickytanton107]

I love reading through the comments so informative as well

[@sondraflesch1463]

LOVE IT.. Filming of chickens. And the Thumbnail.

[@biddiemutter3481]

Excellent work in finding a bit of wood to bend to your wall! You do a sight better than I would!

[@adbc8213]

Many learning opportunities! Thanks for another awesome video guys!

[@denisescally7090]

Btw 'Time lapse' in the title of progress so far videos seem to be getting millions of views for other You Tubers. Just think you deserve way more subscribers!! ❤

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Ooh maybe we’ll try it! Haha

[@rubyjools]

I like things wonky anyway 😊..who needs perfection? 👌

[@petefoti1041]

My first day back in the states on 4/13 it was 93F here in New Jersey. I was in Portugal beginning 3/30 and it was cool up in Ponte da Barca. Good luck on your chicken coup.

[@ecowarrior1888]

I could not help noticing the bloom of yellow flowers engulfing your plastic chair in the background as Iwan lamented the difference in wood size 😊🌼

[@jamesrivis620]

YIKES !!!! I did, however, like the Neil Young instrumental.

[@allenemery4665]

Wobbly but functional well done. It’s all experience

[@martinjames3950]

Hats off to you for having a go at building your chicken coop, look at it as way of what you have learnt for the future projects

[@anitaklamer3360]

😅😅😅Great name "The Wonkey Chicken House" I got quite nervous figuering out what your logic was but in the end you built a very artistic surrealistic coup. It is unique🤪🤣🤣👏👏👏👏👏🌺

[@tomprice2501]

Like your videos, you can’t beat practical skills and advice to help you improve. I must have missed your video because I see that I am 3 months behind. Anyway, I would have used another length of wood to sandwich the wire, instead of using a staple gun on fastening the wire to the wood. Congratulations, you guys are hard workers, and work well together.

[@libbyanderson3752]

All good fun! Keep your sense of humour and you’ll get there in the end. Admire the two of you so much.

[@pgregory6357]

Love that yal take so much care for your chickens!

[@dutchmetalmaniac]

nice job! well done. Just put a framework for support under your roofing material. the stuff is too soft and will sag overtime like crazy because of heatstress. (i know from experience 😥😥) and when it rains it will gather in the bowls and increase the sag.a wooden roof with these plates on top will suffice.

[@PegeenShean]

Learn by doing! Great job!❤

[@duartemonteiro7463]

Hello Iwan and Carissa... 😀

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Hi Duarte!!

[@CampOutWest]

Well done guys 🎉 you worked so hard on it. Your girls are so lucky! Did any of the cabbages survive? 😅😅😅

[@FrankieOffGrid]

😆 they went for the broccoli that day! Luckily the leaves and not my poor baby broccoli heads. Thanks guys! Can’t wait to catch up with what you’ve been up to soon ☺️🌞💛💛 we need to trade some rain for sunshine too!!

[@jackierenders9441]

You learn by your mistakes. You will get better!

[@francescatappi3241]

It's looking great! I bet the chicken will enjoy their new home. 🙂

[@patricktolson5124]

I love your channel and authenticity and willingness to admit that for most of us, we really do not know what we are doing when embarking on any dyi projects for the first time - that we really don't know, what we are doing. Have experienced myself on many occasions. Nothing wrong in that whatsoever ! You are doing a better job than I could. Love everything that you are doing and kudos to you. Look forward to seeing more

[@TheMutterstadt]

Did you put a chicken fence on the roof for extra protection? Because of martens, so that they don't get into the chicken cube. I like your vlog very much. You're both so calm.

[@henrymichaelwilson8107]

Hello there. That is no excuse. Don't blame the materials. You have a level. Your friend was being kind when he said you had done a good job. It makes Know different really. I half expected this would happen.

[@cathythomas2692]

Well done! How did you decide the size required for the chicken yard and house? Is there a formula that tells you the proper size?

[@FrankieOffGrid]

There is a formula for space per hen but it seemed very small. We basically doubled the size of the previous coop but build it to the measurements of the materials used as to keep it cost effective.

[@sheilakerr-jones4345]

Hang in there!

[@johnburrows9558]

A fox would get onto the roof of your coup no problem and then there's nothing stopping it from getting into the run We always had mesh on top of our runs to stop the buggers getting in

[@FrankieOffGrid]

No chance can a fox jump 2 metres 😅 we use Diogo as a jump tester.

[@miriammuskal5402]

You under estimate yourselves You really are doing a great job❤

[@lorawiseman8847]

I thought the chickens inspecting your progress toward the end were cute. They approve!

[@LiLBitsDK]

well the wonky blocks is why you don't stack them directly on each other but have a splat of concrete inbetween em and use a level (in more than one direction) remember the angled pieces of the door goes DOWN on the side of the door with the hinges on... would definetly make another solution than cutting into the roof but that's just me ;-)

[@deboracarpenter1103]

You guys that's so cute but you do a good job and don't let anybody else tell you otherwise LOL

[@dominique8233]

Mmmm sorry if this sounds like a know it all, and maybe too late but wouldn't it have been easier to cut the door down so it fitted under the roof?

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Haha yes maybe! Where were you before we built it?! 🤣

[@dominique8233]

@@FrankieOffGrid 😊Living through you vacariously in a cold damp England. 😂💖

[@monalingan9523]

A lovely humorous video. 😊

[@alexandraalegre4980]

Hi. Your Portuguese its getting good 😊.

[@uppanadam]

I don't think those chooks would care any different about how wonky their new home would be!! It looks like it's already met their approval!! LOL!!

[@FrankieOffGrid]

They definitely seem to like it ☺️ can’t wait to get their nesting boxes made now

[@uppanadam]

@@FrankieOffGrid 🥰🥰!!

[@lesleycarswell5207]

You are definitely right you do persevere and it turns out fine 👍

[@magcurran100]

Well done! 👍

[@PaulaKnowles-zw7zc]

Enjoyed watching. Good job.

[@soniaayachealmeida7111]

House of chickens 🐥🐣🐔🐓🥰👏👏

[@amelitadechavezlaceste5095]

good evening sweet family imiss seing your vlog god bless you

[@veesevie]

🎉

[@arjanvogel6444]

Thanks for your vid 😇💟💟💟 Love and bless you guys, well good work for the first time you can always upgrade later 👍😁🐔🐔🐔🐔.

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Thanks so much Arjan ☺️💛

[@henrymichaelwilson8107]

Yous are doing okay. There are plenty of books on Building.

[@evolve2learn1010]

I am curious, are the breeze blocks going to be too hot for the chickens? This is new to me, I am researching all types. I like fact that you are trying and open on revisions, it shows your creative side. Let me know and I will add it my list, thanks for sharing.

[@FrankieOffGrid]

All the locals use blocks for their coops, they’re a lot cheaper, more insulating and easier to add more insulation so we figured it was the best course of action. Our last one was wood and it got very hot inside.

[@Yorky222]

Why on earth did you not adjust the height of the gate to fit?

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Why on earth didn’t you tell us before we did it?! 🤣 that was a very good idea! You win some you learn some, right? 😅

[@deborahthomas3475]

I know a guy who built a small pen that looked like it was designed by M C Escher. I had to build a door for it but nothing matched up at the same lines and angles.

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Building our kitchen door was the same 😅

[@stevengilleyOU812]

You could have cut the height of the gate down to just below the roof line.

[@donmurphy4070]

Thanks for the vlog , you can now call yourselves contractors.😂 now to more important matters. Football and liverpool. Loving the journey.

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Going to be a tight end to the season ey?! YNWA 😉

[@coolhandlukeful]

Quick one , where did you get the shower from know it froze or something but need to find out who sells em.

[@FrankieOffGrid]

It’s from a company called Camplux

[@coolhandlukeful]

Thank you we wondered if we could pick one up from castelo branco.

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Hmm I don’t think so, I believe Amazon.de may be your best option 🫠

[@mafish7962]

❤❤❤

[@FrankieOffGrid]

☺️💛🌞😘🌱🌸🐓

[@leannekudahl2432]

I don't understand this whole build for the chook house. This seems like an over complicated way to provide protection for your chooks. My questions include; Why would you build the chook house out of concrete blocks in an unshaded area in a place that roasts under 40c heat + in Summer and freezing temps in winter? Why would you use concrete to build in any place given these variances?

[@FrankieOffGrid]

It’s fairly straightforward really… a coop this size, made of wood (I’m guessing this is the alternative material you’re implying we should have used) would have cost close to €1k. This whole thing cost €140. If we’d have made it out of wood, not only would we be skint, but we also wouldn’t have learned how to lay blocks. Concrete is actually a much better insulator than wood - especially after adding insulation - both in summer and winter - generally the same reason people build out of concrete instead of wood for houses.

[@sgrvtl7183]

I have wondered the same. it seems to dark and doesn't concrete draw moisture, thought chickens had to be dry.

[@FrankieOffGrid]

The door is entirely see through so plenty of light.. not that they need it because they’re only in the coop at nighttime?

[@bevtrue6937]

No suggestions from me. I don't have a clue how to make a chicken coop. 😁 You look like it is nearly done.

[@trevorwindle8980]

Guys the roof slopping into the yard is a mistake the drier the home yard the better sorry👍❤️❤️❤️🙏

[@FrankieOffGrid]

How would the roof leaning that way affect how wet it is? The roof only keeps the land under it dry? Or do you have different roofs?

[@trevorwindle8980]

The birds in winter with chook poop becomes a scating rink and the slop harbours disease google deep litter system this is a recommended system free from water. Think of it in terms of does your roof slope to the front of your home take the gutter away and imagine the slop hole of you guys dogs cats walking through that not good put a gutter on will solve

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Oh we’re definitely adding a gutter.. it will be for their drinking water.

[@punjabseth260]

👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@denisescally7090]

I'd love to live in that if I was a chicken 🐓

[@sylvieroy3751]

You are not afraid the cabin for chickens gonna be to hot in summer they gonna cook inside🫙🥵

[@FrankieOffGrid]

It’s concrete Sylvie.. and they only go in it at night time.. chickens live outside

[@sylvieroy3751]

In summertime the night is quite hot sometime and in winter they gonna be frozen because bricks gonna be wet inside because humidity they need more ventilation and in winter they stay more inside ,they are in dark , look like a jail

[@FrankieOffGrid]

They’re very good at regulating their temperature.. they have access to water, shade and the ground for dust bathing - they’re very happy and healthy chickens.

[@leeworley5160]

Hum where was Dioggo, usually he's zooming all over the place. Lol. Unless tou had to lock him up. 😂

[@FrankieOffGrid]

He was probably zooming further than normal! 😅 he’s good mates with the neighbours dog

[@SJC49]

Dear people - please use safety glasses when drilling - scratched corneas hurt like the devil and could permanently damage your eyesight. The glasses are hot and uncomfortable but the alternate is worse. 😍

[@ernie7065]

You can likely change the door to accommodate the battery operated electric door. Nick installed his into the door he had already built.

[@FrankieOffGrid]

We don’t want a battery operated door Ernie.. thank you.

[@ernie7065]

@Frankie Off Grid hmm do you think your friend Nick made a mistake by installing his, or Sow the Land, or others? Nick was really hyped up about his. It allows them to do other things at both the morning and evening. They can go into town, or stay in town later, or visit friends, or help friends, and no worries about their chickens. OH well, it is your choice.

[@FrankieOffGrid]

No they definitely haven’t made mistakes, it’s an each to their own type situation! It’s just a different setup, ours is designed as a self-contained ‘aviary’, the chickens don’t need to be locked up by hand each morning and evening - the idea being that we’re able to stock up their food and drink and are able to go away for a few days if need be.

[@paularthur1451]

If l was going to build something and not shaw I would consider asking the Internet for advice.

[@FrankieOffGrid]

We have a KZbin channel Paul.. it’s kinda part of the job.

[@jkrconer7599]

😂 😂

[@ernie7065]

Nick just installed a battery operated door for his chickens.... you and he are friends ... why didn't you install a similar door? His wife really liked that door.

[@margaretlovelock7031]

Just realised that there isn’t a nesting box either, definitely the wrong material to use for a chicken coup. Why didn’t you use wood just like everyone.

[@FrankieOffGrid]

We’ll be adding all those don’t worry Margaret. Most of the locals use the blocks for coops and agricultural buildings so we decided to follow their wisdom. I guess it’s better and safer for wild fires, about 5 times cheaper than wood, more weather proof and also an opportunity for us to work on a new skill.

[@portugal1969]

If you throw the wood in the air itll come back,.....incoming

[@margaretlovelock7031]

Where are the chickens going to perch inside the coup? You certainly are slow even taking into consideration the fractured ribs.😂

[@FrankieOffGrid]

On perches Margaret 😉

[@FiuMcFadyen]

Wow …. wonder if you do realise that it’s nicer for everyone if you could attempt to be positive

[@ernie7065]

CHECK EACH PIECE OF LUMBER BEFORE PUTTING IT ON YOUR CART. Leave lousy lumber at the store or ask for it 50% off. Why buy crooked lumber?

[@FrankieOffGrid]

We did Ernie, did you miss that bit? We even explained it. When you need two bits of wood and they have three you’re not left with much wriggle room. We didn’t want to spend hours driving around for two simple bits of wood.

[@ernie7065]

Maybe just the picture but the door looks very narrow.

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Maybe just the picture Ernie.. also chickens are quite small birds.