Building a Chicken Coop (Part 4) How Many Nesting Boxes and Framing Interior Walls

In part 4 of our chicken coop build series, I am building the nest boxes and framing the interior walls. I'll give you guys all the ins and outs of what we have used for nesting boxes in the past, how many nesting boxes the chickens need, and measurements.
Go to the website: propagateplantslikeapro.com
Check out my Wife's Channel: bit.ly/3hfX8fk
Products I Use Frequently:
Hormodin #3 Rooting Powder: amzn.to/3n5F9tS
Clonex Rooting Gel: amzn.to/37WqhJF
Dip N Grow Rooting Liquid: amzn.to/2WXIU9Q
Corona Shears: amzn.to/2WUS2Mt
Leaf Trimming Shears: amzn.to/38KrVxt
Orchard Lopper: amzn.to/2Jt5pAo
Propagation Tote: amzn.to/34WIdlB
Propagation Dome and Heat Mat Combo: amzn.to/37WqHQf
Indoor Grow Light: amzn.to/2WSxJiT
Grow Tent: amzn.to/37X01Pj
Instagram: / mike.kincaid
Propagation Group: / 346884795717132
Facebook: / kincaidsnursery
Twitter: / kincaidmj

[@1963RonTKiser]

Mike a hundred years from now. that coop will be here. I am a contractor and that coop is a damn beast.

[@MikeKincaid79]

LOL, thanks for the vote of confidence. I wanted it to last my lifetime.

[@greenthumbelina7331]

Mike, your dad must one heck of a good carpenter since you learned your handyman skills from him! That is probably the most solidly built chicken coop/brooder/barn that I've ever seen! I noticed that you actually wore your safety glasses once or twice during this video. What the heck Mike, take care of those peepers (that was the mother in me talking). I hope you know that we all want you and your family to stay safe and healthy! I'm glad to hear you were able to get the materials you need to finish the inside of the Chicken Chateau! Most of the stores around here are very accomodating and are taking precautions to keep employees and customers safe.

[@MikeKincaid79]

The safety glasses had to make a cameo appearance to keep all the mothers happy, lol.

[@grahamallen3941]

Hi Mike, thanks for updating us. Love the video, great. Those chooks are going to be really cosy in those nesting boxes! Looking forward to the next step....when it’s possible. All the best Mike, regards to the family take care and be safe. Graham 🇬🇧🇬🇧❤️

[@MikeKincaid79]

Sure is coming along. You stay safe too, Graham.

[@schammond8993]

Watching you reminded me of watching my Dad. He built things to last until the end of time. lol I use vinyl floor in my coops. It has lasted 6 years and still going. I pull it out every year or two wash it down and put it back. Works great. Good job.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks! My Dad was overkill too, and that's probably where I learned it.

[@patrickdenpatattenriek5900]

Happy chickens will be your deal Mike for sure, very good job and very handy man.

[@pinoytribe7846]

Amazing work Mike... I love you from Philippines..

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks!

[@jeannecooke4862]

I really admire your design! Fabulous!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks, Jeanne!

[@susanhimmaugh5646]

Love your videos....always very informative + equal amount of cutting up 😍🐱🐣🐥

[@TheUltimateAcres]

Great episode.

[@chan4754]

it is hard to pick a favorite among your videos but the chicken coop ones might be the favorites

[@MikeKincaid79]

Awesome! I like making those videos.

[@tommyknockerparanormalinc]

So glad got my coop finished before November last year, now just gotta build the back doors and make it puurty I have double level, chickens on the bottom and rabbits on the top. I wish I had a walk in like yours though because without the doors done, i have to unscrew one of the back panels to get into my waterer that was in there heated for the winter working on automatic watering now, and only the ducks are completed Its sooo much work but so rewarding when done! Great job, and taking a few tips from this, thank you.

[@MikeKincaid79]

The automatic watering sound like a great way to go. I see a lot of people doing it and they seem to really like them.

[@tommyknockerparanormalinc]

@@MikeKincaid79 actually i have the chickens on the top and rabbits on the bottom lol yes, so far is working great for the ducks so when they are locked in the run, they still have a constant supply of water and it was fairly inexpensive.

[@AndeeKiss]

Dear Mike, I'm really looking forward how it will turn out. I am pretty sure it will be just fantastic! Actually it is already... 😂 It is sooo good to watch, very relaxing. You do have some skills there! 👋

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks, my wife is getting really excited to see it finished. She's been cracking the whip!

[@shannonweeks1049]

Love the category 5 chicken house.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Haha, love the comment! This thing will be indestructible.

[@camicri4263]

Hello Mike, good to see you so cheerful and full of energy! Good job....overbuilding it....just like Chris would do it...😅! God bless you all, be safe! Hugs to you and the girls!🙏😘🤗❤

[@MikeKincaid79]

BIG HUGS! Stay safe Camelia.

[@camicri4263]

Thanks Mike! God willing I will. I try to do everything that depends on me.....the rest...🤗😘🙏

[@1herbert100]

Hey Mike, are you sure you're not building a gorilla habitat? I think there's more lumber in that coup than my studio apt. When I built mine years ago, I too had 6 nest boxes but all the hens wanted the same box. There would be 2 or three sitting at the same time in the same box. So I ended up taking out all the dividers and had just 1 long box. They still sat on the same spot. I must say I'm impressed with your work. Just a thought. You can buy self-leveling cement to cover the floor and then just scrub it off with soap and water. If you're not familiar with it it's real easy to use. It comes in a bag and you just add water and pour it on the floor and it self levels itself. and that it. You have a nice level floor that easy to take care of. It's so easy to use you'll love it. Well, buddy hows homeschooling going? are you learning anything? Love your videos.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks, Mac. I saw the picture of what I wanted the coop to be when I started but never realized what that would entail. Sure is a lot of lumber but when it's done it will serve as more than just a coop. It'll be a small barn that houses everything my wife needs to take care of the chickens including a brooder to raise young chicks. The more I do here the less I ever want to think about selling this place. Homeschooling is going well and yes, Shellie and I are learning a lot, haha. We're learning that we love it and love having the kids home with us every day. I know that's probably not a popular opinion with everyone but hey, that's why we had them.

[@samspade4634]

Wow! You're building makes me want to be a chicken...lol. Great job Mike. I always enjoy your videos. I pray everyone stays healthy during these trying times. Thanks again for the video.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Haha! Chickens sure will be happy. Stay safe my friend.

[@datcampg9297]

I enjoyed watching your video. Thank you.

[@johnlogan1022]

Mike, you chickens are going to be living large in that awesome coop!

[@MikeKincaid79]

We sure are excited to get them moved over!

[@AndyTaylorfen]

Good advice, am in Scotland and struggling but will pull through and grow my plants.

[@MikeKincaid79]

They can't take gardening away.

[@viviangerard459]

you have done such a good job of building the chicken coop

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks, Vivian!

[@jessicagagnon7096]

Looks awesome 👏

[@robertdurkin7596]

Good job, Mike and you working hard on yourself, no one to helps you, chickens will enjoy their new place as home !!😉👍🐓🐔🐓🐔🐓🚜❤️

[@MikeKincaid79]

They sure seem to enjoy it. I know my wife and kids love collecting eggs in a nice dry room when the rainy season comes.

[@robertdurkin7596]

We had chickens but old chicken shed !😉🐔

[@lionsorchardnice123]

Really great job, i watched like 50 videos of yours, learned al lot

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks so much for your support and I'm glad you are learning from the videos!

[@neilreed255]

Hi Mike thanks for the channel. I came across the channel around 12 months ago looking for Rhododendron propagation. I've loved them since I was small and my Dad did too. We never had success and he had a few F1's we really wanted. They're still going, Dad passed away a few years ago. At last with your tips I think I might have some viable plants. Thanks again. Sorry about Johnnie.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Great! Glad to hear they're rooting for you. If you're really interested in propagating hundreds of rhododendrons then check out my website. I have a page with paid videos that cover the topic very thoroughly.

[@Paul-Coburn]

Great job Mike

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks, Paul! I'll have your bedroom done soon, haha.

[@billhiggins3845]

Looking good Mike 🦇👍🌻🐓

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks, Bill.

[@tarottime3219]

Your so talented, albeit your up at 5am lol

[@MikeKincaid79]

Just on work days, lol

[@robertgonzalez8419]

No that coop will be predator proof nice job God bless

[@MikeKincaid79]

Sure will be!

[@rickschulte8594]

Good job, your impressive , have a great dsy

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks, Rick, you have a great day as well.

[@jamesharless5357]

Very nice!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks, James!

[@LULC0759]

Stay safe Mike...I know your a nurse so take care. And nice chick house....you’re very talented😊

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks, Lulu, staying safe.

[@clintongray6889]

You may want to check into rollout nest boxes. I changed years ago and would never go back to the old style. Eggs are always clean and you don't get any breakage. Check them out, best thing I have in my coop.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks, Clinton. I thought long and hard about it and decided on this way of collecting eggs. I did build it so I could pull the whole nest box out of the wall and rebuild whatever I want in it's place so maybe I'll try your suggestion in the future.

[@ronmetz9172]

Mike, I believe your coop design could withstand an F5 tornado.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Haha, that's the intent. I want it to outlast me.

[@markwalker960]

Very cool video

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks, Mark!

[@stevenmunslow125]

Great video Mike, man you could have been a carpenter for sure! And yes, still the crazy Covid world continues to get in the way of life…

[@melancholymonkey1880]

Good man!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks!

[@carminepetracca7518]

wow, mike. doing all your exercise certainly came in handy with making the coop. absolutely a beautiful job of construction. you have everything marked to the detail. are you planning for any insulation on the feed area of the loop? i know chickens are very rugged but will an exhaust fan be installed or is it just how the wind blows? -- must say that I've missed your series for a few weeks. in the 4 weeks, I've come down with bronchitis with a slow cure. sarscovid2 is surrounding the whole neighborhood. i am being exceptionally careful with myself as my lungs are not my strong point way back from childhood. -- i'm gonna backtrack on the videos that i missed. good to see you well. best to the whole family, carmine p.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Sorry to hear you've been sick. Hopefully recovering well. No insulation on the walls of the coop. The chickens do well in freezing temps, they just don't like drafts. I plan to put a few windows up high in the coop side for ventilation and then we'll be able to close them during the winter winds.

[@rbebut1]

How much time did you spend on the coupe. on the video, on the editing to shave what you did down to 15 awesome minutes of construction. You make it effortless.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks, Ralph! It's definitely a lot of work and takes a ton of time filming but I like how the videos are turning out in the end. In answer to your question......hours and hours, haha.

[@Paul-Coburn]

COOL

[@markwalker9107]

awsome build maybe you should do some carpentry jobs looks really good Stay safe at work man.

[@MikeKincaid79]

It's fun building for me but I think I'd lose my mind building on someone else's timeline. We've been ok at the hospital, I just pray it doesn't get as bad here as it is in New York.

[@markwalker9107]

@@MikeKincaid79 yeah I don't like being on other people's time frame for stuff like that either. I'm hoping it doesn't get as bad here in Dallas either. Think the main reason New York got hit so bad is all the business people and travel and also they are so tightly packed in

[@josephcirasella5211]

Impressive...can survive an EF5 Tornado! This can serve as a coop/man cave:) I found you last year and know you're a propagation specialist...In fact...I rooted some rose cuttings and had some success and they survived the winter. Do you think I can plant them in their permanent home or should I keep them in their containers until next spring? Lastly, maybe you would consider showing us what upkeep is required for these guys. Glad you are healthy and well.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Are you in the northern hemisphere? If so, you can plant them out when spring gets here. They'll take off through the summer. Just make sure to mulch well and water often through the first summer.

[@josephcirasella5211]

Thanks...I am in zone6A...northeast USA.

[@lorineidtinytoadplot744]

That's one hell of a chicken coop ;)

[@omedahmad5757]

نایابە

[@carmenbailey8209]

Wished my husband worked that fast, amazing 👍❤️😊

[@MikeKincaid79]

Lol, go easy on him. It's going much slower than it looks on camera. My wife is over on this end cracking the whip and saying, "Get that dang thing done." Hahaha.

[@kincaidwoodworking8578]

Don't let Mike play it down. He's the hardest working dude I know.

[@rejanehalle8806]

Don’t we all and more than twice a year!! ;)

[@EricThompson-gs9ce]

Mike, are you a homesteader? You know, your chicken coupe looks better built than these houses that crop up overnight in my area. On the farm, our chickens lived in an old refirbed milkhouse with hotwire to keep out the foxes and our dogs. Snakes were another story.

[@MikeKincaid79]

I don't know what you'd call me, lol. I try to live simply, live with as little debt as possible, and raise as much of my own food as possible.

[@VioletHenning]

Hey Mike when you screw in diagonal, do you pre drill the wood like a pocket screw or do you just screw in diagonally without making pockets? The reason i ask is i have to make a new construction and i cant find an affordable pocjet screw maker.

[@MikeKincaid79]

I just screwed them in without making pockets or pre-drilling holes. Good luck on your project, Violet!

[@VioletHenning]

Awesome thanks i am goimg to give it a shot. Building a bigger coop with extra nest boxes and a chicken hospital.

[@MartinRodriguez-ep3ur]

Nice video.. how Long and wide each box.. tanke

[@MikeKincaid79]

12 inches x 12 inches x 16 inches

[@Ladythyme]

Chicken Taj Mahal!

[@rustymcnitt5508]

Have you tried Amazon for your linoleum?? How's your semi retirement coming along, made any more progress on sponsors or contacts. Just curious as I have not seen you for a while. All this mess is taking a toll. I want to work outside but all we keep getting is rain, really a struggle for me at times. Hope things are going better for you and your family. Best always Rusty

[@MikeKincaid79]

It's really helpful having the extra time off. Getting more done around here and spending more time with the kids.

[@rustymcnitt5508]

Glad to know you're ok. Been trying to get caught up as well. Just wanted to check on you and see how things were going for you. Your chicken House looks great, you can tell that you have put a lot of thought and planning into it. Question do you think over time that the chicken waste will get under the linoleum and start to rot the wood? Going to buzz for now take care and stay safe.

[@frankiemccullough9437]

I do all my cuttin with a hand saw.. I would had never been able to do that

[@MikeKincaid79]

That would definitely take awhile, lol.

[@mahmoudajjan466]

Great work Mike, first plz take care of yourself & of course your family from that devilesh (COVID-19), GOD bless you and bless everyone and everything, you're really amazing person seriously & a very special and important guy to me, GOD bless you PS: I'm not gay.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Haha, I don't judge, lol. You are very special to me too. Without you, I wouldn't be making these videos. We've built quite a family here and I'm glad you're a part of it. Keep you and your family safe.

[@mahmoudajjan466]

@@MikeKincaid79 Thank you sooooooo much ☺☺☺😊😊😊😊

[@phoenixsanctuary4birds33]

Great house but how do you make it red mite proof.?

[@MikeKincaid79]

Not possible, lol. Those things get everywhere. My wife uses diatomaceous earth to cut down on the mites. Dust baths are good too

[@EdgeSanityGaming]

Ever try root cuttings of fig?

[@MikeKincaid79]

No but I've pulled small starts up by the roots and repotted them.

[@EdgeSanityGaming]

@@MikeKincaid79 I think it would work, but it's slow like hardwood cuttings. You obviously take them during dormancy. But you could potentially increase your total output if you could utilize material from both top and bottom.

[@theoverworkedgardener5648]

Very very very good to have it completely separate. That's a project I have to do on my goat Barn. it's got a divider in the middle but it doesn't go all the way up and it gets just disgusting on the other side from them. I'm going to have to redo it though they eating the sheetrock. Why would you put sheetrock in a stable lol previous owners were on something that's right lol

[@MikeKincaid79]

Lol, I've found a lot of things the previous owner did here that had me scratching my head.

[@theoverworkedgardener5648]

lol

[@portaadonai]

I never make a floor for my chicken coops. I only mulch heavily back to Eden style, then the chickens turn the floor into rich compost. They I plant a bunch of fruit trees around the coop and they use the chicken floor for compost. When it gets too stinky you can simply water it down then add more mulch on top. Or shovel some out at times to add elsewhere in the garden

[@MikeKincaid79]

I almost did this and debated about it in my head over and over again. In the end, I liked the way I built it and we just sweep out the poop and shavings and pile it up to compost.

[@portaadonai]

@@MikeKincaid79 no right or wrong ways just different preferences

[@Green_Heart_Family_Farm]

That's a chicken fortress!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Sure is!

[@erikdillionstreet2615]

How much did it cost you to build the entire chicken coop?

[@MikeKincaid79]

I'm up around $3000

[@zaviahopethomas-woundedsou9848]

Home Depot is still open and so is Lowes. I know HD delivers free if it is over $50.

[@MikeKincaid79]

I stopped at Lowe's the other night on my way home from work. It was just before they closed but they helped me out. I've been filming the flooring install today!

[@zaviahopethomas-woundedsou9848]

@@MikeKincaid79 That's Great!

[@neilreed255]

PS whats not to like ?

[@kjord11]

What part of nursing school did you learn to be such a good carpenter ?

[@MikeKincaid79]

School of Jim Kincaid. My dad had me building things since I was a little kid.

[@dorothyfu7540]

Pouring rain on a sunny day?

[@MikeKincaid79]

That's Washington for ya, haha.

[@pieceofparadise9338]

Watching this in 2021 thinking how can I build this without wood because it’s so friggin expensive....

[@MikeKincaid79]

Haha, I'm trying to figure out how to build my home right now. Should have built it last year and the chicken coop this year, lol.

[@davidphillips2259]

You don’t need all that heavy wood

[@MikeKincaid79]

I guess I don't really need anything. Could have just kept them in the little palette hut they were in.

[@DWSP101]

You need to raise guinea chicks

[@MikeKincaid79]

We had them growing up. Horribly loud! lol

[@bubbahubba5009]

It's a perfect video series but it would have been a grandmama grand slam if you put in your notes the labeled dimensions of the cuts if you did that we could do your video step by step and have it perfect following your dimensions length cuts .. how could you have fcked this up?

[@endymoreno7382]

Dont you think you should of put the nest. On the outside wall so you can get the eggs without goin in.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Nope, it's going to work out perfectly just where it's at. It will be on the outside of the chicken coop but on the inside of the barn. I'll have a final reveal when it's all done and show how everything is going to work.

[@endymoreno7382]

@@MikeKincaid79 I think I have an idea. Perfect. Take care

[@endymoreno7382]

@@MikeKincaid79 🤕I didn't get a ❤😔

[@georgesimpson3113]

Houses (people) aren't built like that! It's a chicken coop! Do you own a lumber mill?

[@MikeKincaid79]

Haha, nope. The project just kept growing as I built. I think I have half the lumber supply in my town wrapped up in this thing.

[@slrs3908]

Fast forward a few years and look back. Oh yea, it was the flu with mainstream media fear and politics added. No big deal...do the math. BTW, nice coop.

[@MikeKincaid79]

I've done the math and agree wholeheartedly.