DIY chicken coop

Using 2×2 boards and chicken wire, my dad and I built a chicken run on my side yard! We wanted to make it large since they are moving from free range into a permanent run. 

Firstly, we started by painting all of the wood with white outdoor paint. This seals the wood from the elements and makes it look prettier;) 

Then, we started constructing large squares with the 2x2 boards with one support board down the center (shown in the picture below). We constructed many of these using screws to connect the boards and stapled on chicken wire for more support. After the squares were constructed, we simply assembled them together to make the roof of the run.

 

Using the existing wooden planter bed, we screwed on 2x2's vertically in order to create the walls of the coop. We wanted the roof to slope slightly downward, that way leaves and other debris will slide off. This slope is important, especially in the winter when the roof will be covered by a tarp, because it will prevent water from puddling. 

So we measured, cut, and attached the support boards to the existing wood in order to avoid using stakes in the ground - this made it really easy!

This is after the first 2 squares are attached!!

Note: we did not attach the roof squares to the wall of the house, they are simply resting at an angle and the downward pressure from gravity holds them in place. We added only a few support boards along that wall that are simply resting there. 

After researching quite a bit, I decided to do a thick bed of mulch and straw on the chicken run floor in order to reduce smell and flies. Doing a thick floor creates basically a compost pile within the coop and, as the chickens scratch, the floor is constantly being turned. 

Around the fireplace was actually the trickiest part because we had to make more measurments. Then, We constructed the same as we had been...

After the roof was finished, we simply used the rest of the chicken wire to staple and nail onto the side of the coop! 

The final step was to move in the coop and attach the front and the door!!

We used hinges to attach the door to the frame and added a few hooks to lock the door! 

Note: make sure there's a way to open the locks from the inside, or else you might lock yourself in!!!!