Chicken Coops - Save Money by Building Your Own Using Recycled Materials
Buying a chicken coop is expensive.
Building your own can save money.
Building your own chicken coop with recycled materials can not only save money but help the environment as well.
If you like that idea, be sure you keep the following in mind.
First, you need to have a clear idea of the materials you will need to build your coop.
Any good building project starts with plans and a list of materials.
Most chicken coop design plans will provide a list of materials needed.
Simply take this list and begin your treasure hunt for recycled items that can be substituted for new.
It is possible, with a little creativity, to find excellent recycled goods to use in building your coop.
Start with your own friends and family.
It's often surprising what quality resources may be available to you for much less than the cost of new - often for free or in exchange for a few fresh eggs.
Continue your detective work on the web.
Craigslist and a Google search for used or recycled building materials is a good starting point.
Searching Google for used building materials shows over 44 million returns.
Another great source is Habitat for Humanity ReStores.
This nationwide organization sells donated building materials for less than retail stores.
An additional bonus with them is that the proceeds go toward supporting the Habitat for Humanity organization.
It is important to consider not just the outer structure of the coop but the other items you will need.
For example, you should have one nesting box for every 2-4 hens.
You can use recycled materials for these, too.
Old milk crates and dresser drawers can make good nesting boxes.
Be sure you know what nesting boxes need to look like first, though - your coop plans should help tell you that.
In addition, your coop plan should have windows, which provide ventilation and will help your hens lay better.
You may be surprised how many of these you can find recycled if you look.
Be sure that the recycled materials that you choose are structurally sound and not infested with any pests.
If you want a happy home for your chickens, it pays to be a bit picky up front.
Recycled materials may not look as pretty when you get them, but a little elbow grease and paint can not only save you significant money, but be better for the environment as well.
Building your own can save money.
Building your own chicken coop with recycled materials can not only save money but help the environment as well.
If you like that idea, be sure you keep the following in mind.
First, you need to have a clear idea of the materials you will need to build your coop.
Any good building project starts with plans and a list of materials.
Most chicken coop design plans will provide a list of materials needed.
Simply take this list and begin your treasure hunt for recycled items that can be substituted for new.
It is possible, with a little creativity, to find excellent recycled goods to use in building your coop.
Start with your own friends and family.
It's often surprising what quality resources may be available to you for much less than the cost of new - often for free or in exchange for a few fresh eggs.
Continue your detective work on the web.
Craigslist and a Google search for used or recycled building materials is a good starting point.
Searching Google for used building materials shows over 44 million returns.
Another great source is Habitat for Humanity ReStores.
This nationwide organization sells donated building materials for less than retail stores.
An additional bonus with them is that the proceeds go toward supporting the Habitat for Humanity organization.
It is important to consider not just the outer structure of the coop but the other items you will need.
For example, you should have one nesting box for every 2-4 hens.
You can use recycled materials for these, too.
Old milk crates and dresser drawers can make good nesting boxes.
Be sure you know what nesting boxes need to look like first, though - your coop plans should help tell you that.
In addition, your coop plan should have windows, which provide ventilation and will help your hens lay better.
You may be surprised how many of these you can find recycled if you look.
Be sure that the recycled materials that you choose are structurally sound and not infested with any pests.
If you want a happy home for your chickens, it pays to be a bit picky up front.
Recycled materials may not look as pretty when you get them, but a little elbow grease and paint can not only save you significant money, but be better for the environment as well.