Recently, a chicken coop primarily made of Ikea products was featured on the IkeaHacker blog:

Click here to see more pictures and read about the Ikea chicken coop...

The family who built this coop spent about $400 to make it.  However, they did make one "deadly" mistake.  They used green plastic chicken mesh to enclose the coop.  Unfortunately, their foster dog broke into the coop and killed their four chickens.  Lesson learned - now they have three new chicks, and have replaced the plastic mesh with wire.

I have to admit, their coop is beautiful.  However, if it were mine, in addition to wire hardware cloth, there are a few other modifications I would make:

*  First, their coop is fairly open and does not appear to provide protection from the cold.  I am guessing they live in a warm climate (yep, the palm trees in the picture gave it away).  However, here in Indiana, this coop would be useless when the cold weather hits.

* There are no perches!  According to the description and pictures on IkeaHacker, the storage unit and drawers are being used as beds for the chickens.  I am guessing these will also double as nesting boxes when the chickens are ready to start laying.  Due to the obvious poo problem, I would not recommend this type of arrangement.

* It appears from the pictures on the IkeaHacker site that they are using softwood shavings as their litter material.  However, since the coop is not completely enclosed, there is a good likelihood that rain will be able to blow into the coop.  In this situation, I would personally opt for bark or gravel for covering the floor, and use the shavings in the nesting boxes.

So, now that you have heard what I think, it's your turn - what do you think?  Will we be seeing more urban chicken coops made from Ikea furniture?

This post is from Chicken Coop Plans, where you can learn more about raising chickens.

Urban Chicken Coops from Ikea?

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Depending upon where you live, you may be able to start a profitable side business selling premade chicken coops.  I recently came across an article about a couple from Oregon who are doing just that:

• Read the article from the Bend (Oregon) Bulletin

According to the article, the couple's custom cabinet shop, that they have operated since 1975, was hit hard by the current economic downturn.  Instead of giving up, they decided to think outside of the box, and began building and selling chicken tractors, compact greenhouses, compost bins, and raised bed gardening systems.

Their products, and especially their mobile chicken coops, have been a huge hit with their customers.  They realized that they were onto something, and recently opened a gardening store.  Although the economy is taking its toll on many businesses, it's inspirational to see this couple's business thriving in spite of everything.

This post is from Chicken Coop Plans, where you can learn more about raising chickens.

Use Your Chicken Coop Plans to Start a Profitable Business

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If your search is not successful, you may be able to track one down online.  We found a few good sources:

• Green Roof Chicken Coop Kits
• Eglu Cube Chicken House by Omlet
• Brougham ConvertiCoop Kit from Catawba Coops

Not to henpack or anything, but one major disadvantage to purchasing online is that you end up spending quite a bit of money to pay for shipping and handling.  After all, chicken coops are not a lightweight little bundle that the UPS man can just plop on your front porch.  Even if the vendor claims to provide "free shipping", you can bet your bottom dollar these costs are added into the price.

A good alternative is to build one from scratch.  If you can get your hands on a good set of chicken coop plans, you may be surprised at what you can build in a weekend.  The best plans come with detailed blueprints and material lists, and although you will have to cut your own lumber, there really is not much additional effort involved.

As always, if you find any other good sources of chicken coop kits, we would love to hear about them.  Just leave a quick comment below...

This post is from Chicken Coop Plans, where you can learn more about raising chickens.

Chicken Coop Kits

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Thank you for stopping by DIY Chicken Coop Plans!

Here's a little bit about this site...

Chickens are not too fussy.  With a safe, dry roof over their heads, plenty of fresh water, full bellies, a place to get some exercise, and a bit of TLC, most will reward you with an abundant supply of tasty eggs (and more!).

Chicken coops and runs, arks and tractors, eglus and kits - it can be a little overwhelming trying to determine which type of structure will provide the best environment for your birds.  I know.  I was once in your position, scratching my head, wondering just where to start.

It is important to me that you are successful.  That is why I will regularly be posting here, to give you the information you need to get off on the right foot.

Finally, I will try not to go on my soapbox too much.  However, if you have ever read about the living conditions of animals raised in commercial facilities, it's heartbreaking.  The abuse they endure is not healthy - for us or for them.   By erecting a chicken coop in your backyard, you are doing more than you know to help overcome this problem, while at the same time, providing your family with a source of natural, healthy eggs, your gardens with free fertilizer.

photo credit: thievingjoker

This post is from Chicken Coop Plans, where you can learn more about raising chickens.

Welcome to DIY Chicken Coop Plans

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