Colorful predator-proof chicken coop in Olympia, Washington (cost $350)

 Mouse over image to PIN or click here to PIN this!

I’m SO excited to start our virtual chicken coop tour again. I have developed quite the affinity for chickens in the last year – since we got them last June. They have been such a wonderful addition to our family – we adore the eggs and they require so little work that I think I’ll have them for life (did I just say that?) – yes, I think we will.

So I put a call out for chicken coop photos and stories – and I’m shocked at how many I’ve received so far. I have the COOLEST readers on the planet. I received chicken coop photos from all over the country and I hope to share one with you every Saturday morning. You with me? It will be fun.

Today’s chicken coop is from Dave T. of Olympia, Washington (woot!). Isn’t it beautiful? I LOVE the colors and the design is top-notch.

Here’s what Dave has to say about his chicken coop:

“I made this for a book I worked on over the summer, Building the Backyard Homestead due out in June 2013. Because we live in an area with lots of serious critters like coyotes, cougars, black bears—not to mention those most prevalent chicken killers, raccoons—I wanted a coop and pen that was secure. The pen has 1/4-inch galvanized mesh to thwart the little hands of raccoons. The coop is essentially a plywood box with a door that we close each night. So far, the girls love it and we’re predator-free. Material cost: About $350.

It is built on runners so it can be dragged to a new location if needed. We’ve kept chickens before, so I wanted to make it keeper friendly. A walk-in pen makes for easy cleaning, as does two large access doors for mucking out the coop. Egg gathering is made easy with a separate hatch for the nesting boxes. The coop floor and nesting boxes lift out for radical cleaning.

Regarding chicken comfort, hens cope well with cold; heat is actually more of a threat. That argued for an insulating air space between the coop roof and the corrugated plastic roofing. A large vent flap at the front of the coop props open for ventilation. They have roosts indoors and out made of tree limbs.

I equipped the coop with a small light on a outdoor timer to boost egg production. Pretty comical to see a little head pop up in the window as we roll up the driveway.

Our four girls (two Buff Orpingtons and two Araucanas) produced 3–4 eggs a day until we went away for Christmas for a week. Now it is one or two a day, even with the supplemental lighting. I think they are punishing us. 

Our girls are a stitch and we love to let them run in the yard.”

– Dave T, Olympia, Washington

 Mouse over image to PIN or click here to PIN this!

 Mouse over image to PIN or click here to PIN this!

What a great chicken coop, don’t you think? I adore the colors and the clever egg shaped elements. The cost of $350 is impressive considering the wire mesh and the sturdy plywood and roof. You’ll notice he hangs the water up off the ground – which is great for keeping it clean (the chickens tend to scratch the ground a lot and will throw dirt or debris into the water). We need to set up something similar to his – as ours is too low right now and we’re having to clean it out daily.

Great coop, Dave! Keep us posted when your book comes out, sounds like one I’d love!

I’d love it if you’d follow my chicken coop board over on Pinterest! I hope to add a bunch more photos and resources to it this year.

Chicken Coop board on Pinterest

Do you have a chicken coop? If so, send me a photo! If I feature your coop you’ll get a $10 Amazon.com gift card! Here are all the details for sending in your coop.

Chicken resources:

• Building Chicken Coops For Dummies – $12.76 (reg. $19.99)
• Chicken Coops: 45 Building Ideas for Housing Your Flock – $13.57 (reg. $19.95)
• *Great book!*The Joy of Keeping Chickens: The Ultimate Guide to Raising Poultry for Fun or Profit (The Joy of Series) – $10.17
• *Great book!* Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens, 3rd Edition – $12.36