Building A Chicken Pen: Using Pallets To House Your Hens

Building a chicken pen out of pallets is a great way to create a cheap chicken coop extension. Pallets are readily available for free, making them a good option for those on a tight budget. When building a chicken pen out of pallets, it is important to measure the pallets to determine how to lay them out to fit the space. It may be necessary to cut a pallet in half to make it fit the desired area. In addition, it is crucial to brace the walls to prevent them from collapsing, especially if using heavy pallets. Chicken wire or fencing can be used to enclose the structure and keep chickens safe from predators.

Choosing pallets

Pallets are a great, low-cost option for building a chicken pen. They are usually readily available for free, and they are easy to work with. When choosing pallets, it is important to select those that are still in good condition. Look for pallets that are more or less intact, with minimal damage. The pallets should be sturdy enough to support the structure of your chicken pen and withstand any weather conditions in your area.

It is also important to consider the size of the pallets. Most standard pallets will work, but you may need to cut them to fit your desired pen size. If you want to make the process easier, choose four pallets of the same size. This will ensure that your structure is stable and balanced. You can find free pallets outside large grocery and department stores.

Additionally, consider the type of wood the pallets are made of. Pallet wood comes in a variety of qualities, so choose the nicest-looking pallets you can find. Avoid pallets with extensive chew marks or damage from fork trucks. If you plan to paint or treat the pallets, choose a type of wood that will hold paint or treatment well.

Finally, think about the treatment of the pallets. Some pallets are chemically treated, which can be a problem if you plan to plant foliage near the pen, as ants and termites may be attracted to the treated wood. Alternatively, you can use pre-treated wood to avoid issues with rotting.

Constructing the base

Firstly, decide on the desired size of your chicken pen. This will help determine the number and size of pallets you will need. For a standard-sized chicken pen, you will likely need around four wooden pallets to create the base and form the 'skeleton' of the structure. It is recommended to use old pallets that are still intact, as these can often be found for free outside large grocery and department stores.

Next, measure your pallets to figure out how to lay them out to fit your desired space. Keep in mind that you may need to cut and adjust the pallets to fit your area. For added stability, consider using pre-treated wooden pallets or coating them with a protective layer to prevent rotting and pest infestation.

Once you have your pallets ready, it's time to assemble the base. Place a couple of bricks or concrete blocks under each corner of the pallets to ensure a sturdy foundation. Use screws or brackets to secure the pallets together, forming a solid base. If desired, you can add additional support by attaching wooden beams or braces to the pallets, especially if they are heavy-duty pallets.

For added stability, consider using 4x4 wooden posts as corner posts. Screw temporary legs onto the 4x4s to help them stand, with the front two posts slightly taller than the back two to create a slanted roof. Connect the posts at the base with 2x4 wooden beams, ensuring they are level and secure.

Finally, you can add a floor to your chicken pen, depending on your preferences. Some people prefer a dirt floor, which makes it easier to rake out chicken waste and use it for compost. Alternatively, you can add a wooden floor or even a wire mesh flooring to provide extra protection from predators.

Remember to take your time during construction and ensure that your base is sturdy and secure before moving on to building the walls and roof of your chicken pen.

Building the walls

Once you've sourced your pallets, measure them to figure out how to lay them out to fit your desired space. Depending on your preferences, you may need to cut some pallets down to size. For example, if you want to create a gate, you'll need to leave enough space for an opening. Square up the "fence line" using a string and level to ensure your pen has a neat and uniform appearance.

Now it's time to assemble the walls. Lay out your pallets and fasten them together, forming the walls of your pen. If your pallets are particularly heavy, consider bracing the walls for added stability. You can also add a gate to your pen, although this part can be a bit tricky. You can either construct a gate hinge from bits of a pallet or opt for a simpler solution like using hinges and a latch.

Finally, you'll want to enclose the pen to keep your chickens safe and secure. Chicken wire is a popular and effective option, easily found at any home improvement store. Attach the chicken wire to the outside of the pallets, ensuring you don't cover the end where you plan to place the door. You can also cover part of the roof with an impermeable barrier, like a tarp, to provide shade and protect your chickens from the elements.

Adding a roof

Planning the Roof:

Before you begin construction, it's important to plan the dimensions and layout of the roof. Measure the length and width of your chicken pen to determine the size of the roof. Consider the pitch or slope of the roof; a gentle slope will allow rainwater to drain off effectively.

Materials for the Roof Frame:

You can use the same type of wood for the roof frame as you did for the structure of the chicken pen. For example, if you used pallets for the walls, you can disassemble some of the pallets to create wooden beams for the roof frame. Cut these beams to size, ensuring they fit the length and width of your pen.

Constructing the Roof Frame:

Start by attaching the wooden beams to the top of your chicken pen's walls. Securely fasten them with screws or nails. Create a simple triangular truss system by joining the beams together to form a peak at the top of the roof. This will provide stability and support.

Covering the Roof:

Now, you'll need to decide on the roofing material. Some options include plywood, corrugated metal sheets, or even thatched roofing, depending on your preferences and local availability. Measure and cut the roofing material to size, allowing for some overhang at the edges to protect the walls from rain.

Waterproofing:

To protect your chickens from the elements, it's essential to waterproof the roof. You can use a variety of waterproofing materials, such as roofing felt or a rubber membrane. Carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results.

Ventilation:

Don't forget to include ventilation in your roof design. You can install vents or leave some spaces open, especially at the peak, to allow for air circulation. This will help keep the chicken pen cool during hot weather and prevent the buildup of humidity.

Final Touches:

Once the roof is in place, you can add some finishing touches. Paint or treat the wood to protect it from the weather and increase its longevity. You might also consider adding some decorations or a weather vane to the roof, giving it some personality and charm.

Building a roof for your chicken pen out of pallets and other materials is a rewarding project that will provide your chickens with a safe and comfortable home. Remember always to take the necessary safety precautions when constructing and working at heights.

Doors and gates

When building a chicken pen out of pallets, there are a few things to consider when it comes to doors and gates. Firstly, you'll need to determine the size of the opening that will work best for your gate. Consider how much space you'll need to comfortably move in and out of the pen, especially if you'll be bringing large items inside.

For the door frame, you can use 4x4s with temporary legs screwed onto them to create corner posts of varying heights. For example, the front two posts can be 7 feet tall, while the back two can be 6 feet tall. Connect the posts with 2x4s at the base and the top, ensuring that the lap joints are on the outside.

Next, you'll need to brace the walls to prevent them from collapsing, especially if you're using heavy pallets. You can then frame in the end where the door will be. This is where you'll add the nesting boxes for the chickens.

For the gate itself, you can construct a hinge out of bits of a pallet, but this can be tricky. The challenge is to create a secure hinge that keeps the gate from being pushed out while still allowing it to slide on and off the chicken tractor. Alternatively, you can use two hinges and a latch for an easier installation.

Don't forget to consider ventilation when installing doors or gates. Chicken wire or hardware cloth ventilation can be added to the doors to provide airflow while still keeping your chickens contained.

Frequently asked questions