Sophie Bennett
Building a chicken run from pallets is a great way to create a cheap and functional extension for your hens. It is a simple project that can be done in a few hours and can be built using free resources. Pallets are readily available and can be repurposed to create a stylish and spacious chicken coop. The process involves layering pallets, bracing walls, framing the roof, and adding doors and nesting boxes. It is important to ensure the structure is safe, secure, and weatherproof. With some creativity and basic building skills, anyone can build a comfortable home for their chickens.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | Low, as pallets are readily available for free or at low cost |
| Purpose | To create a cheap chicken coop extension or standalone structure |
| Pallet size | 4' x 8' |
| Number of pallets | 24 standard pallets, including four for the base |
| Additional materials | Nails, screws, metal hinges, wood planks, roofing material, paint |
| Construction time | A few hours to a few days |
| Design considerations | Weatherproofing, bracing walls to prevent collapse, access doors for chickens and humans |
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What You'll Learn
Sourcing pallets and other materials
Building a chicken run from pallets is a great way to create a cheap and roomy extension for your chickens to roam. Pallets are readily available for free, and they can be repurposed to create a functional and stylish chicken run.
When sourcing pallets, look for standard untreated pallets that are 120cm x 80cm (roughly 2' x 4') in size. You will need 24 pallets for the base, including four that will be cut down if you only have a few hens. Keep in mind that the height of the base is important for ease of cleaning and access. Additionally, look for pallets that are in good condition and have a nice appearance, as this will enhance the look of your chicken run.
The planks for the chicken run can be sourced from upright pallets used to transport furniture. You can find these pallets at most outlets selling sofas, beds, and other large items. Make sure to select planks that are straight and free of cracks or splinters. You will need 24 planks that are 1800mm in length and 23mm thick (roughly 6' x 1"), which can be cut down to a width of 40mm (1 1/2").
Other materials you will need include nails, screws, and metal hinges. For the roof covering, a heavy-duty tarpaulin is recommended, especially if you live in an area with heavy snow and rain. You can also use wood finishes like hemp and linseed oil, as well as natural earth and mineral pigments for decoration. Don't forget to budget for these additional materials when planning your build.
Remember to prioritize the safety of your chickens when selecting materials. For example, if you use poly to cover the ground, add it underneath the pallets to prevent chickens from digging it up. Additionally, consider using hardware cloth or an apron to enclose the sides and top of the run to protect your chickens from predators and pests.
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$249.99
Constructing the walls and nesting boxes
The first step is to brace the walls to prevent them from collapsing, especially if you are using heavy pallets. Next, add the walls, roof, and frame the end where the door will be. Cut a hole for the chicken door to connect to the run. You can also add nesting boxes to the opposite end of the braces.
For the nesting boxes, you can use pallets or store-bought wood. If using pallets, screw the bars to the pallet wood. If painting your coop, it is recommended to do so before assembling the walls to protect the pallet wood from the weather.
When framing the roof, use a miter saw to angle 2x4s to 22 degrees, then attach them to a center beam with 4-inch wood screws. Affix the roof beams to the main structure by angling the screws downward and into the frame. Leave an 8-inch overhang to prevent rain from getting into the chicken coop. Once the frame and roof are secure, add plywood to complete the exterior walls, drilling screws every 4 inches into the studs.
Building a chicken coop from pallets is a simple project that can be completed in a few hours. It provides your chickens with a safe and comfortable space to roam, dust bathe, and scratch for goodies while being protected from predators.
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Building the roof
Once the frame and roof are secure, you can add plywood to complete the exterior walls. Use 4" wood screws and drill them every 4" into the studs to secure them in place. To protect the wood, you can finish it with hemp and linseed oil, or paint it to protect it from the weather. If you live in an area with heavy snow and rain, you may want to invest in a heavy-duty tarpaulin to cover the roof. This will ensure your chickens stay dry during stormy weather.
The roof is an important part of the structure, so take your time and make sure everything is securely attached before moving on to the next step.
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Adding doors
- Plan the Door Placement: Decide where you want the doors to be located. You'll need a door for the chickens to enter and exit, as well as a larger door for yourself. The chicken door should be placed at a comfortable height for the chickens to access, while your door should be tall enough for you to comfortably enter and exit.
- Frame the Door Opening: Use wooden boards to frame the door openings. Secure the boards together to form a sturdy frame. Ensure that the frame is firmly attached to the surrounding pallet structure.
- Cut the Door Opening: Using a suitable saw, carefully cut out the door opening from the pallet wall. Make sure the opening is straight and even, creating a smooth threshold for the door.
- Build the Doors: Construct the doors using pallet wood or other suitable lumber. Measure the door openings and cut the wood to size. You can design the doors with a simple hinged door or a sliding door, depending on your preference and available materials.
- Hang the Doors: Install hinges on the doors and attach them to the door frames. Ensure the hinges are sturdy and allow the doors to open and close smoothly. You may also want to add latches or other securing mechanisms to keep the doors closed when needed.
- Test and Adjust: Once the doors are hung, test them to ensure they function properly. Make any necessary adjustments to the hinges or latches. Ensure the doors close securely and provide a weather-tight seal if your coop needs to withstand harsh weather conditions.
Remember to consider the size and placement of the doors to ensure easy access for both you and your chickens. You can decorate the doors with paint or other finishes to match the overall design of your chicken coop.
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Painting and weatherproofing
Painting your chicken coop made from pallets is a great way to make it look stylish and match it to other exterior home decor. Painting also adds an extra level of protection from the weather and makes the chicken coop easier to clean.
Before you start painting, it's important to prepare the surface by wiping it down with a quality cleaner that doesn't leave residue. This will ensure that the paint adheres properly and that your chicken coop has a smooth finish. Once the surface is prepared, use a small brush to work the paint into all the cracks and crevices, as well as the areas where wood pieces join together. Then, coat the larger surfaces for full coverage.
Let the first coat dry for 30 to 60 minutes, and then add a second coat. You may also need to add a third coat for full coverage. It is recommended to use barn paint, which is available at Home Depot, Lowes, and Amazon. This paint only requires two coats and comes in a range of factory tints, including red and white.
If you want to avoid using paint, you can consider using natural finishing oils, such as Outdoor Defense Oil, which is made from Pure Tung Oil, pine oil, and zinc. This type of oil doesn't require dilution and can be applied directly to the surface of your chicken coop's interior and exterior. It provides protection from the elements and endurance over time without hampering your chickens' breathing with harmful chemicals.
In addition to painting, you can also weatherproof your chicken coop by caulking all the joints inside and out. This will help to seal the structure and prevent moisture from seeping in, which can cause the wood to rot. You can also use a water sealer or stain instead of paint to protect the wood without the risk of flaking. However, be cautious of using stain as it may not be healthy for the chickens.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need 24 standard (120cm x 80cm, or roughly 2’ x 4’) untreated pallets, including four for the base.
You will need planks (1800mm in length and 23mm thick, or roughly 6’ x 1”), nails, screws, and four metal hinges. You will also need a heavy-duty tarpaulin to cover the roof if you live in an area with heavy snow and rain.
You can put pallets on the ground as flooring for your chicken run to prevent predators from digging under it. You can also use hardware cloth to cover the walls and roof of the run for added protection.
First, use a miter saw to angle 2x4s to 22 degrees. Then, attach them to a center beam using 4″ wood screws. Make sure to angle the screws upwards so that they firmly attach to the 2x4s. Leave an 8″ overhang to prevent rain from getting into the chicken run.
You can plant herbs and greens in the slots on the outside of the fence by filling the pallets with soil and adding a fine mesh screening to the inside. This will provide your chickens with fresh herbs and greens while also creating vertical planting space.
