Bringing you part 2 from the archives, originally posted in 2009. We still use this coop sometimes!
This is a follow up post to Building An Eggmobile: Part 1.
I apologize for not taking pictures of each step this time. We were both wore out and just wanted the thing done!
Tall side: We went with a chicken wire front here for ventilation with intentions of a roll down tarp to cover the front if needed. The door is split with a small door at the bottom. This was easier than making separate little doors for the chickens.
One end: You can see the black soot from the fire. We salvaged all the siding from the shed that burned.
The front end with the hitch. We’ll use the four wheeler to move it around and prop it up so it will sit level.
The rear aspect: This is our favorite part!! No more squatting down to reach for eggs while Mr. Rooster plans his attack on your hind end.
The egg door opens downward so you don’t have to hold it up while gathering eggs. I put a little straw in the boxes for now but would like to switch to washable mats.
Umm…a little privacy please!?
Here’s what is left to do:
Secure a board across the top of the nest box. The hens have already knocked out 2 of the top dividers.
Hang curtains in front of the boxes.
Install roosts. Along with the curtains this should deter roosting on the nest boxes
Paint the outside.
Build a ramp for the chickens.
The most important part to do yet is install a new fence charger and set up the poultry netting. I’ll share more about that when we get to it.
The total cost in $$$ for us was about $45. $40 for the trailer and $5 for screws. We salvaged all the boards, plywood, and siding material from the burned shed. The chicken wire and nails have been around for awhile. The caulk was free after rebate at Menard’s a long time ago. I did use some staples to secure the chicken wire to the front. Even if you purchased all new materials I think you could build this thing for around $500, based on prices in our area. I didn’t do that math, that is just a rough estimate.
Total time involved was probably around 10 hours. Things would have gone a lot faster with new lumber. There was a lot of cutting and measuring to make our boards fit were we wanted. Plus, we were tearing things off the old shed and pulling a lot of nails out of the boards as we went. If anyone would like more details or measurements just ask.
Any questions or comments? I’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions or help with ideas for your own eggmobile.