| Buying a chicken coop is expensive. Building your | | | | organization sells donated building materials for less |
| own can save money. Building your own chicken | | | | than retail stores. An additional bonus with them is |
| coop with recycled materials can not only save | | | | that the proceeds go toward supporting the |
| money but help the environment as well. | | | | Habitat for Humanity organization. |
| If you like that idea, be sure you keep the | | | | It is important to consider not just the outer |
| following in mind. | | | | structure of the coop but the other items you will |
| First, you need to have a clear idea of the | | | | need. For example, you should have one nesting |
| materials you will need to build your coop. Any | | | | box for every 2-4 hens. You can use recycled |
| good building project starts with plans and a list of | | | | materials for these, too. Old milk crates and |
| materials. Most chicken coop design plans will | | | | dresser drawers can make good nesting boxes. |
| provide a list of materials needed. Simply take this | | | | Be sure you know what nesting boxes need to |
| list and begin your treasure hunt for recycled | | | | look like first, though - your coop plans should help |
| items that can be substituted for new. | | | | tell you that. In addition, your coop plan should |
| It is possible, with a little creativity, to find | | | | have windows, which provide ventilation and will |
| excellent recycled goods to use in building your | | | | help your hens lay better. You may be surprised |
| coop. Start with your own friends and family. It's | | | | how many of these you can find recycled if you |
| often surprising what quality resources may be | | | | look. |
| available to you for much less than the cost of | | | | Be sure that the recycled materials that you |
| new - often for free or in exchange for a few | | | | choose are structurally sound and not infested |
| fresh eggs. | | | | with any pests. If you want a happy home for |
| Continue your detective work on the web. | | | | your chickens, it pays to be a bit picky up front. |
| Craigslist and a Google search for used or | | | | Recycled materials may not look as pretty when |
| recycled building materials is a good starting point. | | | | you get them, but a little elbow grease and paint |
| Searching Google for used building materials shows | | | | can not only save you significant money, but be |
| over 44 million returns. Another great source is | | | | better for the environment as well. |
| Habitat for Humanity ReStores. This nationwide | | | | |