Agricultural Supplies Info

If you have taken an interest in raising chickens and are ready to build a coop, I have some information which I hope will be helpful in making your decision and, hopefully, save you some money as well. There are many different chicken coop designs available, depending on your needs. There are also a lot of choices for materials which can be used to build a chicken coop. PVC pipes, tarps, converted old campers, and the list goes on. Wood is the most commonly used material for building chicken coops. Depending on the size of the coop you’re planning to build, it can get expensive to buy new lumber. I’ve read that the average amount of money spent for chicken coop materials is around $300.00. I did not want to spend this much money and began thinking of different ways to cut costs but still have a functional, yet lovely coop…without spending $300.00!

After doing some research, I found some second hand stores where I could get used lumber, which was a fraction of what it would cost new. These types of stores basically get donated wood from people who are tearing down old houses, buildings etc. and are sprouting up across the U.S. These materials may be older, have a few nails or cracks etc., but are still very functional. I live in the Portland, Oregon area and the store I went to is called “The Rebuilding Center.” After talking to some of the staff there, I was told that many people have purchased supplies for chicken coops there. There are even used appliances, old tubs and sinks, light fixtures, hardware, and everything you’ll need for building a great coop. Just be prepared to pull out some nails and be creative in how you construct it since most of the wood will simply not come in the standard sizes you’ll find in the store. However, I was able to grab a few full sheets of plywood and some longer 2×4 to get by nicely. I even found some great used siding and some leftover new shingles! I would recommend checking online or in the phone book for used or recycled lumber in your area.

Once you’ve got an idea of where to get your supplies, it’s time to determine what type of plan to use for your coop. There are an endless number of chicken coop designs available. You can find a plethora of coop designs online, and either pay for the building plans or design your own creation. There are many things to consider when planning for your coop design. Some of these factors include geographical location, the number of chickens you’re planning to get, whether you live in an urban or rural setting etc. If you want just a few chickens, perhaps a small, portable “chicken tractor,” will suit your needs. If you’ve got more acreage, perhaps you’ll want a larger coop. Regardless of the size, I would strongly recommend making it a bit bigger than you need since, if you’re like me, you’ll want to buy more chickens each year.

For more comprehensive information about coop building, coop design, other coop supplies (i.e. chicken feeders, water containers, nest boxes, roosts etc.), and links to a multitude of free chicken coop plans – visit my blog at http://freechickencoopplans.blogspot.com.

4th july “tractor”

Chicken Tractor: The Permaculture Guide to Happy Hens and Healthy Soil $22.95 A chicken tractor is a bottomless, portable pen that fits over your garden beds. Just set it wherever you need help in your garden. The chickens peck and scratch the soil to clean your beds, eat pest bugs and weed seeds. Best of all, they provide eggs and meat with that old-fashioned flavor. Chicken tractors have helped thousands of gardeners have better gardens and taken chickens out of factory f...

Chicken Rush $19.99 Chicken Rush

Egg vs. Chicken $19.99 Egg vs. Chicken

Chicken Invaders 3 $19.99 Chicken Invaders 3

Chicken Invaders 2 $19.99 Chicken Invaders 2

Chicken Invaders 2: Christmas Edition $19.99 Chicken Invaders 2: Christmas Edition

Chicken Invaders 3: Christmas Edition $19.99 Chicken Invaders 3: Christmas Edition

Peg Perego John Deere Farm Power Tractor $279.99 Peg Perego John Deere Farm Power Tractor

Peg Perego JD Ground Force Tractor With Trailer $329.99 Peg Perego JD Ground Force Tractor With Trailer

Chicken Drumsticks Cat Toy $3.99 Funny Farms comical drumstick chicken will whet your cat's appetite for a rousing play time. Catnip scented for added enticement.

Petstages Kooky Chicken $7.49 Petstages Kooky Chicken Whimsical vinyl buddies for man's best friend! Great to toss and carry Squeaker signal playtime Adorable designs Perfect for playtime