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.