When we started out we bought some flat pack.coops and it didn't take me long to realise that they are mostly poorly made from flimsy materials. These days I build our coops. I save no money over cheap flat packs but the ones I build are made from heavy duty, tanalised wood, properly felted and butumened with all stainless fastenings etc.
However, we are left with the original coops. They have become a bit "Triggers Broom" with more new parts than original wood now.
Before breeding starts next month they all get checked and repaired. The ply lining on the roof of this one is shot
Coop roof by English Countrylife, on FlickrIt's rubbish stuff - probably 3mm and I doubt exterior grade
Delaminated ply by English Countrylife, on FlickrSo today's job was to rip it all out!
Rotten ply by English Countrylife, on FlickrI'm going to replace it with 9mm stuff. Naturally that's not going to fit in the rebates of the edge strips, so I'm remaking all of those deeper. This would cost a fortune to buy, but a table saw is massively helpful in ripping wood to the right size
Table saw by English Countrylife, on FlickrA chop saw for cutting all the relevant pieces to length is super handy too
Chop saw by English Countrylife, on FlickrTrying to live self reliantly means a workshop is almost a "must have" for us. We can work our way through most carpentry, electrical and plumbing tasks. I'm embarrassed to admit that my metal work is sub par and my engine work is rubbish. Our best mate & neighbour excels in this area ( he manufacturers engine parts from scratch) but that's no excuse for me not to improve - especially with him as a teacher!
