Ultimate Shipping Container Chicken Coop Conversion Custom Design: Cutting Custom Doors & Runs for Rare Breeds!
Ultimate Shipping Container Chicken Coop Conversion Custom Design: Cutting Custom Doors & Runs for Rare Breeds!
Why a Shipping Container Chicken Coop?
Shipping containers are gaining popularity as innovative solutions for homesteaders. Durable, customizable, and eco-friendly, they offer endless possibilities for creative projects. For us, this build is about combining functionality with sustainability, all while creating a safe and comfortable environment for our rare breeds.
Key Benefits of a Shipping Container Coop:
- Durability: Built to withstand extreme weather conditions.
- Predator Protection: Strong metal walls provide unmatched security.
- Customizable Design: Perfect for tailoring spaces to your flock’s specific needs.
- Eco-Friendly: Repurposing a container reduces waste and supports sustainability.
Custom Doors and Runs: Why They’re Essential
For a chicken coop to function efficiently, proper doors and runs are essential. They ensure:
- Easy Access: For cleaning, feeding, and gathering eggs.
- Ventilation: To keep the coop fresh and reduce moisture buildup.
- Safety: Providing your flock with secure outdoor areas for exercise and foraging.
Step 1: Planning the Layout
Before making any cuts, we sketched out the placement of the doors and runs to optimize space. We are making 8 door openings, which will hose 8 secure indoor chicken coops that attach to outdoor runs. Key considerations included:
- Access Points: Ensuring all areas of the coop are easy to reach.
- Run Placement: Maximizing sunlight and ventilation for the chickens.
- Nesting Box & Roost Accessibility: Positioning doors for convenient egg collection and sleep.
Step 2: Tools and Techniques for Cutting Metal
Tools We Used:
- Angle Grinder: To refine edges and ensure smooth finishes.
- Reciprocating Saw:
- Measuring Tape & Sharpie: To mark and measure exact dimensions for doors and runs.
- Safety Gear: Including gloves, goggles, and ear protection.
Cutting Tips:
- Start with small pilot cuts to ensure precision.
- Use clamps to stabilize the metal during cutting.
- Smooth sharp edges with an angle grinder to prevent injuries.
Step 3: Building the Runs for Rare Breeds
Our rare chicken breeds have unique needs, so we designed the runs to provide a safe and enriching environment.
Features of Our Custom Runs:
- Secure Fencing: Installed metal mesh to protect against predators.
- Shaded Areas: Added shade cloth for protection from the sun.
- Spacious Design: Ensured each breed has enough space to roam and forage.
- Natural Elements: Incorporated perches and dust baths for mental and physical stimulation.
Step 4: Challenges and How We Overcame Them
Every project has its hurdles, and this one was no exception.
Challenge 1: Cutting Through Thick Metal
The container’s metal walls required extra effort to cut through cleanly.
Solution: We used a Zirconia Type 27 Flap Disc for precision cuts that the Riciprocating saw could not make.
Challenge 2: Aligning Doors Perfectly
Ensuring the door openings measure seamlessly was tricky on raised and lower panel.
Solution: We triple-checked measurements.
Challenge 3: Ventilation Without Drafts
Balancing airflow while protecting the chickens from North drafts required careful planning.
Solution: We added Small Coop Doors on the North Side that will at as standard trap doors that can be closed during extreme weather. South Open Doorways will allow ventilation without wind (south wind in the winter is warm, and rarely blows from the South)
Collaboration with The Crockers, Youtube Creators
Working with @TheCrockers brought invaluable expertise and camaraderie to the project. Their innovative ideas and hands-on approach helped streamline the process and overcome challenges efficiently. They are wonderful friends that are always there to help, teach or just advise! If you LOVE building, they are building their own Barndominium and Grain Silo home right now!! Check them out at The Crockers, and their daily farm vlogs at The Crocker Life.
What’s Next for the Coop Conversion?
With the doors and runs complete, the next steps include:
- Interior & Exterior Paint and Interior Design: To create a cozy space for the chickens.
- Painting and Finishing Touches: Adding protective coatings and aesthetic details.
- Installing Ease Of Care Features: Such as Happy Hen automatic feeders, Happy Hen Automatic waterers and Run Chicken door opener.
Stay tuned for the next video as we continue transforming this shipping container into the ultimate chicken coop!
Why You Should Watch This Video
This video isn’t just a build tutorial—it’s a testament to creativity and determination. Whether you’re a homesteader, DIY enthusiast, or chicken lover, you’ll find plenty of inspiration and practical tips to take on your own projects.
👉 Watch the full video here:
“Ultimate Shipping Container Chicken Coop Conversion! | Cutting Custom Doors & Runs For Rare Breeds.”
The Ultimate Shipping Container Chicken Coop Conversion is more than just a farm project—it’s a labor of love, creativity, and sustainability. Cutting custom doors and building runs tailored for rare breeds ensures our chickens have a safe and functional home.
What features would you include in your dream chicken coop? Share your ideas in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more updates on this exciting journey.
Thank you for joining us on this adventure—stay tuned as we take this project to the next level!
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