Crib to Chicken Coop

Reader Contribution by The Homestead Redhead
Published on June 25, 2013
1 / 5
2 / 5
3 / 5
4 / 5
5 / 5

For those of you that have ever raised chickens, you are well aware of just how fast chicks grow.  It seems that in a matter of just a few short weeks those fuzzy little balls of “cheeps” are a squawking, ground scratching, bug loving chicken.

The last batch of chicks we bought were Black Copper Marans.  These beautiful black hens produce a lovely dark chocolate egg.  These girls quickly outgrew their mini-coop and I knew it was time to figure out their permanent residence.

Chicken coops and tractors can be ridiculously expensive (see more about this HERE).  I knew building one myself would be less expensive, but I lack extensive carpentry skills.  I figured that starting with some type of basic framework for a chicken tractor would be easier for me than to start from scratch.  I saw a picture online of someone who turned a crib into a chicken coop and the Crib to Coop Repurposing project was born.

I began my hunt for cribs at thrift stores and searching Craigslist, but most were priced higher than I wanted to spend.  I was then blessed with two donated cribs from two very generous women (thank you!!).

The basics I wanted to stick to throughout this project were to stay simple and inexpensive.  I looked around the homestead and utilized what materials we had available.  Paint was my most expensive cost.  This project was moderately challenging and overall cost roughly $100.  I am very pleased with the cost of this project.  It took me about 3 full days to complete.

I began by removing all plastic parts off of the crib and stabilizing the framework.

Online Store Logo
Need Help? Call 1-866-803-7096