Trailer Conversion Chicken Coop

This is the 28th post in my series on cool coop builds. I haven’t been looking for the biggest or best, but ones that express the heart and soul of the owners that have interesting back stories and might inspire my readers.

I’ve noticed more chicken keepers who repurpose materials to build their first coops. The results are so much more interesting and satisfying than buying a pre-fab coop or hiring someone to do the work for you. I’m hoping that their stories will inspire others to challenge themselves to do the same.

Krista, with the help of friend Darren, combined some of things I love about keeping chickens: how folks come together to care for their flocks and how creative those keepers are in providing shelter for their birds. Together they used upcycled materials to create a shelter to be proud of, that also didn’t break the bank.

I had chickens for seven years until life happened and had to find them new homes in 2019. I had been lost without chickens in my life and dreamed of the day I could have them again. Three months ago my neighbour called and asked if I would be interested in her ten because her life has gotten busy and I couldn’t say yes fast enough!!

First coops, pre-trailer conversion

That’s when I started looking for a coop on Marketplace. After my disappointment on prices, I found my camp trailer listed for $350 and the guy accepted my offer of $200!

I’ve now got my neighbour’s ten chickens and I bought six chicks that I am raising inside now. I’m not sure of breeds. I named all 16 chickens ‘Bougee’, kinda like George Foreman and his five sons, all named George. I used my own spelling of Bougie.

This was my first time designing/building my own coop especially with a camp trailer.

Having chickens before, I knew what would be handy to have in this coop that I didn’t have in my others. I also searched and read a lot from Facebook and other sites about what works and what doesn’t.

Who did the work?

I designed my coop and did the decorating, painting and curtains. I had to get creative with my stapler and glue because I don’t know how to sew. I also did the dismantling of old wood and fixtures and my best friend Daryl who is a MacGyver when it comes to putting my ideas into wood creations. Working in between Montana’s false spring days, it’s taken about a month.

Budget

My budget was as cheap as possible. We used the wood, screws, caulking etc that I already had. I got the border and vinyl off eBay. Purchased insulation boards and paint. Total cost: including the trailer was $500.

Features

Coop 11′ long x 7′ wide x 7′ high with a 2′ bump out converted into nest boxes

Underneath the removable roosting bars is the poop board, lined with linoleum and a tarp on top of that. I will put sand in it for easy cleaning.
Below that is what I call my ‘medical area’. It has its own door that goes out into its own run separated from the other runs. It has a removable roosting bar and nesting box. It will be absolutely perfect for many needs whether its medical, time out for a naughty chicken or raising chicks.
The coop is insulated better than my house: walls, ceiling and floors.
Floors are laminated so clean up is easy.
Plenty of ventilation with screened windows, screen door and a ceiling vent.
An pre-existing storage area was converter into nest boxes, accessible from outside.

Future plans

The exterior is still in the original condition; I will get to updating this summer. I am currently finishing the chicken yards. The winter yard will be enclosed with greenhouse panels all around the trailer and a bird-safe roof and then will be set up to cover it for the winter. It is connected with a gate, that I can open or close off to a summer area, that will be safe from predators with a bird-safe roof and plenty of activities for them to do.

Next to this yard is a smaller yard that is the medical/ youngster yard. I am unable to free range because of all the wildlife here in Montana.

Thanks to Krista Guinn and Daryl Dullum for sharing their story and photos, used with permission.