Rebuilding the chookhouse; part 1

We're recycling again! This time it's for a new chookhouse.

Hubby is most resourceful when it comes to claiming old pallets and packing boxes being tossed at work. He's brought home quite a nice collection over the years, making shelving for the garage, a shed for the backyard, and now we're going a bit more 'delux' in the chookhouse department.

I was quite happy with most aspects of our older chookhouse, especially as it was light weight. But the covering was all old and needed replacing, the wire was getting tattered in places (it wasn't the best quality wire!), and we had decided to keep it in a permanent spot with the laying box accessable from outside the run.

The old chookhouse will still be used, though. We'll be trimming it down in size a bit and setting it up for some guinea pigs Mariposa has her heart set on owning.

After helping us out quite a bit at the start, I suggested that the children get out the camera and take a few photos to share on the blog.

Someone's peaking through the new 'window' we're putting in to help with ventilation. We'll put wire up inside to limit the number of unwanted visiting birds.

Since we're using timber, the base has to be set off the ground. We're placing leftover brick pavers on the corners.

Two branches from the wattle tree used as perches and tied in place with wire. (I still need to smooth off the trimmed branch parts, yet.)

This is where we've ended up. The laying box is protruding out the front and needs it's lid put on. A door is going on the right hand side, facing east. At the base of the door is where we'll put a flap to allow the chooks access. The door only needs opening when cleaning out.

My dad suggested using sump oil to help with lice problems on the interior timber ... ?? Any advice re: this would be useful, please!

We'll weatherproof it and paint it on the exterior, but nothing fancy is planned for inside. I don't think we'll get this job done for a few more days yet, but at least it's fun AND practical! :)