The Owner-Builder Network

Unique Chicken Coops: 7 Vehicles Turned to Comfy Homes

Old Vehicle Chicken Coops Main Image
Old vehicles given new life by turning them into chicken coops.

What can you do with a beat-up vehicle just left to rust in a yard? The first thing that can come to mind is to take its pieces apart for different upcycling projects such as a tailgate wall bench or perhaps a rim coffee table.

But even if you slowly dismantle old vehicles, chances are you’ll still end up with a large chunk of steel, still lying in your yard. So here’s one of the better upcycling ideas that we think puts ‘useless’ old vehicles into a more productive purpose…

Walk-in Poultry Cage Heavy Duty Chicken Runs

Old cars have plenty of space inside their shell when you remove unnecessary stuff, such as seating and steering wheels. There is plenty of room for many chickens to call home, which provides them with their bed while protecting them from predators.

This car upcycling idea is great since you are using the vehicle as a whole — no parts are left lying in your yard without purpose.

And even better, you can take away some of its parts for another upcycling project but still have a chicken coop for your chooks!

Vehicle Chicken Coops

Vehicles of all types, whether they be cars or buses, you can turn into a chicken coop!

Chicken coops aren’t just for backyard eggheads. They are also a great source of meat. So, if you’re the proud owner of an old vehicle that has seen better days and is no longer roadworthy, don’t throw it out just yet! Transform it into a funky and unique chicken coop. Not only will you be repurposing an old structure, but you’ll also be giving your feathered friends a stylish but still comfy new home.

Vehicle Chicken Coops

Here are some car chicken coop examples we’ve collected for your inspiration. 🙂

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7 Vehicle-Turned Chicken Coop

Old School Bus Chicken Coop

These school buses are retired due to their age or when they no longer meet safety standards. However, some of these buses undergo refurbishment efforts to extend their usability.

Instead of sending these buses to a junkyard, someone decided to turn them into chicken coops. You won’t need much effort to convert these old vehicles into chicken coops. All you need to do is add platforms inside the bus where your chicken can hop and stay.

Benedetto Bufalino Police Car Chicken Coop

The Benedetto Bufalino police car chicken coop represents a fresh and contemporary reinterpretation of the conventional chicken coop. This coop is distinguished by its distinctive curved roofing, which not only lends a modern aesthetic but also provides practical benefits.

Portable Chicken Run Hen Coop

Additionally, it is equipped with a robust, lockable door to ensure the safety and security of your feathered residents. In these innovative coops, tradition meets modernity, creating a stylish and protective haven for your chickens.

Chicken Coop From Cam Mather

To begin, remove the engine and any other pieces of the car that will not be used. Then, add nesting boxes, perches, and a door so your chickens can come and go as they please. You may even paint the car a bright color to stand out in your backyard. This sort of chicken coop is not only functional, but it also provides a unique touch to your backyard.

Volkswagen Chicken Coop

This project consisted of taking an old Volkswagen and turning it into a chicken coop. This coop could hold up to 15 chickens.

You have to completely gut the inside of the car and remove all the unnecessary parts. The seats, seatbelts, and dashboard all had to go. Then, build a frame to create a stable structure. Install windows for ventilation and add a ramp for the chickens to easily enter and exit. It can be a bit of a puzzle, but you will get everything in place and create a pretty unique home for your chickens.

Maurice Chicken Coop Car

Funky, earthy, and environmentally friendly is the only way to describe this chicken coop that is made from old vehicles. This coop was made from an old Maurice upcycled into this delightful chicken home.

But this coop isn’t just cute; it’s functional, too. The simple design makes it easy to clean and maintain, so you can spend less time worrying about cleaning up after your chickens and more time enjoying their company. Plus, the natural materials used in the construction of this coop make it blend seamlessly into any backyard or garden.

The coop is a great way to save money on raising chickens and show off your chicken love.

Beetle Chicken Coop Car

This upcycling project transforms an old Beetle into a stylish coop for your feathered friends. And the best part is that the rustic look of the Beetle shines through, giving your flock a little taste of history. You can’t get any cooler than that!

From Driveways to Henways!

Prepare to ignite your creative engine and embark on a journey of imagination! In this captivating exploration, you’ll discover the extraordinary world of coop conversions, where everything from a classic school bus to iconic vintage Beetles takes on a new life as a stylish and historic haven for your beloved feathered friends.

These remarkable transformations preserve the essence of the past and infuse your coop with a timeless and distinctive flair, ensuring your chickens live in style and comfort.

These coops aren’t just functional but a testament to creativity and sustainability. Emanating character and charm, these transformations showcase the artistry of upcycling, merging innovation with eco-conscious practices.

Whether you want to retain the vehicle’s original beauty and form or add unique features, the possibilities are endless. From interior layouts to exterior aesthetics, you have the creative freedom to design a unique coop that suits your chickens’ needs and your style. It’s a thrilling transformation journey where you become the architect of your feathered friends’ cozy retreat.

Ready to step into the world of automotive-inspired chicken coops? Watch as nostalgia and innovation collide, reviving your backyard with a dose of fowl flair!

Step-by-Step Guide to Converting Your Vehicle into a Chicken Coop

Turning an old vehicle into a chicken coop is a creative way to recycle and give your backyard chickens a unique home. This guide walks you through the process, from planning to execution, ensuring your feathered friends have a cozy, stylish space.

Assess the Vehicle

Begin your DIY project by closely inspecting the vehicle you plan to convert into a chicken coop. The first step is to ensure the vehicle’s frame is stable and robust enough to serve as a coop. 

Look for sharp edges or points that could harm your chickens, and plan to smooth them out or cover them up. Identifying hazardous materials like old batteries or fluids that need to be safely removed is also essential. Decide which parts of the vehicle, such as the chassis, will remain part of your coop’s design and which parts, like certain interior fixtures, must be removed to make space for the chickens.

Clean and Prepare

Once you’ve assessed the vehicle, it’s time to clean it thoroughly. It means removing any debris, rust, or substances that could pose a risk to your chickens. The vehicle’s interior should be stripped down, including removing seats, carpets, and all non-essential fittings. This step is critical to prevent any injuries and create a clean, safe environment for your chickens. Pay special attention to areas that are difficult to reach or might have accumulated grime over the years.

Design Your Coop

After the vehicle is clean and prepared, start planning the layout of your chicken coop. Decide where you’ll place essential elements like nesting boxes, perches, and the main entrance. 

Good ventilation is crucial for the health of your chickens, so think about how air will flow through the coop. Security is another important consideration; plan how to protect your chickens from predators. Drawing a sketch of your ideas can be incredibly helpful for visualizing the final coop and ensuring you’ve accounted for all necessary features.

Modify the Structure

The next step is to modify the vehicle to suit your coop’s design. This will likely involve cutting openings for doors and windows to provide ventilation and natural light. When creating these openings, install wire mesh securely to keep predators out while allowing air to circulate. 

Depending on the vehicle’s condition and your modifications, you might need to reinforce its structure to ensure it can support the changes. This could involve adding support beams or frames to stabilize the vehicle further and make it a safe, enduring home for your chickens.

Add Chicken Amenities

When adding chicken amenities to your vehicle-turned-coop, focus on creating a comfortable and healthy living space for your chickens. Install nesting boxes that provide a private and secure place for egg-laying. The number of boxes should match the size of your flock, generally following the rule of one box for every three to four hens. 

Perches are essential for your chickens’ natural roosting instincts, so ensure you install enough for all your chickens to roost comfortably at night. When setting up perches, consider the height and placement. They should be positioned to prevent lower-ranking chickens from being bullied and to ensure droppings do not contaminate food or water. Adjustable perches can accommodate chickens of different sizes and breeds, promoting a more harmonious living environment.

Secure the Coop

Securing the coop is vital to keep your chickens safe from predators. Focus on making all doors, windows, and other access points predator-proof. This includes installing secure latches that raccoons, foxes, or other common predators cannot easily open. 

Inspect the coop regularly for any gaps or weaknesses that could serve as potential predator entry points and seal them promptly. Consider adding additional security measures like predator skirts around the perimeter of the coop or motion-activated lights to deter nocturnal predators.

Personalize and Decorate

Personalizing and decorating your coop can turn it into a visually appealing feature in your yard. Use non-toxic paints and materials to add color and life to the coop, choosing hues that blend with or stand out in your garden, depending on your preference. 

Decorating the coop with signs, curtains, or even a green roof can add a touch of personality and make the space more inviting for you and your chickens. Personal touches enhance the coop’s appearance and make the chicken-keeping experience more enjoyable.

Set Up an Outdoor Run

Attaching an outdoor run to your coop provides your chickens with a safe area to forage, exercise, and enjoy the sunlight, essential for their physical and mental health. Using sturdy fencing to keep chickens in and predators out when setting up the run. Cover the top with netting or wire to protect against aerial threats like hawks and owls. 

Ensure the run is spacious enough for all your chickens to move freely without overcrowding. Incorporating natural elements like logs, stumps, and dust bathing areas can enrich the outdoor run, making it a more stimulating environment for your flock.

Chicken Coop Maintenance and Upkeep

Maintaining and keeping up a chicken coop is crucial for the health and happiness of your chickens. Regular maintenance ensures a clean, safe, and comfortable environment. Here’s how you can keep your coop in top condition.

Regular Cleaning

Regular cleaning is essential in maintaining a healthy environment for your chickens. Daily removal of waste from the coop and run minimizes the chances of disease and parasite infestation. It’s not just about cleanliness; it’s about providing a stress-free habitat that promotes the well-being of your flock. 

Monthly deep cleaning involves a thorough process. Start by removing all chickens from the coop. Then, remove all removable items like feeders, waterers, and nesting box materials. Scrub every surface with a safe, chicken-friendly disinfectant to kill lingering pathogens. Pay special attention to corners and crevices where parasites might hide. 

After cleaning, air the coop out thoroughly to remove any fumes before reintroducing the chickens. Replacing bedding materials with fresh, dry bedding helps control moisture levels inside the coop, reducing the risk of disease.

Pest and Predator Control

Controlling pests and predators is crucial in safeguarding your chickens’ health and safety. Regularly inspect your coop for any signs of rodent or insect infestations. Mice, rats, and even certain insects can carry diseases harmful to chickens. 

Implement appropriate measures, such as traps or natural repellents, to manage these pests without introducing toxic substances into your chickens’ environment. Additionally, ensure your coop is fortified against predators. This includes checking for and repairing any structural vulnerabilities like holes in the fencing, gaps under the coop walls, or weak latches that raccoons or foxes could exploit. 

Consider adding extra layers of security, such as electric fencing or automatic door closers, to provide night-time protection. Regular maintenance checks and timely repairs can deter predators and protect your chickens from harm.

Ventilation and Humidity Control

Effective ventilation and humidity control are key to sustaining a healthy chicken coop. Fresh air circulation prevents ammonia buildup from chicken waste, which can cause respiratory issues in chickens. It also reduces excess moisture, discouraging the growth of mold and bacteria that thrive in damp conditions. 

To ensure your coop has adequate ventilation, install vents or windows that can be opened or closed depending on the weather. Position these strategically to allow cross-ventilation without creating direct drafts on the birds. 

During colder months, adjust ventilation to maintain fresh air flow while preventing the coop from becoming too cold. In warmer seasons, increase ventilation to help keep the coop cool. Regularly monitor humidity levels using a hygrometer and take steps to reduce excess moisture, such as adding more absorbent bedding or improving drainage in the coop and run.

Inspect and Repair

Routine inspections and repairs are crucial to maintaining a secure environment for your chickens. Over time, coops can suffer from wear and tear due to weather, animals, and the natural aging process. 

Periodically inspect the coop for any signs of damage, such as rot in wooden components, structural weaknesses that could lead to collapses, or tears in wire mesh that predators could exploit. Addressing these issues promptly is vital to prevent injuries to your chickens and protect them from predators. 

Repair tasks might include sealing leaks in the roof to keep the interior dry, reinforcing support beams to ensure structural integrity, and replacing damaged wire mesh to keep predators out. Regular maintenance not only extends the life of your coop but also keeps your chickens safe and comfortable.

Conclusion

Converting an old vehicle into a chicken coop is a creative and sustainable project that benefits your backyard and your feathered friends. By following the steps outlined—from assessing the vehicle and cleaning it thoroughly, to designing the coop, adding chicken amenities, securing the structure, and ensuring proper ventilation and humidity control—you can create a unique, comfortable, and safe home for your chickens.

If you liked these, you will also like viewing these recycled and repurposed ideas

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