The Garden Ark Mobile Chicken Coop Plan eBook (PDF), Instant Download, U.S. and Metric Units (Feet/Inches and MM)

The Garden Ark Mobile chicken coop plans tell you everything you need to know to build a portable chicken "tractor" for your small backyard flock. Whether you're new to chickens or to building, these plans get you closer to those garden-fresh eggs -- without turning your backyard into a barnyard. Some key features of The Garden Ark design: » Ideal for 3 standard laying hens » Offers ample ventilation and light with a unique "open" roof design » Easy access through the egg door and larger double doors » Know your flock is safe with tough protection against predators » Move it around for grazing and/or fertilizing your garden (it has wheels!) » Measures about 3'w x 6'd x 4'h (0.9 x 1.8 x 1.2m) » Fits perfectly in the bed of a small pickup » Simple cuts, easy-to-find materials, and straightforward coop assembly » Hardware quick kit available (U.S. only, see plans for details) About the chicken coop plan itself: » Written for beginners. This 45-page downloadable e-book includes a detailed tools and materials list, measurements, photos, diagrams, and step-by-step instructions to show you how to build a coop both you and your chickens will love. (You print at home.) » Compatible with iPad and other PDF-friendly tablets, phones, and readers » Password protected for security. You will receive your file-open password after checkout. (Visit your Etsy Purchases page and click the Download button next to the order. Guests may find it easier to create an Etsy account and log in first. More details here: https://www.etsy.com/help/article/3949) » Comes with email support, directly from the designer. The Garden Ark is a proven, modern design that's been built by backyard chicken enthusiasts around the world since 2009. With these plans, you not only get responsive, email support from the designer, but you also enjoy the benefit of the knowledge, ideas, and examples of a large community of fellow builders. More specs and details: ACCESSING YOUR DOWNLOADS: After your purchase, a link will be made available to you for downloading your files. If you have any trouble accessing your files or your file-open password, please follow the easy steps shared by Etsy here: https://www.etsy.com/help/article/3949. Feel free to contact us as well. SIZE: The Garden Ark measures about 3'w x 6'd x 4'h (0.9 x 1.8 x 1.2m) at the frame. Add a half foot or so all around for the upper dimensions, including the roof overhang. Inside, the ark offers 7+ sq ft (0.65 sq m) in the henhouse and 15 sq ft (1.4 sq m) in the run. There's one nest box indicated in the plan, just right for 3 hens to share. You can also build exterior nest boxes with our free online plans, the link to which you'll find in your eBook. COST AND MATERIALS: The coop is made primarily of two-by-two lumber, hardware cloth, polycarbonate roofing, plywood siding, and the hardware to bring it all together. Purchased new at a big-box store like The Home Depot or Lowe's, these materials should run you roughly $400-$500 USD, pre-tax (priced at $485 in January 2024). A complete, detailed materials list is in the plan -- as well as info on ordering a pre-packaged hardware quick kit. TIME TO BUILD: If you've read through the plan and work at a comfortable pace, it can be built in about 5 or 6 days. This includes time for shopping, sanding, cutting, sealing/painting, and assembling. If you add your own customizations, it may take a little longer. TOOLS: The plan is written for complete beginners. The cuts are all straightforward (no tricky angles to measure), and the tools are pretty standard ones that you likely either have or can easily borrow or buy. Here's the tool list from the plan: » Tape measure » Pencil » Circular saw » Handsaw » Pair of sawhorses » Hammer » Cordless power drill/driver, with various bits » Adjustable wrench » Two clamps (3" capacity) » Sandpaper, power sander optional » Paintbrush » Wire snips » Leather work gloves and eye/ear protection » Combination square or speed square for marking crosscuts » An extra pair of hands, on occasion CLIMATE: You'll find The Garden Ark at home just about anywhere. That's because what chickens need most of all is proper ventilation and fresh air. In the winter, the henhouse offers a cozy place protected from drafts. It's easy to wrap the run for more warmth or add a flat panel heater or heated waterer if the mercury really dips. OPEN BOTTOM: This is the real advantage of a chicken tractor, right? The ability to move the chickens around so they can graze, till, and fertilize your veggie gardens or yard. We have many tips to share on how to incorporate this coop into your backyard garden, including building garden beds that you set the coop right on top of. We also offer a free online tutorial for how to secure the open floor for maximum protection. NOTE: The Garden Coop LLC is the legal copyright holder of the content on this shop and in our plans, including all designs, photos, descriptions, and text. It is intended solely for the use of the purchaser and may be printed for personal use only. No images or content from this Etsy shop or our eBooks and plans may be published, resold, shared, or distributed without written consent from the copyright holder. (That's us.) More questions? Please convo me anytime!