TABLE OF CONTENTS Coop-a-doodle-do: Coop Designs 1. Sunny Side Up 2. X Marks the Spot 3. Simply Salvaged 4. Rustic Sophistication 5. Little Big Barn 6. Gypsy Hen Caravan 7. How the Chicken Crossed the Road Fowl play: Profiles of Fine-Feathered Chicken Keepers 1. Andrew Stone 2. Jimmy & Brit 3. Kate & Molly
Chris Gleason is the author of several books for the DIY market. He was raised on a farm in upstate New York. He has been raising chickens in his Salt Lake City backyard for over six years and currently builds and sells chicken coops. He has owned Gleason Woodworking Studios for over 13 years.
Ever since we bought our first house I've been wanting to convert a
portion of our backyard into a food source of sorts. A small garden
and perhaps a chicken run would be ideal. The gardening idea hasn't
made it farther than a few herbs and tomato plants but we're in the
process of redoing our backyard's landscape. In the meantime I've
been reading a book here and there about keeping chickens and
realized there's no way I can pull it off. LOL That said, I loved
this book! Not only is it inventive and inspired, but Gleason's
approach is very Earth-friendly. One of the things I expected to
see was all new supplies and instead the reader is encouraged to
reuse old doors or scraps of wood when possible. As someone who
values reusing and repurposing when possible I was really happy to
see several of the coops had been made using repurposed materials.
The designs themselves are each charming and adaptable. Designed
for different sized flocks and with different features for both the
keeper and the hens' convenience I would honestly love to build any
of these if I was sure I could make it worth my efforts.
Additionally this book is peppered with cool information about
chicken breeds, history and recipes featuring eggs. As a whole I
would recommend this book to an experienced chicken keeper looking
for some nice design plans for a new coop. I also think it's a
great inspiration for a new keeper, or-as in my case-someone
considering keeping chickens. Maybe this would even make a neat
gift for someone who just adores chicken paraphenalia.
The Book: Chickens need a coop, and what better way to show your
love than building one? In The Art of the Chicken Coop, seven
unique coops are presented with detailed building instructions,
along with an additional gallery for more inspiration for your
ideal coop. With additional information from other chicken owners,
the lessons to creating a place for your chickens starts here. The
Yarn: When I saw this book sitting in the NetGalley listings, I
knew I had to scoop it up. I dream about having chickens one day,
and the idea of being able to construct my own coop seems daunting.
Gleason's book helps to show anyone how to create sturdy coops from
materials people may already have or can acquire easily. Chris
Gleason is a known DIY author on woodworking who deals with
recycled materials, but the materials lists presented for each coop
are clearly able to be gleaned from any large store you can buy
construction materials. Bright, colorful, step-by-step photos along
the way assist in making sure that the instructions can be followed
as much visually as in print. I liked the additional information
such as how to build chicken runs (attached to the coops or not) or
how to resize the coops based on a standard 2sf (square feet) per
additional bird. Little informational bits such as chicken breeds
and recipes are scattered throughout the book. At the end are three
profiles of "chicken keepers", who outline why they keep chickens
and how. All three are based in Salt Lake City, Utah, which while
showing that even urban backyard areas can support raising
chickens, they don't quite give as diverse a look at urban poultry
keeping as I would like to see. The Art of the Chicken Coop is not
as expansive a collection of construction plans as probably exists
in other titles on the market. However the vivid photographs,
construction techniques and focus on reused materials make this
good for those looking for a budget-conscious DIY book.
Cute Coop Ideas! I've had backyard chickens for two years now. I
love my chickens and as I'd like to have more in the next few
years, researching coop ideas has become a hobby for me. I was very
happy to be able to review this book. Art of the Chicken Coop by
Chris Gleason, has seven different coop ideas. Four of them are for
flocks of six chicken or less, which is a great size for a back
yard flock. We get on average five eggs per week from each of our
chickens, which has given us more then enough for our family, as
well as some to share. If you are planning on keep more chickens,
three of the coop designs are for larger coops, if you'd like to
have twelve to fifteen chickens. Also included are some guidelines
on how to increase the size of any coops in the book. There's even
instructions for a coop made out of salvaged materials. This is
also a great book for the beginning chicken owner, because not only
are there coop designs but there are a lot of chicken keeping tips
through out the book and explanations for what you need to have in
your coop and why. The book includes a completely supply list,
step-by-step pictures - which I love - and some great egg recipes
as well. There is also a section on the popular backyard breeds
with pictures and a bit on info on each. The only thing I didn't
like about the book was that it called for chicken wire in the
coops. From my research I have learned that you need to use
hardwear cloth in your coop building as the holes in chicken wire
are too big, and raccoons and other predators can get through it.
Also I would have loved more then one movable coop idea. Other then
that, I thought this book was just great. I do not have much
building experience but I would feel confident trying to build any
of the coops in this book. Recommended!
We've had backyard chickens for two years now. It's been so
wonderful to have pastured, organic eggs, right from our own
backyard. I love my chickens and as I'd like to have more in the
next few years, researching coop ideas has become a hobby for me. I
was very happy to be able to review this book. Art of the Chicken
Coop by Chris Gleason has seven different coop ideas. Four of them
are for flocks of six chickens or less, which is a great size for a
back yard flock. We get on average five eggs per week from each of
our chickens; this gives us enough for our family, as well as some
to share occasionally. If you are planning on keep more chickens,
three of the coop designs are for larger coops, if you'd like to
have twelve to fifteen chickens. Also included are some guidelines
on how to increase the size of any coops in the book. There's even
instructions for a coop made out of salvaged materials. This is
also a great book for the beginning chicken owner, because not only
are there coop designs but there are a lot of chicken keeping tips
through out the book and explanations for what you need to have in
your coop and why. The book includes a completely supply list,
step-by-step pictures - which I love - and some great egg recipes
as well. There is also a section on the popular backyard breeds
with pictures and a bit on info on each. The only thing I didn't
like about the book was that it called for chicken wire in the
coops. From my research I have learned that you need to use
hardware cloth in your coop building as the holes in chicken wire
are too big, and raccoons and other predators can get through it.
Also I would have loved more then one movable coop idea. Other then
that, I thought this book was just great. I do not have much
building experience but I would feel confident trying to build any
of the coops in this book. Recommended!
More and more people are discovering the joy of gardening in their
back yards. Even in a small yard, You can find enough space to
enjoy fresh vegetables. Just one tomatoe plant can provide fresh
tomatoes all summer long. Well now with the help of this book, you
can add the joy of having fresh eggs to your table. I used to raise
chickens and I loved having fresh eggs. They seem to taste so much
better than store bought. Besides, you know what goes into their
production and your chickens are not suffering in cramped, crude
living conditions as most of the chickens producing store bought
eggs are. Another positive thing about backyard chicken coops are
the benefits of fertilizer for your garden. You no longer have to
throw away those left overs bevcause chickens will eat just about
anything you give them. But, they really love fresh vegetables and
fruits. You can feed them the peels and pits. Also, Chris suggests
using salvaged goods for building uour coop. You can find salved
wood from construction and demolition sites. This book by Chris
Gleason has really sparked a new interest in chickens for me. Now,
if I can just talk my husband into it. I am contemplating just
sticking to a few of the bantam chickens. When I had chickens, I
loved the Old English Bantams, the Frizzle's (these were the best
momma's and the sweetest birds), I also had a few of the rumpless
Aracauna chickens that lay green eggs. Not only does the book
provide wonderful ideas for coops, runs and nest boxes, but it also
provides the materials needed for each project and step by step
instructions. Most of the steps have color photographs to go along
with the directions. Also icluded int the book are several recipes
for using the eggs. One of the suggestion that I believes is one of
the best things ever, is for making a hand sanitizer holder that is
attached to the door of the coop. This is such a simple thing, and
yet so smart. This makes it easy to have clean hands before
touching your birds as well as clean hands before going back in
your house.
This colorful guide to chicken coop construction provides
step-by-step instructions for building artistic yet practical small
scale housing for chickens. The volume provides plans for seven
coops of varying shapes and sizes and includes three case studies
of urban chicken owners and their egg-producing pets. Additional
sections provide information of building runs and a collection of
photographs of other coop styles and designs. Gleason is a
professional coop builder and the author of several other
do-it-yourself titles.
Coop-a-doodle-do! The first step in the increasingly popular hobby
of raising chickens is to provide your birds a home. "Art of the
Chicken Coop" provides detailed instructions for building seven
functional, cool-looking coops that range in style from rustic to
Victorian and accommodate flocks from six birds to 15. Tossed in
you'll find handy tips for keeping chickens, delicious egg recipes
from around the world, and profiles of three modern homesteaders
who offer advice on living the chicken-keeping life.
The Art of the Chicken Coop is of course the more practical of the
two, but it's by no means a dry, technical, how-to construction
guide. Seven coops are described with instructive drawings and
material lists, and the construction process is also profusely
illustrated with excellent color photos. Most of the coops are
pretty artsy -designed more for the owners and neighbors than for
the chickens, who probably won't even notice that their home looks
like a gypsy caravan or a miniature barn. If you fancy a coop
decorated with stars and sunrise overlays, this book is for you.
But it's not totally about construction, or coops. Actually, it's
like those coop tours that have become so popular: you visit
several people who love and raise chickens, see what they have done
to house their birds in creative as well as practical ways, and
chat about cock-a-doodle-do-dom in general.
Gorgeous chicken coops Sure, you could probably raise chickens in a
wooden box, but with this do-it-yourself guide to coop
construction, you won't have to. Art of the Chicken Coop: a Fun and
Essential Guide to Housing Your Peeps by Utah native Chris Gleason
lays out plans and step-by-step instructions for seven different
coops, including one from salvaged parts.
"Art of the Chicken Coop" by Chris Gleason. What came first, the
chicken or the egg? Thanks to this book, you're about to learn the
correct answer to this age-old question - neither. The coop came
first. So, if you're planning on keeping chickens, whether it's
just a few or a large flock, you'll need a place to house your
egg-laying friends. In this book, today's modern farmer - both
urban and suburban - will find creative plans and easy-to-follow
construction techniques for making seven stylish chicken coops.
Named a 2011 Best Book in Do-It-Yourself from Library Journal. Got
an urban flock? Craft some stylish housing for your backyard
chickens with this specialized construction guide. Included are
seven coop designs, with great instructions and clear illustrations
for each step.
Part 1: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00m1q5l Part 2:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p001v6c0
One of the biggest expenses when you decide to start keeping
chickens is that of the housing. Your chickens may be relatively
cheap, but if you're looking to buy a coop you can expect to pay
anything from a hundred to several hundred pounds. It can be eye
watering, and makes a lie of the 'cheap supply of eggs' waffle
spouted by enthusiasts like me. So if you're in any way handy,
building your own hen accommodation can be a much more viable
alternative. Chris Gleason's 'Art Of The Chicken Coop' attempts to
offer some inspiration. Packed full of photographs and detailed
instructions, this book is a pleasant browse. In fact, it's down
right pretty. My son has spent many a bedtime cooing over the
pictures. Make no mistake, though, this isn't for the novice. I am
what could charitably be called incompetent with a tool kit, so as
I read through the detailed instructions and material lists I had a
sense of encroaching doom. Plus, I never have the competent DIYers
stock of scraps of wood, wire or cabinet doors. Try as I might, I
doubt I'd ever be able to make the gypsy caravan coop. In fact, I
know I couldn't. However, if you do know your way around a tape
measure you could make yourself a little masterpiece. Even though
I'm useless, however, I suspect that some of these designs would
need some slight adaptations for the inclement British weather.
Gleason makes his coops in Utah. There are seven coop designs
looked at in depth, and then several more design tweaks at the
back. Most of the differences are purely aesthetic, but I imagine
that most people would be able to find something here that could be
adapted to their own set ups.The coops are adaptable to your flock
size, which is a nice touch, and we're introduced to three keepers
and their home made housing. Chicken keepers are a nosey lot, by
and large, and we do like to see how other people keep their
poultry. I know a fair few back yard chicken keepers at this stage,
but none of them have such wonderfully decorated coops. These are
brightly coloured and elaborately decorated and therefore instantly
appealing to the pet keeper who just wants a few eggs. They also
have the benefit of looking attractive in the garden which is a
concern for the average suburban or urban enthusiast. Neighbours
are more likely to complain if your garden looks like Steptoes
yard. Although I can imagine many a serious poultryman losing his
eyebrows in his hairline at the idea of adding wooden stars and
individually cut shingles to his poultry shed. But Chris Gleason
hasn't written a book for the serious poultryman. He has written a
book for the DIY capable novice. He has included a brief profile of
some of the most popular chicken breeds, and some basic care
instructions. Touchingly, there are also some basic egg recipes
scattered through out the book for when your new flock decides to
deliver. The whole thing reads like a gentle coax in to the world
of chicken keeping, and an attempt to seduce the would-be carpenter
in to using his or her imagination. It's certainly a breath of
fresh air from the 'just convert a shed' mantra. My advice? If
you're reading this because you really, really want chickens but
your other half is reluctant, BUT likes building things, buy them
this book. It might just entice them to flex their creative muscle
in order to show off, and while you're enthusiastically praising
their efforts you can sneak a few hens in around the back. It's a
win-win situation.
Starred Review: Many are seeing the benefits of urban farming and
with chickens the small livestock of choice, there are a growing
number of titles on the topic. This slim book focuses on housing.
Gleason included a chicken coop design in his Backyard Projects for
Today?s Homestead, but the seven hip coop designs here are new and
fresh. Colorful, attractive illustrations display the stages of
construction. The guide is well organized and features helpful tips
from other city flock owners. This delightful little book is highly
recommended, especially in areas with urban flocks.
If you have an eye for something a bit off the beaten path and are
looking for plans to build your own chicken coop, this book was
written with you in mind. Author Chris Gleason, also an experienced
chicken keeper and woodworker, has provided the plans for seven
unique coop designs. Each set of plans includes photos of the
finished coop, a pencil sketch, materials list, and step by step
instructions. This has got to be my favorite one... A movable
chicken gypsy caravan coop ! The author includes practical
information such as what size coop you need, and how to find
materials that can be re-purposed. Also included are short profiles
of several backyard chicken keepers from around the country with
photos of their coops and some words of wisdom from each of them.
There are even a few egg recipes included. Really a fun read with
some very unique coop designs. The only downside would be choosing
which coop to build
It's no longer enough to simply provide a secure shelter for your
brood. Chicken coops are an art form! From chicken condos to
chicken tractors and all styles in between, you'll find a plan
that's just right for your girls in Art of the Chicken Coop.
Offering seven unique coop designs appropriate for both large and
small flocks as well as three in-depth profiles of experienced
chicken-keepers, this book will provide inspiration galore for
sheltering chickens in style. Whether you're preparing for your
first clutch of chicks or you're an old pro, you'll find tips,
ideas and advice that you can put to work today. Each chapter
focuses on a different coop design and is complete with plans,
materials list, step-by-step instructions and color photos.
Keeping chickens is a trend that just keeps on growing, even for
city dwellers. With this book. today's modern farmer will find
plans and construction techniques for making seven different
chicken coops, along with interesting chicken facts and recipes for
eggs. Experienced farmer, woodworker and author Chris Gleason's hip
eye for design, combined with sound woodworking techniques make the
coops both attractive and sturdy. Practical information such as how
to properly size a coop and how to source reclaimed materials is
included. This book offers a whimsical and fresh perspective that
reflects today's backyard farmer.
In Art of the Chicken Coop there are easy to follow construction
plans for seven different coops, four of them for flocks of six
chickens or less. The perfect size for a backyard flock. One coop
is a space saver, only using 2 x 3 feet of space! Each coop
includes a complete supply list and lots of pictures! If you will
be keeping over six, up to fifteen, three of the coop designs will
accommodate such a flock. The author also includes instructions on
how to increase the size of any of the coops in the book. What I
really liked was the use of salvaged materials. Both my coops used
salvaged materials. I'm sure my new coop will be no different.
There are also 3 profiles of chicken keepers who offer some great
advice and tips, a whole chapter on building coop runs, advice on
everything you'll need in your coop, a characteristic chart of
popular backyard breeds (with each breed pictured), and egg
recipes. From beginner to veteran this book has great information
for anyone!
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