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Here is an inexpensive coop with which you can
gain maximum results from rabbits. Constructed basically of 1 x 2
furring strips, 1"-mesh chicken wire and tar paper, the coop is
light enough to be moved from area to area before and after the growing
season and out of the prevailing winds to a sheltered spot during the
blustery winter months. For further protection, either black building
paper or cardboard can be tacked to the sides and back.
The floor, well covered with litter, will provide additional comfort for
the rabbits and excellent mulch for your garden.
STEP 1. FLOOR FRAME
Cut (and cut 'em square!) three pieces of 2 x 3
lumber, 24-3/4" long and spike to the 8' 2 x 3's as shown in FIG.
1. Then staple on a 1/2 x 30 x 60 piece of galvanized wire with staples
spaced 3 inches apart. Now, for convenience in building, set frame on
four cement blocks.
STEP 2. ENDS
Cut the following pieces of 1 x 2 furring
strip to length and nail as in FIG. 2.
Two pieces 22" long
Two pieces 26" long
Two pieces 30" long
Two pieces 30-1/4" long
Remember, one is for the left side and the
other is for the right, so lay pieces out accordingly before nailing.
After frames have been assembled, cut and staple 1" chicken wire to
the outside surfaces and trim off excess. Lay frames on a solid surface
during stapling to make the job easier.
STEP 3. BACK SECTION
Cut the following pieces and nail as shown in
FIG.3
Two pieces 60" long
Three pieces 25" long
When frame has been nailed, staple on 1"
chicken wire.
STEP 4. ROOF FRAME
Cut the following pieces of 1 x 2 furring
and carefully nail as shown in FIG. 4.
Five pieces 72" long
Two pieces 44" long
STEP 5. DOOR
Cut the following pieces of 1 x 2 and
assemble carefully as shown in FIG. 5.
Four pieces 27-1/2" long
Four pieces 25-1/2" long
After nailing sections rigidly together, cover
with 1" chicken wire and attach hinges. This will ease hanging of
doors later.
STEP 6. CENTER OR DIVIDER FRAME
Cut the following pieces of 1 x 2 and nail
as shown in FIG. 6.
One piece 21-7/8" long
One piece 25-7/8" long
One piece 29-7/8" long
One piece 30-1/8" long
At this point—when doors, roof frame,
divider, ends, back and floor sections have been completed—additional
pieces of 1 x 2 should be cut as follows: Three pieces 1" x
2" x 29-1/2".
Complete assembly by following this sequence:
(a) Position end sections on floor frame and toe-nail each section at
each end with one four-penny nail.
(b) Nail back section to floor and both ends.
(c) Position and nail divider in place.
(d) Carefully position and toe-nail roof frame to back and end sections.
(e) Nail two 29-1/2" pieces of 1 x 2 on front (one at each
end) to roof frame and ends of coop.
(f) Hang doors.
(g) Position remaining length of 1" x 2" x
29-1/2" between doors. Make certain doors swing freely.
(h) Attach hooks and eyes to doors and center piece.
(i) Nail a small cleat to the frame of coop to act as a stop for the top
of each door.
(j) Cover roof frame with 1" chicken wire and carefully staple in
place. If a heavy object (sledge hammer, piece of iron or rock) is held
against the under side of the 1 x 2 during this operation the
staple will drive easier and you'll prevent damage to frame. Cover only
top, not outside edges, of frame. Trim excess wire.
(k) Cover entire roof frame with black building paper. Tack on at
outside edges, placing tacks approximately three inches apart. Fold to
box corners neatly.
(l) Cut 30-lb heavy tar paper to fit top area of roof and cement (do not
tack or nail) to black paper. Spread a two inch wide area of cement all
around outer edges and add a spot here and there at random on the
remaining area. Cement, when dry, will hold the tar paper without nails.
If nails are used they will eventually be drawn out by temperature
change, causing later difficulties.
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