Reinventing the Chicken Coop: 14 Original Designs with Step-by-Step Building Instructions

Like this product. Not finished looking through yet, but so far, so good.

This was a decent book on how to build chicken coops. It has 14 designs to choose from, and they all have something for everyone. It was a bit hard for me to even decide on which design to go with. But, in all honesty, I think i could have gone without this book. I mean, dont get me wrong, its a good book, but its limited on the fact that it only has a handful of concepts to base your design on. Sure, you can modify any of these designs to your liking, as I am doing, but I wouldnt keep this book for the long run. I feel I could have found designs that were just as good if I did a bit of searching online. I should have done that, but I gave this book a chance.If your a DIY person, have basic carpentry skills, and want to build a proven coop, then you should get this book. But remember, there are only 14 designs to choose from. Be ready to not like any of them. As for me, I liked every coop in some way, but ended up modifying my own by mixing certain things I liked from all the coops in this book. But you will do just fine by doing a google search.Do I recommend this book? Yes and No. Im stuck in the middle, 50/50. Good designs, but could have included more. Ill probably end up selling my copy. If you can rent or borrow this book, DO IT! Much better than purchasing it.

I love this book--the coops are works of art. I really wish that I could build a coop like the one pictured on the cover but the open roof (I just realized it might have an inner roof or could be adapted) because it's both really clever and perfectly functional. Sadly, it would be nicer than my tiny house! I covet nearly all the designs and might build the pallet one down the road. (This is my first year for chickens.) I think because the designers live in California, most of the coops are made for warmer climates. I need insulation so I'll be going with the standard coop which also has nice lines. The book gives a lot of information on intermediate woodworking techniques which is helpful for more than just learning to build a coop. All of the designs come with complete building material lists and clear instructions and drawings. I bought the Kindle version because I thought it would suffice and I was trying to be tricky and use up every last dime of a gift card, but I wish that I had the print version. It will be easy enough to just print out the pages I need for working but do consider the hard copy; it's very handsome. I've been shopping for awhile for just the right book, and as far as I'm concerned, this is it.

I had never built anything by myself, never even used a power tool besides a cordless drill. The instructions in this book were perfectly detailed for a beginner, and I built a beautiful coop! I could not have done it without this book. All the coops are beautiful and the photos are lovely, so is a great gift book, too.

Should be titled California Coops for Big Spenders. Even the pallet coop had an enormous list of new & expensive materials. The book is absolutely beautiful, smart, well written & photographed. We enjoyed reading it but my husband & I both agree - this book was not helpful to us at all. We have a BUDGET. I give the authors props for creativity but these designs are far too costly to be practical. The authors themselves admit to not being able to market their coops because of the high costs. The coops are all designed for the temperate Cali weather. So if you have cold winters or hot summers (hello, Georgia) all the coops in this book will require major modifications. Even as a new chicken keeper, I can see flaws in these designs where creativity seems to be the focus instead of practicality. Oh, well, it will make a good coffee table book. Good for conversation....only.

This is a great practical guide to some really creative coop designs. The designs are more than your standard coops and are really creative while still being functional. For those backyard chicken farms who wants a 'cool' look in their yard that won't be an eyesore, this is right on the money. Designs are categorized by degree of difficulty, which is a very helpful feature for first time builders. My family has owned backyard chickens for years and we are currently building our third coop. I was never quite satisfied with our previous efforts from an aesthetic point of view. Seeing the samples in this book has really opened up my eyes - I can see the quality and functionality for real, live chickens while still having a nice look.

If you are buying this book, you may already be handy and creative, and thought about the basic needs of your chickens. If so, this is quite useful as a source of photos, and also some details of what to put in your coop. I did not find the text useful. And I did not follow any of their plans.But I did build a coop which was loosely inspired by their butterfly roof, and for that I appreciate it.

Some really neat looking coops, but really for the backyard artist, or wood worker who wants to have a couple chickens. Some of the carpentry is a bit much for a structure that will be being regularly crapped in, but if you are looking to play around with some carpentry techniques on a small scale then this might be up your ally. Just don't come here looking for a quick backyard coop. I bought it for ideas and it gave me some, but not enough inovation for 5-stars.

If you want to make a chicken coop for yourself or for someone else, this book is inspirational. There are some great designs, which you can use directly or adapt. The cutting lists and instructions are very clear, and the assembly diagrams show just how everything fits together. The pictures of the finished coops are gorgeous.If you're a chicken-keeper but not an experienced woodworker, there's an introductory chapter explaining just how to go about things.If I lived in sunny California where the book was written, I'd give it five stars without hesitation. But because I live in damper and cooler Britain, I'm going to knock one star off. Many of the coops are over-ventilated for the UK climate. It's easy enough to adapt the designs, but be aware. There are also some designs where it might be better to use shiplap rather than plywood for longevity.My only other (minor) criticism is that you also need to be aware of the type of chickens that are to be housed. Some of the designs, especially the two-storey ones, are really best suited to bantams, and certainly wouldn't work for large fowl. The book doesn't really highlight this consideration.But don't let the negatives put you off. All the designs are sturdy and well thought out. And your chickens will certainly have somewhere unique to live!

More a book of reviews of unusual coops. Not a book of useable designs. Idea inspiration aplenty but not really a “how to” book. I am pleased with this purchase and was not disappointed.

Some great ideas, interesting book, Americanized and some of the coops wouldn't suit a British winter but still a good read.

This book inspires you to think " outside the box" .Prompt and very good service, as described.

Lots of really good ideas we used it as a basis to design and build our own coop having never done anything like this before. The chickens love it!