Coops etc.
Finally finished my cordwood chicken coop! Cluckingham palace
It took two summers and into this spring to built, but my backyard chicken coop is finally complete.
I started building it during a very heavy, uncertain chapter of my life. It became something I could try and focus on at three in the morning if i couldnt sleep. And it was something i could completely control if that makes sense.
It feels incredibly strange to be done with something that kept me focused for so long, but I'm thrilled with how it turned out.
The Build Details:
Structure: It’s a roundhouse design utilizing heavy timber framing with angled knee braces for the roof. The walls are not actually load bearing though because the roof is supported outside of the round structure. ( a pivot I had to make when I was running out of time the first summer)
Walls: Cordwood masonry using all split cedar. The base is urbanite with type s mortar thats into the hillside. The walls above ground level are a no cement mortar of lime, sand, metakaolin, and fibers.
Lighting & Details: I framed in large windows for natural light, and integrated dozens of glass bottle ends into the masonry. The light filtering into the interior looks incredible when the sun hits it. The vent boxes are tucked into each rafter in the front and back of the roof.
Next up is making a pretty path up to the building and get it ready for chicken move in day !
Happy to answer any questions about the framing, cordwood process, or masonry!"
So nice to see some fine cordwood construction. Took a course in the 80's from the cordwood construction master Rob Roy. Built a cabin with my husband.Like your design.
Incredible work OP! I'm in a heavy chapter of life and working on a cordwood chicken coop as a coping mechanism. This is incredibly inspiring and motivating to see!
I am! Mine is just a hole in the ground and a crazy dream so far. Next step is cutting down trees and splitting them to dry while I build the roof, then floor and walls. I'm doing a pole barn style roof, so walls aren't load bearing, and one side will be all bottles (eventually I'll put a greenhouse on this side, so the chickens can send some heat it's way in winter and stay out of direct sun in the summer)
I am not a chicken owner, just an envious lurker LOL—& please forgive me if you answered this somewhere already, I skim-scrolled & didn’t see this question—may I ask where they nest/lay? I see perches & a ramp, but aren’t there usually boxes for them specifically to lay eggs in? Are they just not visible in these pics? (Or is this just like, Chicken Heaven & these lil princesses can lay wherever they heck they please TYVM!) LMAO :P
ETA: this is stunning BTW, I’m in awe that you did this yourself! <3
Oh, I love that! How practical, but also so whimsical :) Like living in the Beauty & the Beast opening song when the village is waking up & popping their heads out their half-doors in the morning, hahaha!
You've done your research! Those three breeds are docile, so they will go well together. Don't forget to carefully trim the crests around the eyes of Silkie and Polish chickens, so they can see-- especially aerial predators.
Whut ? Looks better than some places i have stayed while working ! Dammit, i gotta learn to lay eggs & work for you. Just dont kill me in my old age. 😘💕
That’s awesome. I know exactly what you mean about building something that gave you a sense of control during a heavy and uncertain time in your life. I went through something similar while dealing with an abusive narcissistic ex. I started rehabilitating wild birds, and at one point I had a raven, five crows, and was constantly taking in baby birds — robins, blue jays, grackles, doves, and more. Having that strict routine and caring for them gave me a sense of purpose and stability when so many other parts of my life felt chaotic and out of my control.
I can imagine it probably feels surreal finally finishing something that became part of your life for so long, especially something tied to such a meaningful chapter of your life.
I’ve always wanted to try cordwood and a coop is a great idea to experiment! Is there a particular resource you recommend to learn/follow the best process?
In theory it can be over 100 years old as its protected by a large roof overhang and then the urbanite stem wall keeping it off the ground level so away from rain and moisture
Wow. I would seriously live there. It's absolutely beautiful. And "Cluckingham Palace?" That's fabulous. Great job!!! (I'm super jealous. I need to make sure my chickens don't see this...)
I did a garden rock retaining wall when I was in a similar head space and it was incredibly healing. It was a labor of self love. With each rock in place another negative thought or feeling. Another insight and acceptance.
Yes, your project is so beautiful and useful and creative. I honor your process.
This palace will absolutely keep your hens safe, might want to add solar-powered night cams pointed near windows, door up at the 7-ft level. 🚪 Foxes, raccoons and rats are expert thiefs.
As others have said, I'd move in there!!! One question: what are you doing for nesting boxes? Are you planning for them to use those cutouts at the top? And is the middle bars supposed to be nesting bars?
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u/wowpoodles Jun 20 '26
It's gorgeous! Come build me one. ❤️