American Girl Chicken Coop

I know that you have been dying to see this especially since I leaked pictures of the project on American Girl Ideas Facebook page!  First, if you see it and love it you should make it!  It is such an easy project and will only take you about an hour to build.  It took longer to spackle, sand and paint! Plus, with Kit’s new Chicken Keeping outfit she needs a place to actually keep her chickens!  She can’t have an outfit and have nothing to do while wearing it right?!

Kit related posts:

Kit’s Reporter Set

Kit’s Chicken Keeping Set

Kit’s Tree House

Shopping list:

1 – 1/2’’ plywood @ 2’ x 4’

1 – 1’’ x 1’’ @ 16’’

Wood Glue

1 – 3/8’’ Nails for 18 Gauge Nailer

Cut List:

1 – 1/2’’ Plywood @ 7’’ x 4’’ – Chicken Coop Bottom

2 – 1/2’’ Plywood @ 4 1/2’’ x 4’’ – Front & Back of Chicken Coop – See diagram for cutting front door.

2 – 1/2’’ Plywood @ 6 1/2’’ x 4 1/2’’ – Chicken Coop Sides

4 – 1’’ x 1’’ @ 3’’ – Chicken Coop Legs

2 – 1/2’’ Plywood @ 7 3/4’’ x 3 3/4’’ – Roof of Chicken Coop – Cut sides of roof pieces at 45 degrees.

2 – 1/2’’ Plywood @ 4’’ x 2 13/16’’ – Roof Triangles – Follow Diagram

1 – 1/2’’ Plywood @ 5’’ x 2 1/4’’ – Side Coop Wall

2 – 1/2’’ Plywood @ 2 3/4’’ x 2’’ – Sides to Side Coop – Follow Diagram

1 – 1/2’’ Plywood @ 5’’ x 1’’ – Side Coop Bottom

1 – 1/2’’ Plywood @ 6’’ x 3 3/4’’ – Side Coop Roof – Cut one side at 45 degrees.

1 – 1/2’’ Plywood @ 6’’ x 1’’ – Side Coop slat.

1 – 1/2’’ Plywood @ 10’’ x 2 3/4’’ – Coop ramp

Tools:

18 Gauge Nailer

Tape Measure

Jig Saw

Miter Saw

Table Saw

Hearing Protection

Safety Glasses

Pencil

Sanding Block

Level

Optional – Scroll Saw

Step 1:

This is a diagram for the front doorway to show you how I cut it.

Step 2:

Cut your two triangles for the roof top supports. *Optional*Also, cut the two smaller rooftop supports.

Step 3:

Nail the chicken coop bottom to the legs.  Be sure to secure with wood glue as well for extra strength.

Step 4:

Attach all four walls to each other by nailing together and using wood glue.

Step 5:

Turn the walls upside down and nail the bottom piece with legs into place.

Step 6:

Add the triangles.  Use wood glue on the bottom of triangle and use a nail gun at the base of the triangles to secure into the top of the wall.

Step 7:

Add the roof.  Be sure to use plenty of nails, you can sparkle them and will not be able to see them.

Step 8:

*Optional.  The side of the chicken coop is completely optional. You can add it like I did just for looks, not add it at all, or make it where the top is left off to store chicken feed. It’s up to you!

Nail the side coop wall into place.

Step 9:

Nail the side coop bottom and walls into place.

Step 10:

Add the side coop front by nailing into place.

Step 11:

I just stuck the ramp on.  I did not secure it because I wanted the coop to be able to fit away for storage and the ramp can be easily pulled out for play time.

Final Product

Make sure to spackle all the nail holes, give the entire piece a good sanding, prime and paint it the color of your (your childs) choice.