DIY: Build Your Own UFO Chicken Coop

Tired of the same old boring chicken coop designs? Ready to launch your backyard flock into a new dimension of style and comfort? Then prepare for liftoff with this incredible DIY project: building your very own UFO chicken coop!

Inspired by a love for quirky design and a desire to provide their chickens with the ultimate in avian luxury, one innovative builder took to the skies—metaphorically speaking—and created a chicken coop that’s truly out of this world. The secret? Repurposing readily available materials and a healthy dose of ingenuity.

From Satellite Dish to Starship:

The foundation of this extraterrestrial abode begins with a pair of discarded satellite dishes. The builder found two 10-foot dishes on Craigslist, transforming what was once used to receive signals from space into the main structure of a comfortable and secure chicken coop. Small, strategically placed “bubble windows” were cut around the edges of the dishes, providing the hens with panoramic views of their earthly domain.

Creature Comforts for Cosmic Chickens:

Inside the UFO, an 8-foot circular floor creates ample space for your feathered friends. The floor is made with handles so you can easily remove it when it needs cleaning and is covered with countertop laminate for easy cleaning, ensuring a hygienic and easily maintainable environment.

Weatherproofed for Interstellar Travel (and Idaho Winters):

Recognizing the need to protect their miniature Serama chickens from harsh Idaho winters, the builder insulated the coop with 1-inch Styrofoam around each panel. This insulation was then covered with roofing felt, a waterproof barrier similar to tar paper, ensuring the coop remains dry and draft-free, no matter the weather.

High-Tech Heat and Illumination:

The builder didn’t stop at insulation. Two 250w ceramic heat emitters, controlled by a Raspberry Pi running the PrivateEyePi project, provide supplemental heat during the coldest months. This ensures the chickens stay cozy, even when temperatures plummet.

But the real magic happens with the lighting! To truly capture the essence of a UFO, the builder installed individually addressable LEDs housed in 2-inch clear tubing. Powered by a 5v 4a power supply and controlled by an Arduino Mega, these lights create a dazzling display that will have your neighbors wondering if they’ve stumbled upon a close encounter of the chicken kind. The power source is conveniently located on the back hatch door.

Ready for launch?

The full plans and instructions for this incredible UFO chicken coop can be found on the Backyard Chickens website. So, gather your materials, unleash your inner builder, and prepare to launch your chickens into a new era of coop design! This project is a testament to the power of creative repurposing and a reminder that even the most ordinary materials can be transformed into something extraordinary. Happy building!

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