2 min readfrom Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

Finally finished my cordwood chicken coop! Cluckingham palace

Our take

After two summers and a spring of hard work, I’m over the moon to announce that my cordwood chicken coop—affectionately dubbed Cluckingham Palace—is finally complete! This project was born during a tumultuous time in my life, and it provided a much-needed focus, especially during those sleepless nights. The coop features a unique roundhouse design, boasting heavy timber framing and stunning cordwood masonry made from split cedar. Natural light floods in through large windows and whimsical glass bottle ends, creating an enchanting atmosphere for my feathered friends. Now, I’m excited to prepare for chicken move-in day! If you’re curious about the build process, check out my full journey [here](https://imgur.com/gallery/i7N95xB). Plus, if you’re dealing with chicken health issues, don’t miss our article on "Help! Underside balding."
Finally finished my cordwood chicken coop! Cluckingham palace

In the whimsical world of backyard chickens, there's a certain magic to crafting a unique space for our feathered friends, as illustrated by the delightful journey of building a cordwood chicken coop dubbed "Cluckingham Palace." This ambitious project, which took two summers and a spring, reflects more than just a practical need for poultry housing; it symbolizes a personal odyssey of creativity, control, and connection during a tumultuous period in the builder's life. For those of us who have grappled with the chaos of uncertainty, finding solace in a DIY endeavor is an inspiring reminder of how we can channel our energies into something meaningful. It's a narrative that resonates especially well with fellow chicken enthusiasts, particularly those who might be seeking comfort or distraction, much like the stories shared in Help! Underside balding and Coyote Survival.

The technical aspects of the coop’s construction are equally impressive. Utilizing a roundhouse design with heavy timber framing and charming cordwood masonry, the coop is not only functional but visually striking. The creativity shines through in the large windows that invite sunlight, as well as the integration of glass bottle ends, which filter light in a way that transforms the interior into a sunlit sanctuary for the birds. This blend of aesthetics and practicality is what makes backyard chicken keeping such a joyful and fulfilling hobby. It encourages us to think outside the box—literally!—as we consider how our living spaces can reflect our personalities and provide safe havens for our beloved chickens.

Moreover, the builder's willingness to share insights about the construction process adds an engaging layer to the story. It invites the community to learn from one another, fostering a sense of camaraderie among chicken keepers. For those who might feel overwhelmed by the idea of building a coop from scratch, knowing that others have faced similar challenges can be reassuring. The encouragement for questions about the framing and masonry illustrates a supportive spirit that is essential for nurturing a thriving community. It’s this sense of belonging that makes the world of backyard chickens so inviting and accessible, as seen in the excitement over new arrivals in articles like Brahma Babies.

As we look at the broader significance of such projects, it’s clear that the construction of personal chicken coops isn’t just about providing shelter; it’s about creating a sanctuary that reflects our journeys, hopes, and the whimsical nature of life with chickens. Each coop tells a story, acting as a canvas for creativity and resilience against the backdrop of daily life. The Cluckingham Palace is a testament to the power of transformation—both of space and self—offering inspiration for others to embark on their own adventures in chicken keeping, whether that means building a dream coop or simply welcoming a few feathered friends into their lives.

As we celebrate the completion of Cluckingham Palace, we’re left pondering: What new stories and experiences will unfold within its walls? How will this coop inspire its creator and others in the community to explore their own creativity? The journey of chicken keeping continues to evolve, and with it, the stories that bind us all as proud caretakers of our quirky, clucking companions.

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!"

Full build process here : https://imgur.com/gallery/i7N95xB

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#chicken breeds#chicken behavior#chicken myths#chicken anatomy#chicken eggs#chicken coop#cordwood#cordwood masonry#heavy timber framing#roundhouse design#glass bottle ends#split cedar#natural light#angled knee braces#masonry#type s mortar#no cement mortar#urbanite#vent boxes#metakaolin