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We’ve raised meat birds on our homestead for six years. Last year, our kids raised meat birds for the first time in their local 4-H program.
We were not correctly set up to handle the amount of birds and had to make due. This year, we wanted to keep costs low and use what we had to create a large chicken coop to hold 30+ birds.
When I saw a video on Instagram of a chicken coop under the trampoline, I knew it was something we could do. ( I shared a quick look at ours on Tiktok here)
We used one of the older chicken runs we used in the past and connected it to the trampoline.
This way, the chickens have a spot to go when it’s raining hard and stay dry.
With summer break coming up, the girls didn’t want to miss out on using the trampoline this summer, so we created a chicken coop that would work for both.
When the girls jump on the trampoline, some stay under it, and the others run to the covered run. I hope this post helps inspire you to use what you have and raise some meat birds this season.
Why a Trampoline Chicken Coop?
Benefits & Potential Impact
Repurposing a trampoline into a chicken coop is eco-friendly and budget-savvy. Here’s why this innovative idea is gaining traction:
- Cost-Efficient: Utilizing an old trampoline can save money compared to buying or building a traditional coop from scratch.
- Spacious Design: A trampoline’s circular shape provides ample space for chickens to roam, promoting healthier and happier birds.
- Elevated Structure: Trampolines are elevated, which helps in protecting chickens from ground predators and provides better ventilation.
- Sustainability: Recycling a trampoline reduces waste and gives new life to an otherwise discarded item.
This innovation is making waves in the chicken coop market by providing a creative, sustainable, cost-effective solution for poultry farmers.
Creating Your Trampoline Chicken Coop: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to transform that unused trampoline into a functional chicken coop? Here’s how:
Materials Needed
- Old trampoline (preferably 10+ feet in diameter) or trampoline you still use
- Chicken wire or hardware cloth
- Zip ties or wire clips
- Tarp or waterproof cover( if your trampoline only has a frame)
- Wooden boards or planks
- Hinges and latches for doors
- Basic tools (screwdriver, wire cutters, etc.)
Step-by-Step Process
- Secure the Frame: Place the frame in a desired location. Ensure it’s stable and level. Install the springs and jumping mat to serve as the coop’s roof. This step is complete if your trampoline is already set up and used. If you only have the frame of the trampoline, then you will need to use netting, a tarp, or additional hardware cloth to close the top portion of the frame to keep predators out and, ideally, create some shade to keep your chickens out of the direct sunlight.
- Attach Chicken Wire: Wrap chicken wire or hardware cloth around the frame, securing it with zip ties or wire clips. This will form the walls of your coop. If possible, run the bottom end of the material outward approximately 6 inches at ground level and secure it with some stakes to help keep predators from digging under and into the coop. Leave one section of the frame with no chicken wire so you have an opening to use as a doorway.
- Build the Door: Use wooden boards to construct a door frame. Attach it to the framework of the trampoline using large hose clamps or use metal screws to fasten directly to the metal posts. Once this wood frame is in place, cut a piece of plywood big enough to cover the opening and use wood screws to attach hinges. Install a latch on the other side to secure the door.
- Accessorize and Secure: Make sure all edges are secure, and there are no sharp points. Most importantly, ensure no gaps in your chicken wire or hardware cloth that any predator could fit through. Add feeders, waterers, and bedding if needed in the coop. There is no need for nesting boxes or roosting bars since meat chickens are only raised for 6-8 weeks. They don’t get old enough to lay eggs and are likely to break a leg if they fall from a roosting bar since they grow so heavy so quickly. A heat lamp is also necessary if you live where the nights can get cold.
- Place your chickens in your new coop after they are big enough to leave the brooder and watch them grow!
We are still turning the heat lamp on for our meat chicks because the overnight lows are still in the 50s. They still huddle up under it. The meat birds are so sensitive to temperature changes. We haven’t had to add any shavings yet, which is nice and another savings.
When a chicken is getting too hot, there are noticeable signs. Learn how to keep your chickens cool here.
For our feeder we used a PVC pipe and drilled four holes at the end for the birds to eat out of. They will overcrowd this, so we have another feeder set up under the trampoline. It seems to be working well with two feeders and two waterers.
Advantages of Raising Chickens for Meat
Raising chickens for meat provides numerous benefits:
- Fresh, Organic Meat: Home-raised chickens ensure you have access to fresh, hormone-free poultry.
- Cost Savings: Raising your chickens can be more economical than buying meat from the store over time.
- Sustainable Living: Producing your own food reduces your carbon footprint and promotes a sustainable lifestyle.
- Quality Control: You have complete control over what your chickens eat and how they are treated.
We put a piece of wood here for the girls when they still want to get on the trampoline to jump.
Pros and Cons of Poultry Farming
Pros
- High Demand: Poultry products are always in high demand, ensuring a steady market.
- Short Growth Cycle: Chickens grow quickly, allowing for faster turnover.
- Versatility: Chickens provide both meat and eggs, offering dual-purpose benefits.
Cons
- Initial Investment: Starting poultry farming requires an upfront investment in supplies and equipment.
- Time Commitment: Chickens require daily care, feeding, and monitoring.
- Health Risks: Poultry farming can pose health risks if biosecurity measures are not adhered to.
Practical Tips for Beginners
- Start Small: Begin with a manageable number of chickens and gradually expand as you gain experience.
- Educate Yourself: Learn about poultry care, disease prevention, and biosecurity measures.
- Stay Organized: Keep a feeding, cleaning, and health checks scheduled.( Things like looking for pasty butt on young chicks. etc.)
- Network: Join local poultry farming groups or online forums to learn from experienced farmers.
Sourcing High-Quality Supplies
- Local Farm Stores: Find local farm supply stores for affordable equipment and feed.
- Online Retailers: Websites like Tractor Supply Co. and My Pet Chicken offer many supplies.
- Second-Hand Resources: Don’t shy away from second-hand stores or online marketplaces for cost-effective equipment.
Transforming a trampoline into a chicken coop is more than a fun DIY project—it’s a step towards sustainable living and efficient poultry farming. With these tips and tricks, you’re well on your way to creating a safe, spacious, and innovative home for your market birds.
Check out more of our chicken articles:
10 Amazing Annuals that Can Tolerate Heat and Dry Weather
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