Hey everyone, We are getting ready to move out to the farm, and I was wondering if anyone had considered using old swing set frames to make a coop. You could have the lower part open with screen, and enclose the top part for the coop. What do you think? has anyone tried anything similar? Let me hear from you. Thanks a bunch.

-- Susan n'Emily in Tn (animalcrackers55@hotmail.com), April 15, 2001

Answers

Response to What about those old swingset frames?

I used one to suspend all wire rabbit cages. It put the cages at a comfortable working height for me and gave plenty of room for clean out when the time came. I think someone on the Forum also used a swingset frame for a greenhouse. Coming up with off the wall uses for things is one of the more fun parts of homesteading to me. Go for it.

-- marilyn (rainbow@ktis.net), April 15, 2001.

Response to What about those old swingset frames?

I was just thinking about the same thing when I saw the new sets outside the stores this past weekend. If you try it let us hear how it works. The other thing I've heard suggested for old swing set frames is to make a greenhouse out of them. I say go for it.

-- Trisha-MN (tank@Linkup.net), April 15, 2001.

Hello S n E, Swingset frames sound like a fine idea for a chicken coup but, where would you put the nest boxes so you could access them from the outside? Where would you put an entrance for yourself, so you could enter the coup to clean it? These are my first thoughts on the matter. It would be easy to cover the swingset frame with some kind of tin or other build material but, make sure that you run the lower ends of the material below the surface of the ground to discourage varmints from digging under it. Another fine use for swingset frames would be to cover them with clear plastic and make them into a green house. Personally, that would be the best idea for its use instead of a chicken coup. Sincerely, Ernest

-- http://communities.msn.com/livingoffthelandintheozarks (espresso42@hotmail.com), April 16, 2001.

Have you considered hanging new swings on them :)? We were given an old swingset with broken swings. The frame was rusty but sturdy so I repainted it and hung a porch swing on it. It's very popular in nice weather.

-- DMT (dmtaylor@fanninelectric.com), April 17, 2001.

Never tried them as a coop...but I did use one for a bean trellis once....worked great!

-- Jason (AJAMA5@netscape.net), April 17, 2001.

Have you considered using two old frames, one right side up and one upside down, attached together? Seems to me you could then roof or even floor it, and use the in between space as a sort of teepee doorway. Just a thought.

-- blue eggs (blueeggs@united.net), April 18, 2001.

Hey - i need parts for an old steel swingset. Specifically - the seats that go on the little teeter-totter thing the kids sit on. Any of you guys got anything like this?

thanks, clarkgordon@yahoo.com

-- clark gordon (clarkgordon@yahoo.com), February 07, 2002.