Builders Life Goes To The Birds

Doug Froland's life has gone to the birds...literally. Like many of us, the economic downturn has caused many to re-evaluate what they do and how they do business.

Froland's Business, Bald Eagle Construction, felt the pinch too as big accounts became little accounts and little accounts faded away. But still he persevered.

Froland's wife & daughter both enjoy horseback riding and are active members of Orting's River Riders 4H Club. At a recent meeting, the owner of the ranch asked Froland if he'd be interested in building a chicken coop. Not just any chicken coop, one that was easy for his kids to collect eggs from, one that was mobile and could be moved easily for the chickens to forage naturally.

"He wanted it to be something that could be placed anywhere, so that the chickens could be like 'pets' and the kids could just collect the eggs without having a bunch of gear or barns to wade through". said Froland. "So he gave me a couple of ideas, some space in the barn and a check to get started!"

The end result suddenly has people from around the region asking Froland to build them a chicken coop (see Gallery at the bottom of this story).

"It really turned out nice! I have the plans all drawn up, equipment lists, everything! Folks just need to call and I can have one ready for them within a week!"

Froland's chicken coops are part of a nationwide movement for people to grow their own food. With his design, the user simply lifts a lid to collect the eggs, or two convenient other portals to the chicken's living area...a side door, and a side window.

The chickens have two levels in which to live, a ramp that takes them from one level to another when they don't 'fly' up to the upper level, and food and water are conveniently stored under the ramp.

"The size I built here is about 3 feet wide by eight feet long and is just over 5 feet tall." added Froland.

The chicken coop can be placed adjacent anything on your property as it needs less space than a sheet of plywood to call home. Then 'farm fresh' eggs are all yours!

Doug Froland welcomes all orders for his chicken coop and encourages you to contact him soon through his website (www.baldeagleconst.com) for quickest delivery.

Added Froland, "I'm still a helluva contractor so bathroom and kitchen remodels, a new deck for Spring, anything you require a great contractor for...you can call for that too!"

Editor's Note: Doug Froland remodeled our kitchen and its the envy of Orville Road. We recommend him completely.