Prefab vs. Hand-Built Coops.

I like the larger coops like the Deluxe Farmhouse (perfect for 6 standard size birds) that I bought at Tractor Supply, however its put together with brads, not nails and they tend to come loose and the trim, doors, etc. come off and are difficult to put back on because the wood is so thin. I coat mine with a beeswax and mineral oil mix to waterproof them, but it has to be reapplied three or four times a year. Its non toxic though. I also caulk the joints on the roof. The latches always fall apart, or the doors swell when it rains and I can't close them without a lot of effort.

I find that the removable pans the prefab coops all have are too slippery for chicks and I believe that it causes spraddle leg. If someone knows how to make the surface less slick, please let me know. I have tried all sorts of bedding and even the paper used to line parakeet cages, but the hens rip it up or throw the bedding out. Same thing goes with the nest box liners, my hens rip them up.

You've done a fine job of beefing up the structure of a pre-fab coop. But I happen to know that any of your coops would not last 2 years in my climate. Your ideas are practical if the predators in the area can be controlled with something not as strong as stick built and in a less aggressive climate.
For folks wanting to keep chickens under those conditions but are unable to build, purchasing a shed and converting it into a coop I feel is a much better option.

Love this post.. I too think pre-fab is good.. They have such nice ones now.. Love all the pictures of the coops and chickens/roosters.. Great post.. Thank you..

But at the same time this depends where you live. For example, I live out in a very rural community, where we have coyotes, wolves, bears, cougars, weasles, Hawks, eagles, racoons, possums, dogs, cats, snakes, and skunks. So for me personally they are probably not the best idea, but as far as using them for bachelor pens and broody pens, and brooders, they are great! As long as you paint them they last pretty long!

Thank you for an honest and refreshing perspective on the pre fab coop.

I have spent hours on BYC marvelling at the stunning custom built coops, that are more like palaces than coops! The whole time I have been thinking that these projects are so beyond our talents and resources to create. As you say, carpentry to such a high standard is a rare ability.

We have purchased a pre fab coop for our small flock who will be arriving in a few weeks. I have painted it with weather sealant and it looks pretty good! Time will tell.

Well done giving a realistic view on these cute, tiny coops. Your pictures are so pretty & I love all the names.

You are knowledgeable and creative wonderful article and all very honest

Thank you for posting this - especially in regards to size!

We, too, have a couple of pre-fab coops. They sit under a portion of our carport - on bricks, so mostly protected from weather & not directly on the ground. They aren't very picturesque anymore, have survived the rabbits (intended for) and chickens and ducks. They are both set up on bricks - one is 7 yrs old and the 2nd is 5 yrs old. The one that is 7 yrs old went thru a move from previous house to this one.

While I prefer my "custom" built CP coops to be able to walk in and easily clean, access water/feed & eggs, I wouldn't discount the pre-fab coops with all the recommendations that you have.

GREAT ARTICLE!

You help answer a lot of questions. Thank you for your detailed article.

This is a great article! You're right, not everyone can build a coop for whatever reason. I like the suggested improvements and that you've mentioned maintenance is necessary. Lovely setups too! Thanks for sharing.

There is a lot to be said for using prefab coops - as long as your area is relatively predator free and you are willing to do some preventive maintenance. This article outlines many positives for using prefab coops and runs - and is a must-read if you want yours to last!

Very well written article about the pro's and the cons of prefabricated coops vs. DIY coops. Many, many pictures of different prefab coops!
A little biased towards the prefab's, but you are so right: If you are born with two left hands (like me) it is better to buy a prefabricated coop and make it better than spending a lot of money in wood and hardware and end up with something inferior.
Well done!

I believe one of the issues people have with the pre-fab coops are the number of chickens the manufacturers claim will comfortably fit. What have you found with yours? This is a nice addition to the articles section. You give hope to people that can't or won't build their own coop but want to keep poultry.