Are mail-order coops a good idea?

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muskovy

muskovy

In the Brooder
Mar 17, 2016
30
3
49
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Good morning!
I just got my first chickens, they are two Silkies and one Bantam Cochin, and have been looking for a coop. I have my eye on a couple of mail-order models I found online. They sure look pretty but I'm wondering if they're sturdy enough to keep my girls (or boys, who knows) safe against all the raccoons we have around. Also, living in Florida we get lots of rain, are these coops a good idea? Thanks!
 
Just my $0.02 but they're generally not, but that's strictly my opinion only. I'm only talking about the coops I've seen for sale in places like TSC; there might be some decent coops out there but everything I looked at when we were planning our flock was way too small and nowhere near sturdy enough to stand up to determined predators and bad weather. I just finished our coop/run and our flock is only 11 weeks old tomorrow but we elected to build our own coop. Again, just my opinion, but by designing and building ourselves I think we got a much better value and a coop that'll withstand predators and the weather for a very long time with regular maintenance (painting, etc.).
 
The short answer, no.
They aren't going to hold up to a heavy weather, marine environment like Florida. For a few bantams, a simple 4x4 structure will provide ample room, and won't cost a lot to build yourself. Look through the Coops section on this forum for some easy to follow plans. Most hardware/lumber stores will do all the cuts for you, as long you have the right measurements. If you can work a drill, you can build a coop.
 
junebuggena said:
The short answer, no.
They aren't going to hold up to a heavy weather, marine environment like Florida. For a few bantams, a simple 4x4 structure will provide ample room, and won't cost a lot to build yourself. Look through the Coops section on this forum for some easy to follow plans. Most hardware/lumber stores will do all the cuts for you, as long you have the right measurements. If you can work a drill, you can build a coop.
Click to expand...
X2. Try looking on Craig's List also. Lots of people build coops on the side. Just adhere to the space requirements, at least 4sq' for each bird. Good luck!
 
I searched high and low and I only found one, that's one company that you can order one that's decent for my flock and weather xonditions. All the people willing to make and sell them the price was min like 800 for 4 hens! Nuts. Mine was 500 on sale plus 70 for freight delivery. Easy to assemble but not going to withhold extreme weather like snow or excessive rain. I live in cali so it works. I had to seal it.
400


And I did tons of research. Better off building your own for sure. I eventually want to just got this one for now and it gives me time to really make an awesome one....after RN school in may that is hehe
 

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