So overwhelmed over getting started with coop and run. Can someone help just narrow a few things dow

The pre built ones you see all over the internet (ware makes one for example) are nearly all junk and way overpriced. In the pictures they look much bigger than they actually are and they way over estimate the number of chickens they will hold. Most are not weatherproof (i.e. watertight) and will need to be refinished before the first summer is over. They also almost universally have cheap hardware and very thin wood. Unless you make it yourself and way over engineer it a tractor is going to require a lot of maintenance and fixing. Its hard on a rigid structure to be moved around. Also most that you buy are going to have the same problems as regular "coops" you buy. And they tend not to have a floor which makes them a hazard for the chickens.
Even if you aren't very handy, the best bet is to look on craigslist and get either a used chicken coop or shed and make the changes you want. Just keep in mind that chicken wire isn't predator proof at all. If you put effort into making your coop and run predator proof and as big as you can, then leaving them in it when you are away won't be a problem. Make the coop easy to access to clean.
 
there is a great DIY chicken coup on you-tube that i ran across the other day! it has a framed in run and secure house with 2 nest boxes and is "supposed to house up to 5 chickens"! Search google for "petchickens101" and it gives very detailed instuctions on building this coup.

After i watched it i would probably extend the run as i have to keep mine confined 24/7 dude to predetation. but if you are to range them at all it might just be perfect for ya. my main coup/run is a 20'x20' chainlink pen that i ran some cordage across the middle and have some XL tarps over top currently until i can get a netting in place

I was the same way trying to be as thorough as possbile and ended up over-thinking the whole ordeal. get you some nice non-flighty birds, make sure they stay happy where they are and they tend to be content!

Best of luck!
 

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