I just don't have the skills and need some advice on purchased coops

[chick'n'weave]

I get the feeling after reading posts, that everybody out there is very handy with DIY coops. Wish I was. Have no relatives or neighbors close enough to ask for help either. So I am hoping that someone else out there has purchased a coop and finds it is just right for their full grown flock. I plan to keep 4-6 hens and would like to have a run attached as well. Any advice is welcome. thanks.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

My best advice is not to purchase a premade coop.
They are overpriced and all grossly over exaggerate how many chickens the building will hold. I often see coops that say they can hold 15 and they're barely adequate for 4.
They apparently are companies that do building but know nothing about chickens. Not enough ventilation and way more nest boxes than the chickens will need.
I like to tell them, "save the money on the nest boxes and make the coop better".

If you don't want to build from scratch, I have two suggestions.
If you have any skills at all, buy a prefab storage shed from a big box store and modify it to suit chickens.
Or
Go to the coops tab at the top of this page and peruse all the appropriately sized buildings people have made. Most have complete plans and bill of materials.
Then go on Craigslist and find a carpenter, show him/her the plans and have them build your ideal coop for you.

 

[chick'n'weave]

Thanks so much for your suggestions. As I kept shopping for premade coops, and then read reviews, they were always mixed messages, so it's hard to know what to believe. I knew BYC would give me straight answers! Appreciate your time in responding with helpful ideas.

 

[junebuggena]

If you are able to assemble a prefab coop, you are more than capable of building your own. It's really not that hard. And most hardware/lumber stores will do all the major cuts for you.
Look through the coops section for ideas. Many of the coops featured there also have detailed plans.

 

[chick'n'weave]

thanks for the boost in confidence! I'll take a close look at the coop plans.

 

[ScottandSam]

If I couldn't build I think I'd go with one of these for 4 hens.
https://www.mypetchicken.com/catalog/Chicken-Coops/The-Clubhouse-Coop-w-Run-4-chickens-p1167.aspx

You have to add a run in options.

But I like the look.

If you can build and let me add the forum here has helped non builders build some awesome coop. Then you would be better served to go that way.
Lmk when the build threads start and I will help anyway I can.
Scott

 

[chick'n'weave]

Thank you Scott, for the great suggestions and the link to clubhouse coop. I don't have access to power saws to cut wood lengths, but maybe Lowe's would cut pieces for me. I will definitely return to BYC folks for advice when the build begins.

 

[RichM]

If you are a homeowner you would probably find lots of uses for a circular saw at least. Without that, I don't think Lowe's will do all the cutting for you. They can do the big ones, but there will be many you will want to do yourself.

 

[junebuggena]

Thank you Scott, for the great suggestions and the link to clubhouse coop. I don't have access to power saws to cut wood lengths, but maybe Lowe's would cut pieces for me. I will definitely return to BYC folks for advice when the build begins.

Both Lowes and Home Depot will do cuts for you. They will even cut plywood to size for you. All you need is to come prepared with your measurements.

 

[ScottandSam]

I would think having them cut the wood that you will have to know exactly what your building down to inches figure out before you go. On my coop that would have been a nightmare but on the mini coop I'm building for rooster it might be doable if I had a couple hours to burn. I personally would invest in a skill saw you have it on hand when this coops not big enough and you need to add a addition

Scott