Quality Coop Retailers

[Shelbysoobs]

I had hired a contractor to build me a custom coop but he’s been a horrific flake and still hasn’t started yet and my chickens are 6 weeks and I’m freaking out. I have 3 hens and want to give them a 7x7 walk In run area with raised coop inside to maximize the square footage. I am considering purchasing something now, and want to buy something made with quality materials, sturdy, functional and intentional design etc. I love Carolina coops but they don’t have any size options that i can make work in my Space.

Are there any other retailers out there like that I can look into as well?

All my googling is turning up prefab overpriced crap.

Thanks in advance!

 

[nuthatched]

Is there any other contractors or handy men in your area?

 

[3KillerBs]

Welcome to BYC. Where, in general, are you? Climate matters, especially when it comes to housing.

There is very little available in prefabs that aren't undersized, under-ventilated, and ill-built.

A hoop coop might be your best option. They're the easiest build for a person without a lot of DIY experience.

Hoop Coops

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/hoop-tractor.69336/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/hoop-coop-brooder-with-roll-up-sides.75720/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-biddie-bordello-a-hoop-coop-run-combo.72189/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/permanent-hoop-coop-guide.47818/

 

[SourRoses]

You won't get anything nice going the prefab route. They are all overpriced and suck.
We try to avoid saying that when someone already has one and has to somehow make it work, but when you're still looking, just don't even...

Instead, look into what you can build yourself, or hire someone else. You could also just buy a shed and convert it (add lots of ventilation though).

 

[Toothpick]

Agree with everyone above - pre-fab stuff from places like TSC pretty well suck. I went that route when I first got chickens many years ago. It worked well for a season then it was toast.

I went to Lowes and bought a 8x10 (I think that’s the size) storage shed and converted it in to a coop. Couple guys came out and built it in a day. Lowes contracts these guys and you can pretty well be assured it will be done quickly and correct otherwise Lowes is on the hook. I added the nest boxes, poop boards, and a little area in the back for baby chicks. 5 years and still going strong. It could use another paint job but no issues otherwise.

Options are pretty much endless when you go this route too. I can add anything more I need to the inside, even electric if needed.

Of course they have smaller units too. This size was $1500 (5 years ago). Not sure what they are now. But TBH, you’d spend that much with those disposable pre-fab coops with replacing them every year. Buy once, cry once.

 

[texsuze]

I'd go the Tuff Shed route as mentioned. Otherwise, get on Craigslist (yeah, I know, "iffy" at best) and post a Help Wanted, specifying your needs and timeline. Also, don't forget to add your general geographic location to your profile, in case someone in your state has a good reference for a builder.

 

[AnnPann]

Omlet brand coops and walk in runs are decent. Go for the Cube not the Go (better quality, studier, easier to clean, and way better ventilation). I have both Go and Cube attached to a 9x9 walk in run. Pricey, but not nearly as much as Carolina. See some of my other posts on what you’ll need to do extra to modify, specifically for predators and weather.

One good thing about Omlets is that you can assemble almost entirely on your own. I’m not sure handy or very strong, but I did my whole setup nearly by myself. My kids helped me with zip ties (feeding them back to me on the outside).

If you end up getting your custom one built down the road, Omlet coops have decent resale value, or hang onto it as they make good broody/injury/chick coops.