A newbie need advices for how to shop for a coop

[Sheizavietwoman]

I was gifted 6 black austrolorp baby chicks 3 weeks ago. My cousin bought it from TSC. I don’t really know if they are medicated or not, how old they are. But they are getting a lot bigger and starting to peck on each other. So I separated them in 2 bins (3 chicks/each) that is located in my breakfast/kitchen area. I have been shopping for a coop online since I got them but no luck finding one. I have no ideas how big an austrolorp would be. I need some advices on the size of the coop and the run. And what is an affordable price for a coop at that size. We live in a city, and our city has very strict restrictions on raising chickens. We are planning on to locate the coop in our open backyard (we don’t have a fence). My husband is definitely not a handy man and he wouldn’t want to try to help building as I already asked. Also we don’t have tools for me to figure it out either. I’m really stressed out about shopping for a coop right now.
P/s: those are photos of my birds and my backyard looks like.
Thank you very much in advance for any helps.

 

[Mamatomany123]

You are going to need to spend a pretty penny to get a coop and run secure enough to withstand and unfenced yard.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Welcome to the forum, glad you joined.

Unfortunately you are in a tight situation and don't have a lot of time to react. They grow really fast and you will soon want them out of your house. You might consider a temporary place out in your garage.

Frankly your best option may be to get rid of them, maybe on Craigslist. If you decide to go that route we can discuss it in more detail. You are just not ready for them.

The chickens won't care what it looks like but in your neighborhood I think it will to you and your neighbors. Since it is visible I think that is a critical issue.

As for size, where are you located? My concern is your climate, especially winter weather. The colder and snowier you are the more room they need in the coop when the run is denied them. In a reasonably nice climate a 4' x 6' coop should work. If you get much snow I would not go smaller than a 4' x 8'. And you'll need a run outside. A 6' x 10' would be a nice size.

You can probably find a prefab shed at Home Depot or Lowe's. They will erect it for you though talk to them about a foundation. You'll need to modify it with nests, roosts, a pop door, plus add ventilation. They never have enough ventilation. Plus you will need a run. You may be able to find a handyman do do that for you. It's not that hard if you have the tools and a little bit of knowledge as to how to but it can be intimidating.

Another option would be to look under the "Articles" tab at the top of this page for coops. Then look for one the right size that you like. Many of them include instructions and such. Again, try to find a handyman to build it for you. Finding one and timing will likely be challenging.

Most of us have a pretty poor opinion of prefab coops. They typically only really hold a fraction of the number of chickens they advertise. They are usually not well-designed for chickens. They have more nests than they need. Roosts are generally inadequate or poorly positioned. Ventilation is often pretty poor. Right now I'd expect a delivery period to be pretty long, with the pandemic many people are looking to start with chickens. If you do find one put a link on here and let us critique it. That could save you some grief.

 

[BullChick]

Not having a coop before you get chicks is common. Some of us say it helped us stay motivated to get the coop done.
4 ft.² is a good rule for each chicken. A shed with windows and ventilation (lots of ventilation!) is good. Sometimes Lowes has the ones outside on clearance. Even a playhouse can work.
For the run, it doesn’t have to be daunting. 3’ febcing hooked onto a few T posts, with bird netting (about $7 for a big thing of it at Lowes) is fine. So is nailing a few boards together for a frame. Hardware cloth is safer, but as long as the chickens are locked up at night, not necessary.
Have a pickup or trailer? Look up hoop coops. Super easy!

 

[CinnaBun]

Beautiful Backyard!

Caroline Coops are often mentioned - beautiful and $$$, but may compliment your backard.

Also look at having a coop built on your property- maybe your local feed store has recommendations or a posting board. Maybe try Craigslist, Facebook or other online listing?

From what I've read, in general, 4 sq feet per bird for the coop. 10 sq feet per bird for run.

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome!
I think a shed from the big box store might be fastest option, installed on a dig-proof foundation, and with added hardware cloth covered windows and ventilation. Then, dog kennel fencing will give some protection as a run, not perfect, but it's something.
Having one built would be nice, if you can hire someone immediately, and use a good design.
Don't forget to make sure you follow whatever setbacks and requirements are met in your city or township!
Having chickens is fun, their fresh eggs are great, but keeping them safe is a big deal, and many of us have learned the hard way that our coops weren't good enough!
Pictures! Post pictures!
Mary

 

[rosemarythyme]

You have a lovely yard!

I have no ideas how big an austrolorp would be. I need some advices on the size of the coop and the run. And what is an affordable price for a coop at that size. We live in a city, and our city has very strict restrictions on raising chickens.

What are the restrictions for chickens? Do they specific coop or run size, height, set backs, etc?

Australorps are standard sized birds, so minimum 4 sq ft in coop, 10 sq ft in run is the recommendation. Going bigger is better.

Most affordable option would be a hoop coop, but your restrictions may not allow that as they're often considered... not pretty.

 

[LadiesAndJane]

Most cities will allow between 3 to 5 hens only (no roosters), You should check what the rules are before any complaints from the neighbors (there is always at least one who will...)
If you live in an HOA, then the rules are likely to be strict in how the coop can look, how tall, how big, etc. Better to be sure before you build anything.
Australorps are gorgeous when they feather out, with a green sheen to their black feathers.
I had 2, several years ago. They were also the noisiest of the hens I had then. Could have just been mine though and not a breed thing. We lived in the middle of the suburbs back then and were allowed to have 5 (though we had 6 and no one ever checked).
Good luck, I hope you are able to keep them, chickens will give you a lot of joy and entertainment for years!

 

[UrbanFarmAurora]

I put together a prefab coop with no help from my husband, just a screwdriver and hammer in about 2 hours so seeing as you have 3 weeks I think you'll be okay. There's definitely options. While you'd always strive for the best, there's people like you and me that don't have the means or resources to build a custom coop, and that's okay, you can still raise happy and healthy chickens. The little "run" that comes with the prefab coop is extremely small usually, especially without a fenced yard you might want to consider building a longer run which could again be done sans husband with 2x4's and chicken wire, wire cutters and nails that you could attach to the prefab coop. You should be raising the chickens indoors until they are 6 weeks and fully feathered anyway, so don't overly stress on your timeline, my 3 week old chicks are still in my living room, although I clean their crate everyday to keep it from smelling up my house. Also check with your city/county as far as coop location, size and flock size. My cooper/run had to have certain dimensions and be 15 ft from a neighbors property line. I'm allowed 6 hens and no rooster. As with any internet forum, there's going to be perfectionist, keyboard warriors and then a couple people who can actually give you the advice you seek. Good Luck!