About how much is it to build a coop?

[teach1rusl]

I would definitely research: Space needs, safety needs, suitable breeds for your area...
Search Craigs List: Often times you can find really large wooden dog houses (but look up space requirements for chickens) for free or very cheap. These can be remodeled pretty cheaply to make decent little coops for a few chickens. I often times see the 6 ft. tall dog runs for sale on CL, and with good wire on top (run roof) and small mesh wire around the bottom half, can make a quick, safe run. I think for a safe set-up that is comfortable for a few chickens, you could probably do with $200 if you take your time to look for bargains.

 

[Tigerjane]

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My husband will love this line

 

[patandchickens]

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Ask at local feedstores. They should either carry it (not on display - you have to ASK) or be able to order it (assuming you want a reasonable amount, like at least a 50' roll)

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[SarahBeth9394]

Ah I was hoping you'd reply Pat. Yep we'll need a 50 ft roll. I'm still mulling the two layers of chicken wire over the 2x2 mesh. Is it worth a try? Our yard is fully fenced and we get a skunk or two a year that will come through but nothing bigger than that. Had a bad summer 4 years ago where the dogs got skunked 3 times. I haven't seen a coon yet. Next door had an armadillo last year but they aren't fenced.

 

[SGM]

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Ask at local feedstores. They should either carry it (not on display - you have to ASK) or be able to order it (assuming you want a reasonable amount, like at least a 50' roll)

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

I ditto that. Our feedstore even sells it by the foot. So check around at local feedstores.

 

[mikeingeorgia]

My neighbor just built a chicken tractor about 10' long by about 5' high for roughly $20 just by simply scrounging for materials. It's even got wheels. His backyard is already fenced though and he has 2 dogs that get along quite well with his chickens that'll fend off any predators so the tractor itself didn't need to be Ft. Knox. He told everyone what he was up to and everyone had something laying around they were willing to donate. He just waited until he had enough material collected to put it all together. It's not gonna be on the cover of Better Homes and Gardens but he's quite pleased with it and the 2 chickens living in it seem to be happy too.

 

[write2caroline]

I liked the catawabe convertable coop - I go the plans and built two of them - the first cost about 115.00 including hardware and the second was about 130.00 - got all the same stuff at the same store but it was later in the summer. I also helped my husband build a coop from pallets. The only cost was the cost of the plans. Andy went on a mission to find free pallets everywhere. I think as of now we can build 5 more coops - He was obsessed there for a while and still cannot pass up a pallet.

They all are good for ventilation and protect the chickens at night.
Caroline

 

[patandchickens]

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THe problem I have with 2x2 wire is that, maybe it's different where you live, but around here, you cannot get GOOD QUALITY stuff, it is all made flimsy for lightweight use only... light gauge (like 18-16 ga) and lousy welds. It is possible for ME to (occasionally) accidentally rip the welds apart with my hands, when trying to get it taut for installation (for non-chicken purposes)... I know people often think that people are stronger than raccoons or dogs, but 'taint so at all, and if *I* can break it, I'm not putting it between predators and chicken takeout, you know?

If you can get good quality 2x2, a single layer of 1/2" hardwarecloth shouldn't cost *much* more than doubled chickenwire, and would be much better. Or, if you can get it, you could consider 1/2" poultry mesh (like chickenwire but smaller holes) -- although I would more recommend that for covering over 1x1 holes than 2x2, it would probably be marginally better than 2 layers of regular chickenwire. Can be hard to locate in many areas, though.

You don't really need anything smaller than 2x2 (if that) for a digproofing apron, though.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[orionburn]

I've mentioned this on here a few times and most seem surprised to find that this exists: http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xoc/R-202024095/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

It's basically combining 2x4 welded wire with hardware cloth. You get better protection down at ground level and then it opens up as it gets higher (28 in total height) and comes in a 50' foot length. I believe Lowe's carries it as well, but in my price comparison Home Depot was cheaper on wire fencing (both do price match, however). This is a cheaper alternative to than using hardware cloth all the way around.

I learned the hard way as well not to skimp. I'm redoing all our coops & runs now. Never had a problem for years and then one night this spring something (coon we think) killed 8 of our animals. Don't want to wake up to that ever again.

For our runs I'm using landscape timbers held together with mending plates and pole barn nails. I spent a LONG time pricing out materials. The timbers, when on sale, were cheaper than the worst 2x4s a store had. Both big box stores have them on sale every few weeks for about $1.97 for an 8' pole. They are heavier than a 2x4, but that's what I wanted. The little things add up quick too - concrete to set your poles, hardware (nails, brackets, etc).

 

[SarahBeth9394]

You know I saw that but didn't think it through. I could go with the 2x4 mesh (I need 5 to 6 foot high) then put that on the bottom as well. Or get a 4 high roll. Ok thanks for helping me think that through. And if I get lucky to get some chainlink off CL I could put that on the bottom.