Amended shed vs OverEz

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thepea

In the Brooder
Mar 5, 2023
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First time chicken owners. Chicks are ordered and will arrive in few months. Need recommendations on shed amended into a coop vs overez prefab coop. 15 chicks are ordered but I realized that the hatchery will likely send up to 18. Weve been pricing sheds ($3600-5400, no joke), had a contractor out to give us an estimate for coop/run. We are needing this coop and run to be 'Fort Knox' as we all every predator (pack rats, rattlesnakes, racoons, coyotes, cougars, bears, and tons of predator birds), extreme wind, snow and extreme cold temps in winter and extreme high temps in summer-north central WA. My concern with the OverEz is that will not be sturdy (or large) enough and with the run from them, the cost is $6k! Thoughts? Thanks!
 
I am not too familiar with many pre fabs but most are too small for the number of birds they state the coop can hold and most also have ventilation issues. OverEz has a better rep than many prefabs but I think you can do a better & safer coop on your own, especially for $6K!
Can you set your handyman up with a copy of "Chicken Coops for Dummies" and a get a quote based on one of the designs in the book?
And welcome to BYC!
 
I don't think any of the OverEZs are big enough for 18. You need approx minimum of 72 sq ft (not including nests) of floor space in the coop for 18 birds, more than that if you ever want to add more birds (assuming you're keeping them for eggs, you need to replace or add new layers every 1-3 years to have some consistency in production). Run needs approx minimum of 180 sq ft, unless you will consistently free range.

The price quoted for a shed isn't unreasonable for a brand new custom build. You may find a better bargain converting a used shed or a shed kit.
 
thepea said:
First time chicken owners. Chicks are ordered and will arrive in few months. Need recommendations on shed amended into a coop vs overez prefab coop. 15 chicks are ordered but I realized that the hatchery will likely send up to 18. Weve been pricing sheds ($3600-5400, no joke), had a contractor out to give us an estimate for coop/run. We are needing this coop and run to be 'Fort Knox' as we all every predator (pack rats, rattlesnakes, racoons, coyotes, cougars, bears, and tons of predator birds), extreme wind, snow and extreme cold temps in winter and extreme high temps in summer-north central WA. My concern with the OverEz is that will not be sturdy (or large) enough and with the run from them, the cost is $6k! Thoughts? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Welcome to BYC!!
 
Hello and welcome to BYC! :frow Glad you joined.
NO to the prefab.
That is pretty steep for a shed but I would be looking for a used shed.
Check your local Craigslist, FB Marketplace and other advertising groups on FB. Visit the shed lots and ask if they ever get used shed. As long as the frame is in good condition, the siding can be easily replaced and moving around framing to place doors where you want them and open up for windows is not that difficult if you have any construction skills and some power tools. I converted an old shed that was on my property into a coop and it was the best thing I ever did for me and my flock.
I found a shed to replace the one I converted from someone down the road who was selling two of them to make way for his new sheds. My neighbor drove his tractor down the road, strapped the shed into the bucket and brought to my house and placed it for me. I paid him with a dozen eggs. :D
 

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