Any ideas?

[Rookie Raiser]

I currently got 15 bantam chicks (9 cochin 5 being frizzle, 5 silkies, 1 OEGB) and hav NO idea what to do for an inexpensive coop. How big should the coop and run be? They will be confined most of the time due to predators, but will b let out every now and then supervised. Any ideas? Any links/pic of coops u hav made? Thanks ahead of time!!

 

[thomasboyle]

I recommend converting a shed into a coop. This gives you plenty of room for the chickens, feed, tools, hay / shaving storage etc. I built my coop out of a 12x16 shed that was already on the property when we moved in, and 50% is dedicated to chicken space, and the rest is people space. I like it that I don't have to get in with the chickens and their mess when I gather eggs, feed them etc. You can build the shed, buy a used on on Craigslist, or get a new one. I saw a cool no-rot molded plastic one at BJ's (similar to Sam's / Costco) for $600. If I had to do it again, and a shed was not already there, I would go with one of the plastic ones.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I suggest you follow the link in my signature to get an idea on size. There is no one-size-fits-all” but what works for you depends on all the different things that makes each of us unique. Climate and different management techniques are just a few of those.

Where do you live? What is your climate like? This can have a big effect on what kind of coop you need. What outbuildings do you have? Converting one of those can make a huge difference in cost.