Anybody have a Hen Hut?

[chickmamawannabe]

I'm thinking about getting one next spring, and I'm just wondering how big it is. I'm going to have 3 hens, and none of the sites that I've seen give the actual dimensions. Also, I notice it doesn't have a bottom. I don't plan on moving it around and I'd like for it to have something on the bottom to discourage rats and what not. Any suggestions?

 

[chickmamawannabe]

Anybody?

 

[Pullet Pimp]

Is this what you are talking about?
http://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/product/hen_hut.html

I don't have one but looking at the picture I would guess it to be about 3'x5' or maybe a bit larger but not much more. For the price that seems pretty expensive for what you get, there is less than $50.00 worth of materials there. I would also be suspicious of the plastic netting. That would not stop the rats that you mentioned a concern of, or anything else for that matter. Since you mentioned you don't plan on moving it around there are other things out there that would suit your needs better.

But if you like and want that design a dozen 2x2's, hardware cloth (metal wire not plastic netting), a sheet of plywood, some shingles and hardware and you would have a more secure hut for a fraction of the price if you build it yourself. If you don't think you could build it, contact your local boy scouts and see if one of them would like to build it for you. They would get merit for the project and you could even throw them a few bucks or make a donation to the pack and still save hundreds.

 

[chickmamawannabe]

Yeah, I was kinda worried about the plastic netting too. I think I'm leaning more towards building something myself. Just not sure where to start. I guess I have a while before I'm going to need it though.

 

[Pullet Pimp]

Since you are planning ahead instead of getting chicks first and coop later like I did, keep your eye on the classified ads, craigslist, garage/auction sales for a doghouse or small kids playhouse that you could modify into what will work for you. I see small doghouses and playhouses here all the time that would be the perfect size for your 3-4 birds you are planning for $10-$50. It would already be built and for the cost of modifying you would be way ahead of the game and have a far more predator proof coop.

Good luck.