anybody use one of these?

[twodogs]

Quote:
Thanks! As I mentioned in my original post, the site stopped me from doing a direct cut & paste of the url. I used the word-link tab & it allowed it. I am new to the site, and what has worked in other forums didn't work here. I'm learning...

 

[DelcoChix]

I have a coop from CConly and have no regrets. They are not made from heavy duty pine 2x4's, but would you be able to afford the shipping if they were? For what I needed the one coop has been great and the company was very nice to work with. I did have the bonus of living close enough to pick them up in person (no shipping)...a good thing. Here's the link to the previous post from 'wannabchick' where I'd posted a few pics of my 'special...silly girls coop,' for the bantam cochins and silkie so you can see how it's held up so far with a fairly tough Ohio winter. Good luck in your decision!
www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=5638336

 

[OkChickens]

I would use you existing shed for a few reasons,

1. The shed will not take much cost to make it chicken friendly. Meaning Roosts, Nest Boxes, Feeders, Waterers, and Ventalation, maybe Lights.
2. You shed probably is constructed better than those coops.
3. Those coops would be good if you want 4 hens to fit and be content. Having more room to expand is a good thing.
4. CHICKEN MATH!!! A small flock in spring of 2011 could mean 4-5 more in the fall and 4-5 more next spring and so on!

I have nothing against Prefabricated coops, I just have always used what I have had to suite my needs. I would look on Craigslist for used chicken coops or to modify your shed!

Good luck with your first flock and feel free to ask as many questions here!

-Nate

 

[patandchickens]

If you want to build something (prefab or from scratch) don't use a coop kit or plans -- use SHED kit or plans. Seriously. There are hardly any things advertised as "coops" that are really very well designed for people and chickens, whereas practically any shed can be converted into a really GOOD coop. (Ideally pick one that has significant roof overhang, and preferably shed- or gable-roofed rather than gambrel (barn) roofed).

Also shed kits are typically cheaper per square foot of usable space than "coop" kits.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[annie3001]

Quote:
x2. exactly

 

[twodogs]

We settled on modifying a part of our existing shed.

We built a 12 X 16 shed about 10 years ago. We also put an additional 8' roof on one of the 16' sides. We closed in the ends & have used it for firewood storage, tractor implements, and most recently, a dog kennel. We decided to alter it since it is so protected & has electricity running through it already.

Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[wannabchick]

Quote:

 

[terry's chicks]

We chose to do what you thought of and that was take an exsisting storage building and use it, I found that there was a lot of junk we didn't use, good for yard sale to pay for the interior conversion. Still we have spent several weekends building nesting boxes, roosts, storage for food and other things we might need. Enclosing all the areas, so no prediator can get in, Much more work than I thought but that's also because my husband is a perfectionist. I'll post some pictures when we get it done, thanks to this website and forum I have got all the plans from all your information. Thanks to everyone

 

[OkChickens]

Quote:
Make sure when you make a run to use 2x4 welded wire and hardware cloth. Also use hardware cloth to cover the open windows and for ventilation.

-Nate