Anyone have good luck buying/modifying a prefab or some other structure? (Seattle area)

[MTKitty]

I would consider that more of a custom build then a prefab. By prefab I’m referring mostly to the off the shelves versions sold online and by farm stores.

Gotcha. I would agree with you under that definition. I started shopping enclosures and coops at the farm store. I quickly found out their stuff would barely satisfy minimum requirements. That’s when I ordered my coop to be delivered pre-made and put up my own fence (until I can get it done by a professional).

Customs are lovely if you can find the right person/team to make them.

Definitely. I count myself lucky to have found them.

 

[charlotte-and-the-bees]

Gotcha. I would agree with you under that definition. I started shopping enclosures and coops at the farm store. I quickly found out their stuff would barely satisfy minimum requirements. That’s when I ordered my coop to be delivered pre-made and put up my own fence (until I can get it done by a professional).

Definitely. I count myself lucky to have found them.

What coop did you end up getting?

 

[MTKitty]

There’s a company in my area called Pioneer Sheds. I don’t know how far out they go geographically, but they have franchise builders make a variety of barns, sheds, and other small generic buildings that are then delivered to the customer upon completion.

They have a website, I think, that shows the type of stuff they build. My plans are to order a greenhouse, barn, and storage shed for delivery this coming spring.

 

[Offshoreorca]

Gotcha. I would agree with you under that definition. I started shopping enclosures and coops at the farm store. I quickly found out their stuff would barely satisfy minimum requirements. That’s when I ordered my coop to be delivered pre-made and put up my own fence (until I can get it done by a professional).

Definitely. I count myself lucky to have found them.

I had my small barn built by a local company and then delivered, so a similar idea to what you did. Then I painted and put in flooring, windows, the divider (plus screen door), as well as built the run portion myself.

@charlotte-and-the-bees I definitely would recommend starting with a baby barn/custom built structure if it’s within your budget.

 

[3KillerBs]

If you need to go the hoop coop route here are some good examples:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/hoop-tractor.69336/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/hoop-coop-brooder-with-roll-up-sides.75720/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-biddie-bordello-a-hoop-coop-run-combo.72189/reviews
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/permanent-hoop-coop-guide.47818/reviews

I find the term "baby barn" concerning. "Barn" usually implies a gambrel roof and gambrels are notoriously difficult to ventilate properly.

 

[Offshoreorca]

If you need to go the hoop coop route here are some good examples:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/hoop-tractor.69336/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/hoop-coop-brooder-with-roll-up-sides.75720/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-biddie-bordello-a-hoop-coop-run-combo.72189/reviews
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/permanent-hoop-coop-guide.47818/reviews

I find the term "baby barn" concerning. "Barn" usually implies a gambrel roof and gambrels are notoriously difficult to ventilate properly.

We do have a gambrel-style roof, but have had no issues with ventilation at all (we certainly did modify this a lot with hardware cloth covered venting). Winter temperatures are down to -20C/-4F and we are in a high humidity coastal area, with no frost bite or other common ventilation problems, so it can be done

I agree that you have to be careful and think it through properly, as these are not so easily ventilated as some other designs.

 

[3KillerBs]

We do have a gambrel-style roof, but have had no issues with ventilation at all (we certainly did modify this a lot with hardware cloth covered venting). Winter temperatures are down to -20C/-4F and we are in a high humidity coastal area, with no frost bite or other common ventilation problems, so it can be done

I agree that you have to be careful and think it through properly, as these are not so easily ventilated as some other designs.

Have you made a coop page article showing your modifications and how you achieved good ventilation?

It would be very useful for the many people who end up with a gambrel-roof shed to convert.

 

[Offshoreorca]

Have you made a coop page article showing your modifications and how you achieved good ventilation?

It would be very useful for the many people who end up with a gambrel-roof shed to convert.

I have a coop page, but it doesn't discuss ventilation modifications. I can certainly work on adding this over the coming months!

A combination of good ventilation, keeping the coop "clean" (deep bedding over the winter), and encouraging birds to maximize their time spent outside, has resulting in no issues with excess moisture or ammonia.

 

[3KillerBs]

I have a coop page, but it doesn't discuss ventilation modifications. I can certainly work on adding this over the coming months!

A combination of good ventilation, keeping the coop "clean" (deep bedding over the winter), and encouraging birds to maximize their time spent outside, has resulting in no issues with excess moisture or ammonia.

Please do. It would be really informative.

 

[Sally PB]

We do have a gambrel-style roof, but have had no issues with ventilation at all (we certainly did modify this a lot with hardware cloth covered venting). Winter temperatures are down to -20C/-4F and we are in a high humidity coastal area, with no frost bite or other common ventilation problems, so it can be done

I agree that you have to be careful and think it through properly, as these are not so easily ventilated as some other designs.

Until you can write about it, can you post some pictures?