Anyone own a Handcrafted Coop?

[KristaBeth]

www.handcraftedcoops.com

Please don't tell me you can build the same one for less than $100 because I can't!

I have no carpentry skills and neither does my husband, not to mention no tools to work with. That being said, I was wondering if anyone has opinions about this particular coop - I've been doing a lot or research and this seems to be the frontrunner. Also, how do you move it around the yard and also keep predators out? I would prefer to not have to put wire on the floor.

Thanks!

 

[BankerJohn]

KristaBeth,

I am a banker and own only a Multi Tool (pliers, phillips & flat head screw driver) along with a hammer. This is the extent of my tool supply. I borrowed a skill saw, screw gun and miter/chop saw from neighbors and built this...

I looked at the handcrafted coops prior to building and was exactly where you are now. After looking at one in person and asking around, I realized that theirs is pretty small and would only work if you free range every day. There is very little room to leave them for more than a day at a time. Everyone has different needs. I needed something that if I leave to go away for a long weekend, I would not have to worry.

PM me if you want more details.
Banker John

 

[CountryJohn]

That is a great looking coop.

Quote:

 

[merryberry]

I think BankerJohn is right. The larger model only has 26 sq ft of run space, and 13 sq ft of coop space. That really only seems like enough space for three chickens, not the six that the website claims.

 

[easton coop]

Quote:
I also looked at similar coops in the uk and designed one and priced the materials up, yes it came to over £130. I was then lucky enough to acquire a childs playhouse which i converted and used recycled wood to make the run. The cost in total was about £60. You could look for second hand sheds/playhouses as this would give you more room and you could design a run for your needs. I did notice in the UK that similar coops like the one in your quote, were not that well made!

good luck!!

 

[Backyard Hencam]

Also, how do you move it around the yard and also keep predators out? I would prefer to not have to put wire on the floor.

If you have digging predators and use a coop that is movable, you will need to have an apron around the outside. It usually consists of hardware cloth (wire) that extends out from the bottom edge about 1 to 2 feet to prevent digging under.

 

[drewva]

htp://handcraftedcoops.com
I notice that their coops have a ladder that can be raised in the evening to protect from digging predators.

 

[PhilErvin]

Quote:
Well I may not be able to build this for $100. but I could build it for a HECK OF A LOT LESS than the $500 or $800 that they are charging for this. If you or your husband feel like learning a thing or two about building your own coop I would suggest you go to the Hardeware store and purchase a book on "Building A storage Shed", because a chicken coop is basiclly a storage shed tweeked to accomodate chickens. Take a look at mine. I am a Printer, by trade, and only have minor experience building things. I sat down and started drawing what I wanted and soon I was cutting wood and hammering. The since of pride when you've completed your coop is more than money can buy. They even ran a story in our local paper with pictures.
You CAN do it, wood is very forgiving and paint covers a multitude of flaws.
Good Luck

 

[nanawendy]

Kristabeth; ya gotta do what is right for YOU. I love that coop... The only thing that it lacks is the family experience you get when you build a coop together. But for some that wouldn't be a joyful experience. What ever you choose HAVE FUN.

 

[KristaBeth]

Thanks for the input everyone! I think I finally decided on this one:

http://wholesalechickencoops.com/hss09 chicken coop.html:/

Yes, I would prefer not to spend the money, but it's worth it to us at this point.