Best coop option besides building one myself?

[IdyllwildAcres]

Hire it out, don't buy a pre fab.

Good luck

Gary

 

[lazy gardener]

I used pergo in my first coop as flooring. And it's held up well.

 

[NorthGeogia]

I doubt Pergo siding would hold up to rain, etc. If the Pergo is free, and your coop is inside a garage or barn...OK. Otherwise, go with plywood sheathing. Paint or stain it, to keep it weather resistant.

My coop converted from the doctor's dollhouse (I don't have any pics handy) came with Pergo flooring. I wouldn't buy it for a coop. For free, it's good.

I think the best floor covering for a small coop is sheet vinyl. Ask a flooring supplier if they have any scraps they're throwing out.

 

[lazy gardener]

I've heard that Black Jack is practically indestructible.

http://www.acehardware.com/product/...gksn6W9Gc7olhAypxcSbElWM_fi6wfKhoCv4QQAvD_BwE

 

[Below frigid]

Found a 7x7 plastic shed on sale $600. $100 for the raised foundation. Made perch from 2x4's I had laying around. Purchased a 8 spot galvanised nesting box for a hundred something? Ours free range so it's big enough for 16 or so.

 

[AllenK RGV]

I would check craigslist any handyman who can build a fence can build you a coop for probably 60% of what a prefab costs. Best of luck to you. Have you decided why you want chicken in the first place? (I haven't read this entire thread)

 

[AllenK RGV]

I have a prefab. I don't hate it. It has some drawbacks. But, what I am really worried about is if a racoon or a coyote actually meandered by and tried to get in, it just might. We added extra security, but it is nothing compared to a built coop.
I have read many threads regarding prefabs and I think they have a place - for those who want to try it without investing too much and for those who have no building skills. Although, if I could convince my husband, I am sure he could build one for me. I also think, if I actually gave the tools a shot, I might be able to build - it would most likely take me a long time though. Also, in this area, there isn't a handyman who would build a budget coop as it is hard enough to get them to come out to do actual work on a house unless you have a major project for them to make it worth their time.
However, knowing my schedule and talents, my next coop will be a modded plastic shed. I am actually in the planning stage and have found some that would fit a $500 budget. I want a little more room (as I might want to add a few more) and more security.
Do a search for prefabs and see what comes up here on byc. Also, if you decide on a prefab - whatever number of chickens it states it will hold, most likely it is half of that number. Read reviews, it helps once you sort out the useful reviews.
Also, keep in mind that if you get a prefab or a shed, you are still going need to make changes which will cost a little extra.
Good luck!

Also the tools are pretty inexpensive at Harbor Freight I needed something to cut hardware cloth and bought an angle grinder for about 15 dollars there the cutting disks were 50 cents each, compared to using tin snips it was priceless.

 

[Beer can]

Another option. See if you have any Amish shed companies near you. They build similar to what you'd find as cheap ($$$ but cheap made) prefab coops for a small # of birds, but theirs are bullet proof. I've seen them at county fairs and they are well made.
Link to one near me, not sure where your from but you could check out if this option is available near you.
https://amishbarnco.com/chicken-coops/

Edit, never mind maybe, I was just checking out their site, holy crap, they must put some gold plating on the coops if I get their prices right...

 

[4clucksfromcrazy]

I bought a prefab coop at first too and replaced it after6 months. I found free plans online and my father help me to build. Turned out fab!!!

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Another option. See if you have any Amish shed companies near you. They build similar to what you'd find as cheap ($$$ but cheap made) prefab coops for a small # of birds, but theirs are bullet proof. I've seen them at county fairs and they are well made.
Link to one near me, not sure where your from but you could check out if this option is available near you.
https://amishbarnco.com/chicken-coops/

Edit, never mind maybe, I was just checking out their site, holy crap, they must put some gold plating on the coops if I get their prices right...

Um yeah, I live in the community of Amish. They are swell business people and realize that because it is Amish made, they can male a premium.
As well anything with the name "Amish" in the title probably has someone else's hands on it.
I am in the same boat as the OP. You aren't going to find a handyman or Amish built coop for $500. There was a cute coop being sold that could house maybe 4 chickens with the tiniest run attached (I think it was included in the dimensions which makes the coop not suitable for 4), I stopped to look at the price $899.