I live at home and I want to have chickens. What should I do? Since I would need lots of help building a coop I don't know if I should even try having chickens this year. I also noticed that it cost a lot of money to buy a coop. Can someone give me advice?
If your parents are in agreement then start looking on craigslist or some of the freecycle adds for free stuff. That's the cheapest way. It just takes some time.
Try Craigslist for a low cost or free doghouse in either the free or pet section. There is also a section for materials and you could get some framing 2x4's and perhaps some chicken wire or hardware cloth to make a run. Maybe put your own ad stating that you are a youngster looking to start out and wonder if anyone has these items. You can also pick up free pallets at local businesses which are great to build with. Good luck!!
Are either of your parents handy with tools? Or a grandparent? Building a simple coop for just a few chickens would make a great adult/kid project. Even if you took a few months to build a small coop/run, you'd still have time to get summer chicks or chickens. Good luck!!
What they said. Assuming your parents and local zoning are ok with you having chickens, start scoping out your opportunities to score a free or cheap "chicken container". A large (*large*) doghouse or well-constructed rabbit hutch can often be adapted and are sometimes pretty cheap on craigslist or kijiji or whatever; also keep an eye out for wood (especially plywood) that you can scrounge and stockpile to build something. The biggest thing to look for, if you are on a budget, is wire fencing, preferably NOT chickenwire but rather something heavier-gauge and welded. Occasionally you can score some free-or-cheap chainlink, and as long as you get help reinstalling it correctly that can be very useful too. Actually if you have a chance to buy a chainlink dog kennel for cheap, you know the kind that are four 6'-tall panels that bolt together at the corners, they make GREAT chicken runs and you could just knock together a little coop to put inside. The big advantage you have is that you do NOT have chickens yet so you can afford to take your time and scout things out til you can find something both suitable and affordable. GOod luck, have fun, Pat
