build or buy?

[EmmsHens]

We are looking for our first coop and while I can build one, the idea of buying one seems to be in the back of my mind.

Right now we have 4 chicks and plan to get at least 2 more, maybe 4 (total of 8)

THe run is the easy part, I can add on to any pre built one. are there any off the shelf that the coop itself is a good deal, maybe under 200 (250 max) and that will be good for 6 to 8 chickens.

 

[Rob Tof]

No. Build one the company bought and build stink very cheaply built. At the least hire some one to build you something that will last for years.

 

[Rob Tof]

If your looking for cheap try Craigslist look for kids play house forts or sheds. Free is best you'll need to move it your self and rebuild it fix any issues. Then build the pen. Critter safe is a must.

 

[DrFeathers]

We recently got a free chicken who was the last survivor after a raccoon broke into a cheap pre-fab coop and ate her 3 sisters. Definitely make sure your chicken house is sturdy!

 

[jvls1942]

You can't get much of a prebuilt coop for that cheap.
If you build it yourself, you will find that $300.oo doesn't go very far.
among the list suggested, add ice fishing shack to it.
stay away from the "gingerbread" coops.
they might look cute, but you are paying for glitz and glitter when what you really need is pred proof.
......jiminwisc......

 

[hlhutchinson]

Build is the best way unless you can find a playhouse or shed that for sale that can be converted. We look into buying one and non had everything I wanted (and all poor reviews about it being very flimsy) they said they were for 4-6 chickens but in reality only 1-2 chickens would work. Make sure to look at the dimensions don't go off what it says it can house
I'm glad we did a DIY this way it's strong and I was able to customize it to what I wanted
God luck

 

[RUNuts]

Build.

I looked at several where the photographers made their money. Impressive in the photos, not so much in person.

 

[barn206]

I built my coop and it's solid!!! It was a lot of work. Between time and money spent... if I add another coop , I will definitely buy and have it delivered! I can always add extra 2x4's to make it sturdier. There is no way I'd build again. Now if I was 25 yo then that would probably be a different story

 

[jvls1942]

I am just starting a 7ft x 12 ft shed.
I am mixing the concrete and finishing the floor all by myself.
I have all the framing lumber and roofing material on my pick-up truck.
I will be building the shed all by myself, too.

I wish I was 25 again, too. but I'm not.
in 3 weeks, I will be three times 25.
I enjoy building things.

........jiminwisc.....

 

[troyzstang]

I'm with the majority , build one. But your going to need a few more dollars. I just finished a 8x8 with a 8x16 run. So far i'm about $800.00 dollars into it and I'm not done. Close but there's a few more dollars to finish the details.