Buy a Kit or Build a Coop from Scratch?

[flyin-lowe]

I would contact them and tell them that the box is trashed, the product is damaged, and see what options they offer you before you make a decision. I have had some oversees companies refund my money and tell me they do not want the item back because their return shipping cost more then they profit on the product. They might tell you to keep it or destroy it. When I was in college I worked for a big box hardware store. All of out patio furniture came from china and if it was damaged upon receipt we were not allowed to sell it, we had to put it all in the trash compactor.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I would contact them and tell them that the box is trashed, the product is damaged, and see what options they offer you before you make a decision. I have had some oversees companies refund my money and tell me they do not want the item back because their return shipping cost more then they profit on the product. They might tell you to keep it or destroy it. When I was in college I worked for a big box hardware store. All of out patio furniture came from china and if it was damaged upon receipt we were not allowed to sell it, we had to put it all in the trash compactor.

I think this is worth a shot for sure.

 

[GordonC50]

After opening both boxes, the contents were in pretty good shape. We're going to go ahead and use it for a transition coop/run for our chicks until they are ready for the regular coop/run. These Chinese coops are way too small but for 2 or 3 chickens max.

 

[GordonC50]

Well we got our prefab kit built and are keeping it in the front yard to let the chicks get an hour or so of sun when its nice out. We are going to put the coop in our larger run once we get it built. The coop kit cannot be made predator proof any way that i can see. We will use the coop kit for a transition/brooder/sick coop. I would recommend that no one buy a kit unless they live in the city or sn area that is already well protected from any animals.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Glad to hear you are giving real life advice on the kit. Sorry that you ended up with something that cannot be made predator proof.
Finding what it can be used for and how to protect the chicks is good to hear too. Many many people get sucked in to getting them and regretting it.

There are so many kits that look cute but in practice just don't perform. I see them every year at the feed store for extreme prices and shake my head.

Even in town I do not think they are worth using. I am in the middle of town and have coons and hawks with the occasional fox coming around.