Buying a coop (not building)

[new_chickees]

I live in Texas and will have two hens, and I’m hoping to just buy a coop (assembly is okay). I’ve looked at coops online but really not sure what I need or what brands are reputable, etc. Any advice?

I wont be able to build a coop, just not an option right so out-of-the-box it is

 

[ChickNanny13]

Those pre-fab ones don't hold up and although it says "Will house 6 - 8" it's really won't. How much area do you have to set up a coop?
Why only 2, are you restricted? Cause Chicken Math is very catchy & hard to resist.
Where in TX? Weather conditions?

Depending on your size restrictions, if any, you could get one of those chain link dog kennel setups & put a huge plastic dog house in (coop). Over the top of the chain link, depending on your weather & location of setup, put some kind of roofing (shade & protection) or if under a tree or shaded area some wire to keep predators out & chickens in. As for roosts, you can use tree trunks or branches ... Get creative.

Another idea, some have converted garden sheds into coops. Attaching a run. All depends on how much space you have and if working with restrictions.

 

[IamRainey]

Another vote for pass right on by those pre-fab things made of flimsy materials with will make your chickens sitting "ducks" to any local pets.

 

[TheJerzyHen]

If you can, try Craig’s list or Facebook Marketplace! Lots of great buys there! Good Luck!

 

[Katlinalyssa]

I live in Texas and will have two hens, and I’m hoping to just buy a coop (assembly is okay). I’ve looked at coops online but really not sure what I need or what brands are reputable, etc. Any advice?

I wont be able to build a coop, just not an option right so out-of-the-box it is

I got a prefab coop from TSC and built a predator proof run around it. Im going to water seal it just in case rain blows in. So far it’s stayed dry though. We are also going to add more galvanized panels to the bottom of the rest of the run. Maybe all the way up to the roof before winter too just as an extra precaution. This is our first coop. Our chicks will be moving out there in the next few days. Need to put something down in the run still.

 

[ChickNanny13]

@Katlinalyssa You may want to consider DLM (deep litter method), others will peep in with their preferences. Nice set up.

 

[Katlinalyssa]

@Katlinalyssa You may want to consider DLM (deep litter method), others will peep in with their preferences. Nice set up.

That’s what I was thinking. But what do you use as a base to start with? Pine shavings? Straw? There’s so much to choose from!
Thank you! I’m considering adding nest boxes to the bottom of the prefab run to add extra sq footage to the inside of the coop. We’ll see when they get older.

 

[RoosterML]

The coop shown in the photo from TSC is roughly $500. Here is what I make and sell to people for $550.
Keep shopping around.
Unfortunately your to far away.

 

[Mybackyardpeepers]

I purchased a clearance coop, half of it is a brooder in my family room. Others are right, they are cheap. I am building a better coop myself. Good luck.

 

[ChickNanny13]

That’s what I was thinking. But what do you use as a base to start with? Pine shavings? Straw? There’s so much to choose from! Thank you! I’m considering adding nest boxes to the bottom of the prefab run to add extra sq footage to the inside of the coop. We’ll see when they get older.

I go with "wood" shavings purchased at our feed store, not many choices here. I've used straw years ago but it doesn't breakdown as well & read that mites love to bore into the hollow shafts. Read the forum on DLM, many choices depending on your supply & weather.
Due to our weather (warm/humid) wanted alot of ventilation & my space limited. Hubby & I came up with this idea, love their "nest box"; 5 Wyandottes fit in at the same time, I've seen 3 BO at once.