buying a coop

[arabookworm]

I placed a bid on a coop like this one off of ebay
http://cgi.ebay.com/DELUXE-Chicken-...14&_trkparms=72:1205|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318

this is our first time raising chickens, and we are getting one or two chicks soon, and if that works out we'll get a few more, but no more than about four.

my question is if it will be big enough for them, and whether anyone has gotten a similar coop and how it worked out for them.

 

[tfpets]

It looks beautiful, and as it says on the ad, "This coop is suitable for up to 5/6 LARGE 10/12 BANTAMS DEPENDANT ON SIZE" which seems fair...maybe a bit squished if they have to stay indoors for long in the daytime, but it has six perches.
I didnt look close enough to see if it had the square footage for that many...but they mostly only nest and sleep inside anyhow.
Someone forgot to tell chickens they need that much room inside, cause they'll all pile up and squish together at night no matter how much room you give them!

Sure is a pretty set up! Congratulations!
Tina/tfpets

 

[tvtaber]

Cute coop, but really small. Maybe four would be OK though. We have the nests and food in the coop and it gets pretty crowded, but like tfpets said they really only sleep and lay in there.

Please do not get one chick, they cuddle for warmth and are flock creatures. I don't think one would fare well one her own.

 

[arabookworm]

well, the first is supposed to be a gift from a friend, but as soon as possible we want to get more. and the friend said she'd give us more than one if enough of them hatched. It is her first time too, so we aren't that sure about them, especially since they were shipped.

 

[ChickenTender63]

I don't know about this one. I think your going to be in for too many surprises.

It is around 11 or 12 sq ft, which won't be enough for the 5-6 large birds that they advertise. If your just doing a couple, I would say size wise it's ok.

In a couple of different places they are saying that it will hit the docks in NY around mid December, then down towards the bottom it says November, and then another 7-10 days shipping to your location with the average shipping cost being another $100.

They are not responsible for any damage to the wood if there is any during transit.

I just feel uncomfortable about this for some reason. When all is said and done, you will be at at least $250 between buying and shipping, and that's at todays price. I think you can find something in the US that is just as cute, and that will be gauranteed and do better.

But, it's a cute coop, and it's your desicion. I wish you the best on your choice. Take care!

 

[WoodlandWoman]

The interior living portion on that coop is 32" x 28" right? The nest box is 28" x 13" but space used for things like nest boxes, food and water dispensers isn't used for calculating stocking levels. I think that would work for a pair of chickens. If you live where the weather is good in the winter and they have a covered run or "porch" area, maybe three. You could keep water outside and use a wall mounted hopper feeder to save more interior space. Plus, you'd really need to keep on top of cleaning. If it was me, I'd only put two in there.

They must think one square foot of living space is adequate for a chicken.

One tip for you is that it's always easier to get all your chickens at the same time, if you can do it.

Edited to add that I'd also add secure latches to all openings and more ventilation. The peak of the roof in front would be one spot and/or along the sides, up under the roof overhang. Ventilation openings should be covered with hardware cloth.

 

[vfem]

If the bidding doesn't work out and you are close... we could sucker my husband into building one for ya!

He just finished another one and is hoping to go right back to building them. He's tired, but said it was a ton of fun.