Buying a pre-built coop

[punknchick]

One of those Amish built shed companies that seem to be everywhere around here actually makes a coop! My husband decided this was probably the route to go for us since he is working super crazy hours and would rush it then hate it. This is fine with me because I know it will be built well and will match the look we are going for with our outbuildings.

So it looks pretty good. It will be 6x8. Which if I am doing 2 sq feet per chicken will hold 24 chickens (I can get 12 more!!!!). I am going to want more roosting bars (the only one I see in the pictures is by the nesting boxes) and I was hoping to have a sand pit under them to scoop poop rather than going through Bunches of pine shavings. I also wanted an isolation spot. I was thinking a metal dog crate, but am not sure what size would be the best.

Any other pointers? We go on Monday to pay for it. Not sure how long it will take to get here, but I am excited!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Is there open ventilation under the eaves on the two sides? Not sure where you're located, but assuming those aren't open, more ventilation would be my recommendation.

Also IMO you're overestimating how many chickens fit in here. 12 large fowl is the max, assuming you're in an area with moderate climate. If you're in an area with long cold winters, maybe only 6-8. Behavior problems with crowding isn't fun to deal with.

 

[DobieLover]

One of those Amish built shed companies that seem to be everywhere around here actually makes a coop! My husband decided this was probably the route to go for us since he is working super crazy hours and would rush it then hate it. This is fine with me because I know it will be built well and will match the look we are going for with our outbuildings.

So it looks pretty good. It will be 6x8. Which if I am doing 2 sq feet per chicken will hold 24 chickens (I can get 12 more!!!!). I am going to want more roosting bars (the only one I see in the pictures is by the nesting boxes) and I was hoping to have a sand pit under them to scoop poop rather than going through Bunches of pine shavings. I also wanted an isolation spot. I was thinking a metal dog crate, but am not sure what size would be the best.

Any other pointers? We go on Monday to pay for it. Not sure how long it will take to get here, but I am excited!

The guideline is not 2 sq ft per chicken. It's 4.
Where did you read that it was 2? Those are commercial keeping practices. That type of personal space limitation is where the practice of debeaking comes from.

I suppose that board along the long wall with the pop door is supposed to be a roost. It's too close to the wall. You can install poop boards with a roost centered over it pretty easy yourself. I did a shed conversion and have details in My Coop article on how to build them. Just get 2x4's, 1x2 trim boards and a sheet of plywood.

The soffit area isn't visible in the pictures but I doubt it was left open. It should be. It's one of the easiest places to get lots of fresh air into the coop. If it can be opened up by removing the soffit board then attaching 1/2" hardware cloth, that would be a great upgrade too.