Buying instead of building a coop, is this coop big enough?

[Chido]

Option A: http://cgi.ebay.com/Chicken-Coop-Ba...437?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a657cabd5
Option B: http://cgi.ebay.com/Chicken-Poultry...189?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c1b3e842d


I don't have the tools nor the skills to build a coop from scratch, so I'm buying one. I have 3 chicks that are rescue and are getting their feathers now, and I'd like to have a coop now so they can spend some hours outside, then eventually keep them in the coop at night or when nobody is home. My only concern is that I don't know if these 2 coops are enough for 3 chickens. I cant really spend more than 400 dollars on the coop at the moment, so those are the two options I found that I can afford.

 

[Connorrm]

Says it's good for up to three hens! So I'd say you're good to go

 

[Connorrm]

And for what it's worth - I like the second one you posted!

 

[Bev in Nevada]

I didnt see any sizes listed, generally, you'd want 4 sq feet per Chick. Try Craigslist and see if you can find a "dog kennel" and a med size dog "crate" (inclosed/not wire) for cheaper. Usually you can find a 6ft x 6ft "dog kennel" cheaper than a pre built coop. I do have a pre-built, I love it. But if cost is a factor, you might be able to get something way below your budget

 

[Rare Feathers Farm]

Honestly, those coops are very poorly made (in China) and only last a year or two in the best of weather.

I would suggest searching Craigslist and keeping your eye out for good deals. Sometimes you can get an old shed, a wooden child's playhouse or a coop for very cheap (or even free).

 

[Chido]

Quote:
I'm just concerned that the actual coop area in each is about 4 square feet without counting the nesting area. Would that be enough for them to sleep at night? I know I could add another perch, I just don't want my chickens to be too crowded at night. I live in Los Angeles county and we don't have a really bad winter, but it does get rather hot in the summer, btw, I don't know if that's a factor for selecting a coop. We have an avocado and an orange tree in the backyard, so we can always move the coop there to get more shade during summer.

Overall Exterior: 78”x30”x41”

Nest Box: 12”x22”x16”

Living Area: 19”x25”x22”

Run Area: 39”x25”x40”



Option B: Chicken Coop Dimensions

Approximate OUTSIDE Overall Measurement Including Nest Box and Roof Overhang is

7ft x 3ft x 4ft 4"

You will need an area of at least 7ft x 3ft for this item to fit.

INSIDE SIZES ARE AS BELOW

Coop/House living area

Inside size is 25.5" x 25.5"

Approximately 4.5 sq ft

NOT Including the Nest Box

Nesting Box Inside size 21" x 11"

Run Area Inside Measurements

Total Run is about 64" long x 25.5" deep

Approximately 11.3 sq ft

I haven't tried craiglist, I'll take a look there.

 

[Connorrm]

Quote:
That's really good to know. I had no idea! I thought they looked cute.

 

[backyardmenagerie]

If you look at the listings, they give the dimensions, and both coops are too small for more than 1 hen:

The dimensions of the Barn TZ02b Chicken Coop (first coop) are:
Living Area: 19”x25”x22” - 3.25 sq ft
Run Area: 39”x25”x40” - 6.75 sq ft (this is too small for even 1 chicken, let alone 3)

The dimensions of the second coop:
Coop/House living area - Approximately 4.5 sq ft
Run Area Inside Measurements - Approximately 11.3 sq ft

I agree with those that suggested craiglist. You can even find prefab, fancy coops like these, but in much larger sizes, for about the same price. Otherwise, look for storage sheds or used coops.

 

[backyardmenagerie]

lol, you beat me to it! You want to have 4 square feet of coop space PER CHICKEN, and 10 square feet of run space each. So no, not enough space.
ETA: yes, LA heat is something to consider in selecting a coop. You'll want a lot of ventilation and air movement, or you'll end up cooking your birds.

 

[Judy]

Actually, in LA you don't need a coop, you need a pen (for predator protection) with some 3 sided shelter at one side so they can get out of wind and rain. It doesn't take a lot of skill to build a big cube out of boards and wire mesh with a bit of roof or cover at one end. I'm sure you could do it. Do a search (4th blue button above) in the coops section for hot weather coops or warm weather coops and you'll get lots of threads with photos to give you ideas.

In that climate you can actually get away with less than the 4 sq ft per chicken, just be sure they have plenty of run. They won't be under the shelter much, only to sleep and lay eggs, and to eat and drink if you keep them under the shelter.

You could buy some minimal tools and the materials to do this for less than one of those one-chicken China coops would cost, I'm sure. If you really feel you need help with how-to, pick up Chicken Coops for Dummies.

Or you could buy a dog pen and put a tarp or some boards over one end. It would need some wire mesh added for good predator protection, but it's a place to start.