Buying/modifying a prefab or some other structure? (Northeast Ohio)

[thethoughtfulchicken]

We are getting ready to think about moving our chickens and turkeys to our new house (they are currently still at our old house with our parents) and need to have some type of structure built for them. We have 10 chickens, 6 guinea fowl and 5 turkeys and are planning on getting goats (2) in the spring. We are thinking about getting a prefab structure and modifying it if needed. Just looking for anyone else's experience when it comes to the prefab structures! Any dos / don'ts would be super helpful! Our new house will definitely need predator protection and we would be building a big enclosed run ourselves, so that part isn't necessary to buy with the prefab structure. **I am not looking to get one of the tiny prefab coops, I have been looking at bigger sheds/barn sturctures**

 

[DobieLover]

I wouldn't waste my money on any prefab coop. I would be looking for a used shed. Shed builders in the area can be contracted to move a shed that you find. You'll get a lot bigger bang for your buck starting out with a shed than any prefab you can find. Good luck.

 

[Brooks_]

We are getting ready to think about moving our chickens and turkeys to our new house (they are currently still at our old house with our parents) and need to have some type of structure built for them. We have 10 chickens, 6 guinea fowl and 5 turkeys and are planning on getting goats (2) in the spring. We are thinking about getting a prefab structure and modifying it if needed. Just looking for anyone else's experience when it comes to the prefab structures! Any dos / don'ts would be super helpful! Our new house will definitely need predator protection and we would be building a big enclosed run ourselves, so that part isn't necessary to buy with the prefab structure.

With your flock size, it would take several prefabs. I agree with DobieLover, look for a shed or similar structure to convert. Don't rule out prefabs 100%, they can still be used as hospital/jail/brooding.

 

[3KillerBs]

What @DobieLover said.

She's got one of the best shed conversions around too: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-mulligan.74743/

BTW, welcome to BYC. Where, in general, are you? Climate matters, especially when it comes to housing.

 

[thethoughtfulchicken]

I wouldn't waste my money on any prefab coop. I would be looking for a used shed. Shed builders in the area can be contracted to move a shed that you find. You'll get a lot bigger bang for your buck starting out with a shed than any prefab you can find. Good luck.

Thank you for your advice!! I will definitely start looking!

 

[thethoughtfulchicken]

What @DobieLover said.

She's got one of the best shed conversions around too: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-mulligan.74743/

BTW, welcome to BYC. Where, in general, are you? Climate matters, especially when it comes to housing.

Oh my gosh, that shed is beautiful! Thank you for sharing! I am located in Northeastern Ohio. Near the Canton/Akron area!

 

[DobieLover]

Oh my gosh, that shed is beautiful! Thank you for sharing! I am located in Northeastern Ohio. Near the Canton/Akron area!

Well, it's not a shed anymore. I did more than absolutely necessary to convert it into a coop but I wanted the large roof overhangs and lots of windows.

 

[Nashv755]

I agree with don't waist money on prefab. If you can build it yourself then do it. About 10 years ago I did the math on the price of prefab vs doing it myself. Materials were 1/4 the price of the prefabs total price for the same size building.

 

[Boise-girls]

Agree with all of the above. I started with one of the larger cheap prefabs for 6 banties. It was woefully too small, even after I changed the run area into an extension of the coop. It would have been difficult to weather-proof adequately for winter, and I was never too comfortable about potential predators.

Now they have a 6x8 shed, and I sleep more soundly knowing they're safe from wind, rain, snow and predators. Hopefully, they sleep better, too!