Can I convert this rabbit hutch into a coop? Advice sought! :)

[farmerjbell]

Hi guys,

I've seen this rabbit hutch on sale on CL for a decent price. If the top opens, can this be made into a decent small chicken coop to house 4-6 hens? I would remove the current cage portion, cut out the floor on the bottom half of frame (under where the cage is) create a ramp, and frame a run around it. I would also shingle the roof.

Any advice/opinions?

Thanks!
Jason

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[StrawberryHouseMouse]

I would expand the base out a little farther so that the wire doesnt bend over time with weight. And add some roosts. But other then that it looks great.

 

[cobrien]

I would fence in the bottom part and put in a ramp, then they can walk around on the ground, and use the space under the house.

 

[annek]

Don't know the dimensions but looks a little small for 4-6 hens. You will also need to add some ventilation.

 

[AtRendeAcres]

Large Fowl need 4 square feet each ((inside)) in run they should have double that!

Bantams 2 square feet per chicken!

it looks like a good isolation, broody/breeder coop!

 

[Dr.Doorlock]

You could convert most anything into a coup. Just attach a run and make sure it's peditorproof.

 

[emvickrey]

I have an old rabbit hutch that has wired sides not wood. It was a double hutch and I had DH take out the middle to make one room. We don't have any wire for a run, but we have been talking about fencing it in along the bottom and adding a run with a ladder for them to get in the house part and closing in one side for nesting for my Phoenix. Right now they are just in the cage. I'm afraid to let them out because hawks could carry them away or that darn stray cat that injured one of my 4 month old RIR hens will get them. They have only touched the ground once and for about an hour. I stayd outside with them the whole time bird sitting. The roo was trying to fight with the other young hens and roo that roam free. A little redneck he is.

We are trying to sell our other chickens and then the Phoenix will have the whole coop and covered run to themselves until the little bantys get bigger. Plenty of room for them all. Then some.


We also have what we used for rabbits, another double cage that we now use for the smaller chickens and chicks until they can go into the big coop. Things have changed since we started building the flock. Now we have to thin them down alot. This recession sucks.
But a rabbit hutch is very useful for the chickens. I call mine the Juvie pens. I'll find a pic.

There are actually 3 cages there. The one with the ladder I have the Phoenix in now and the other 2 I have chicks in. Girls one side, boys the other.