Over the years I have seen several "should I buy or build" coop threads. I thought I would share my in between alternative.
I am in Indiana, where deer hunting (all hunting really) is a big deal. Several people around me build deer blinds, which are (usually) 4'x6' coop like structure buildings. They typically sell for around $300-$350. They have a man door, and windows cut out on 3 sides. I drove by a home selling them, they had one sitting out by the road, and I thought to myself "that would be a nice chicken coop".
So I purchased one for $350. My boyfriend has only minimal construction skills, and was able to cut out a chicken door and make window coverings out of plywood. I lined the windows with 1/4" hardware cloth and added roosts. I purchased mine as a chick grow out coop, so I didn't need nest boxes but they would be easy to add.
A premade coop of this size would cost at least $800. I have maybe a $100 in lumbar and hardware.
I never think of getting before pictures, but here's what mine looks like finished. It's not pretty but its functional. You can find them on craigslist and Facebook marketplace as well.
Front:
Side:
Side:
Back;
I am in Indiana, where deer hunting (all hunting really) is a big deal. Several people around me build deer blinds, which are (usually) 4'x6' coop like structure buildings. They typically sell for around $300-$350. They have a man door, and windows cut out on 3 sides. I drove by a home selling them, they had one sitting out by the road, and I thought to myself "that would be a nice chicken coop".
So I purchased one for $350. My boyfriend has only minimal construction skills, and was able to cut out a chicken door and make window coverings out of plywood. I lined the windows with 1/4" hardware cloth and added roosts. I purchased mine as a chick grow out coop, so I didn't need nest boxes but they would be easy to add.
A premade coop of this size would cost at least $800. I have maybe a $100 in lumbar and hardware.
I never think of getting before pictures, but here's what mine looks like finished. It's not pretty but its functional. You can find them on craigslist and Facebook marketplace as well.
Front:
