Chicken coop help?

[betsy813]

Hi, I'm new to the forum and chickens so I wasn't sure where to post this, if it's the wrong place I apologize.

I'm trying to find a resource for help getting a chicken coop, some background info abt my situation might help this make sense:

I've wanted to raise chickens in my backyard because I have a 10 month old daughter that eats alot of eggs but I'm concerned abt the quality of eggs from the grocery store, and can't afford the expensive ones. I am hyper vigilant about what I feed her because I became pregnant by surprise but through a blessing because I was a full time drug addict with more than a foot in the grave, I didn't even think possible to conceive. No one thought it was possible for me to get clean for years, but I did once we found out I was pregnant and now my daughter and myself are healthy, although my vigilance comes from fear of those first 3 months.

I have no contact with anyone from my past besides my mother and brother - I have burned all bridges so have no help, and worry constantly abt the bio father finding her. This is relevant bc I am not low income because I live off the government and don't want to work, it's bc I am actively taking care of my daughter And cannot ask anyone else to do that for me.

I had three chicks that survived amazing the first 2 months, but made a makeshift home for them with tarp etc that did not work out. My yard is fenced but the past 2 weeks a hawk was stalking them and 1 disappeared a few days ago and this am it got another one while I was supervising them from the porch. I am devastated and feel like two animals have died because I was incapable of protecting them.

I've been looking for a company with "cheap" coops and I know that's like looking for a cheap house, the cheapest price still isn't pocket change no matter what. Is there a company that donates coops or has payment plans? I thought it would be easy to find a cheap used one down the road when I got them, but that wasn't the case - I cant afford to spend all my backup money for the month at once and not have cash for gas or food, after rent and insurance I spread abt 150 over the month on necessities and anyone knows that if you are trying to feed your children safe food, that does not go far. I don't drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes, that's usually the case for ppl asking handouts. And I have no males in my life, so building something has not worked out since I have difficulties nailing a frame to a wall, but I have tried.

Does anyone have any suggestions?? I'm overwhelmed and close to giving up

 

[Judy]

Very few people are able to keep chickens and have their eggs be cheaper than buying them. Perhaps you should look for local sources such as a farmer's market, or even a farmer, for eggs. Grocery store eggs are older than your own, but not necessarily poor qauality. Also, it's not a good idea to have one chicken. They are a flock animal and not content by themselves. Perhaps you need to look for someone in your area who will take your chick, and maybe even help you find a source to purchase backyard or farmer's eggs.

 

[mountainlover]

I don't think that reply was very kind.

OP I'm sorry you lost your chickens! Have you thougt about trying to make a coop from free pallets? I've seen that done! You might be able to put something together for very little if you try! And since chicks are only a couple dollars, I'm sure you can get one more. I agree about not wanting to feed my children the eggs from the store, not because of quality but because of who knows what hormones or antibiotic overload those chickens are given, among other things. My girl eats a lot of eggs too!! Good for you for doing all you can to take care of her!

 

[CSWolffe]

Look in the classifieds, under the 'free' section, find an old dog house, attach a board or old broom handle a foot off the floor for a roost. That will do in the short term for a night time coop. There's not much you can do for free or very cheap I'm afraid that will prevent hawk attacks. You can make a hoop run out of PVC pipe and over it with tarps and bird netting, but even that will run you $100+. Lots of trees and shrubs give chickens a good place to hide from predators too. I even left the beat up old picnick table out in the yard, as my hens like to cluster under it to hide. I would suggest getting another hen or two, to keep you last one company, they are social birds and are happier with friends. That sucks about the hawk, sorry to hear. Kudos on stepping up for your daughter!

 

[ccstar]

Check yahoo groups in your area.
Mine is groups.yahoo.com and look for FREECYCLE and when I signed up I can post wanted ads and search items being offered for free. Best of luck. I am a SAHM too and my daughters eating the healthiest eggs possible is a major priority.

 

[aart]

I don't think that reply was very kind.......

Maybe not, but it was realistic...and meant kindly.

Keeping chickens for eggs is most often not as cheap as buying eggs due to the cost of providing adequate shelter.

 

[mountainlover]

Y

Maybe not, but it was realistic...and meant kindly.

Keeping chickens for eggs is most often not as cheap as buying eggs due to the cost of providing adequate shelter.

You're sure right about that aart! It will take me 3 years to "recoop" my losses on building the coop, before I start to have "free eggs"!!!

 

[CSWolffe]

Yes, but the point for some of us isn't 'free' eggs; it's healthier, better tasting eggs; it's teaching my kids where there food comes from, teaching food responsibility; and for some of us it's just wanting wonderful pets. When I count in the amusement I get watching their antics in the yard, the lessons they teach my children, and of course the free compost, then my coop has more than paid for itself.
I know that doesn't make it easier for a stay at home single mother to magically find the money to buy a coop. Building a coop out of pallets, using a free dog house as a temporary shelter, and looking for local groups to join are all great places to start.