Coop from Big Box Store

[Aunt Tat]

Terribly expensive for what you will get. This is pretty much just for a couple of pet chickens.

I don't like the roosts so close to the floor either.

 

[perkolator]

Just because most responses are saying no, I'm going to say yes. With the prices of materials these days, a DIY coop is going to be $$$ - plus not everyone's got skills, tools, or the time to build their own stuff from scratch. I think with a few modifications it would be a good starting point and fine for like up to 4 chickens.

I would likely:
- add hasps + carabiners to all the doors
- reinforce/add screws here and there
- add another vent to the dormers
- move the roost bars to above the nest boxes
- add a HC perimeter skirt, or place it on top of large size concrete pavers
- one or two roost bars added into run to expand usable space
- for the size there's too many nest boxes, so I'd likely block off one of them and use it for storage of feed/bedding/snacks/etc

 

[Northwest_Wannabe]

I don't like the roosts so close to the floor either.

I know most people aren't too handy at building something from the bottom up (I know I certainly am NOT!) but is it possible to build your own? Or perhaps something on craigslist would be a nice jumping off point? Old shed, old coop, old rabbit hutch, we used an old canopy for a hot tub to make our back porch enclosed : D

 

[Aunt Tat]

Just because most responses are saying no, I'm going to say yes. With the prices of materials these days, a DIY coop is going to be $$$ - plus not everyone's got skills, tools, or the time to build their own stuff from scratch. I think with a few modifications it would be a good starting point and fine for like up to 4 chickens.

I would likely:
- add hasps + carabiners to all the doors
- reinforce/add screws here and there
- add another vent to the dormers
- move the roost bars to above the nest boxes
- add a HC perimeter skirt, or place it on top of large size concrete pavers
- one or two roost bars added into run to expand usable space
- for the size there's too many nest boxes, so I'd likely block off one of them and use it for storage of feed/bedding/snacks/etc

I agree - that's why we don't want to build it.
For the price the Over EZ coop would be better. I come from a long line of "over-engineering wood workers" If a 2x4 is good, a 4x4 is better!

I LOVE Placer County! Every time we visit my husband's sister and her family we make at least 2-3 trips to Placerville. I love the history!

Unfortunately, we've never made it Lake Taho which would be a lovely drive.

 

[perkolator]

I agree - that's why we don't want to build it.
For the price the Over EZ coop would be better. I come from a long line of "over-engineering wood workers" If a 2x4 is good, a 4x4 is better!

I LOVE Placer County! Every time we visit my husband's sister and her family we make at least 2-3 trips to Placerville. I love the history!

Unfortunately, we've never made it Lake Taho which would be a lovely drive.

Same region but Placerville is in El Dorado County, not Placer County

 

[Aunt Tat]

Same region but Placerville is in El Dorado County, not Placer County

Whoopsie!

 

[Lemon-Drop]

Btw, I got that same model, just different color. I’d say it could hold maybe max of 3 chickens. It was super small, and the nesting box lids fell off. I’m not joking, so I would not recommend this. I don’t mean to sound harsh, it just really didn’t work for our original 5 girls.

 

[Lemon-Drop]

Also, roosts were really close to the ground, they got buried in the shavings. So it was literal sticks in the ground. The cleaning tray also kept getting stuck and was hard to pull out, and the nesting box dividers broke.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

For the price, a "hoop coop" is almost impossible to beat. Minimal framing, structure is provided by bent cattle panels. Predator proofing with hardware cloth. Expandable to whatever size you need by lengthening it. Avoids most of the issues with lumber prices right now. Can be roofed with either a tarp or polycarbonate, if you need a roof - for most of your run, you wont. If you need it taller, that can be done, too, plan on an 8x16' design (roughly) to minimize cuts. Hognose pliers and rings are probably the best permanent attachment method, but heavy duty zip ties are fast and dirty, will last a while. Screws and washers or monster poultry staples to affix the panels to the frame.

If you aren't handy with tools, plastic milk crates (run about $7 ea) for decent ones new [you may be able to source old, used (and better quality) for cheaper] make great nesting boxes. Deep litter means no "floor", you just need to mount roosting bars. and hang the nesting boxes.

If you prefer a more conventional "building" for your coop, going to a metal roof on purlins, rather than 2x4 rafters, decking, felt, and shingles is (currently) cheaper, always faster, and reasonably expected to last longer. Lumber prices being what they are, Hardieboard is now as cheap or cheaper than plywood, ad again, expected to last longer (that said, it is HEAVY and HARD on tools - you want to minimize how much cutting of that stuff you do).

 

[Aunt Tat]

Btw, I got that same model, just different color. I’d say it could hold maybe max of 3 chickens. It was super small, and the nesting box lids fell off. I’m not joking, so I would not recommend this. I don’t mean to sound harsh, it just really didn’t work for our original 5 girls.

Thank you for the benefit of your experience. Much appreciated.