Coop has a coop!

[Coop's Coop]

Often coops are offered reasonably on Craig's list. Sometimes with flock included, feed, bowls etc. People get chickens on a whim, decide it's not for them and they becomes someone else's bargain.

Chickens do need a well ventilated coop, and to be safe from predators, inclement weather etc. in order to be do well and be well.

I've been hunting craigslist too. If I find one nearby that I can dismantle and get in my SUV then that may be an option. Should I worry about the transfer of disease from a used coop though? Of course I'd clean it but would that be enough to prevent disease transmission.

 

[Coop's Coop]

Hi and welcome to BYC. You have some great advice above, so I'll just say a big hello

Thank you

 

[Coop's Coop]

In the Review section several pre-made coops have been written about by members that have/had them:coops-runs-housing.15

If you find one that meets your current needs, you may well find they are more expensive than the budget allows. For $250 I'd recommend checking out some of the ideas other members have come up with for coops using things such as pallets, plastic play houses or garden sheds...things that are sturdy and can be modified to make them suitable for chickens. You can post a question on the Coop/Run forum to get ideas and examples on how to make a budget-minded coop for the birds:coop-run-design-construction-maintenance.9

Best of luck to your son with his flock!

Thanks for the tips! I'm still learning how to navigate the site so I appreciate you adding the links

 

[staceyj]

Welcome to BYC!

So much to learn here!
So many helpful, experienced, kind, chicken-crazy peeps!
This is an incredible educational, fun and bonding journey for you and your child!

 

[Coop's Coop]

Welcome to BYC!

So much to learn here!
So many helpful, experienced, kind, chicken-crazy peeps!
This is an incredible educational, fun and bonding journey for you and your child!

I've wanted chicks for awhile so I was excited when my son caught the bug!

 

[rjohns39]

I've been hunting craigslist too. If I find one nearby that I can dismantle and get in my SUV then that may be an option. Should I worry about the transfer of disease from a used coop though? Of course I'd clean it but would that be enough to prevent disease transmission.

As a general rule of thumb, most diseases will die off after 30 days without a host. Definitely clean well and spray for mites.

 

[Coop's Coop]

As a general rule of thumb, most diseases will die off after 30 days without a host. Definitely clean well and spray for mites.

Thanks!

 

[Eggcessive]

Welcome to you and your son. With $250, you could really build a bigger and sturdier coop with a run that would outlast the cheaply made too small ready made coops. They also have to be put together. If you have an older neighbor or relative that has some carpenter skills or tools, it would be a fun project for your son. There are lots of ideas here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/category/chicken-coops.12/

 

[Coop's Coop]

Welcome to you and your son. With $250, you could really build a bigger and sturdier coop with a run that would outlast the cheaply made too small ready made coops. They also have to be put together. If you have an older neighbor or relative that has some carpenter skills or tools, it would be a fun project for your son. There are lots of ideas here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/category/chicken-coops.12/

In theory it would be great, but knowing us it wouldn't get done in time for when his chicks will need to move outdoors and we will end up having full grown hens roosting and pooping around our house. Lol! And with the help of my dad's carpenter skills it will end up looking like a crack house on skid row. I think our carpentry skills are better left to putting together a prefab every few years.