Coop suggestions

[bird_chick]

First, I apologize if this exact question has been asked already.

I have decided that I would like to join the backyard chicken club and am still in the research phase as I am the type to research something to death. I want to start with 4 chickens that are known for docility and cold-hardy and am leaning to an Orpington, an Australorp, an Ameraucana, and a Wyandotte. This is still up in the air and may change and I mention it mainly for reference of the size chickens I need to house.

My main reason for posting is the coop itself. My fiance is determined that they will stay confined as he is concerned of the mess they will make in the yard and I want them to free range during the day. I am trying to not spend a large amount of money due to the uncertainty of how the chickens will "go over" with my family and I for the long term. Additionally, we are planning on moving out of state in 2 years time and the coop will likely stay at our current home. I have looked at the pre-fab ones since I only need something to last at the maximum 2 years. I am concerned that the modifications needed will make the monetary savings a moot point. I hesitate to ask my SO to build anything now due to the limited time we will live here and use it. He is a perfectionist and I do not see it being a cheap or quick construction.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a good option? Should I just go with the pre-fab and hope for the best or fork out money now and again when we move to build the coop(s)?
Thanks in advance!!!

 

[TexasWineGuy]

My suggestion would be to have the SO build a SIMPLE coop & run. I was given one of those "Red Barn II" coop/run kits and it didn't take me long to figure out how many things needed to be changed, reinforced, added, and modified. Retail on these is about $350 bucks, which can buy a boatload of building materials from Home Despot or Lowe's.

Perfectionist or nor, make an agreement on a simple design, and have him stick to it until you move. By the time you move you will both have learned a plethora of information to prepare you build the next Coop, in your new home. The SO can go full throttle on that one!

The pic below is the coop I was given. The darn box it came in said "for 5-7 hens" which is ridiculous. It's really more fitting for ONE. Note the 8' x 8' run I hastily built to give them more room.

I'm currently converting a 8' x 10" metal tool shed into a new Coop. The 8 x 8 run I built will give me some breathing room until the new Coop and Run are done.

Good luck. Lots of great people here to help.

Oh, suggest you go to your profile section and add where you live, as this may effect coop design.

TWG

 

[PirateGirl]

You mention forking out the money to build a coop, however, building something is going to be cheaper than getting something pre-fab. I'm not sure where you are at in the world, but there are often things like sheds, play houses, dog houses, and used chicken coops available on Craigslist (or similar) that can made into an adequate chicken coop. Something like this will be easier and cheaper than starting from scratch.

 

[DobieLover]

Many people build coops from pallets. You can search the coop articles pages for ideas. If you are willing to free range but the SO is not, consider using poultry netting with a good charger on it and confine them to a pen. The netting can be taken with you when you move or sold if you decide chickens aren't for you... which is highly unlikely!

 

[aart]

Build a decent sized shed, then it can be used as a shed when you sell....
...or a coop might be a good selling point.

Oh, and...Welcome to BYC! @bird_chick
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

 

[PirateGirl]

Build a decent sized shed, then it can be used as a shed when you sell....
...or a coop might be a good selling point.

I like this idea a lot. Even though you won't be bringing it with you, you will likely get your money back and won't be made to tear it down when you move.

 

[bird_chick]

Sorry! I am in NW Pennsylvania in the lake effect area that can get feet (yes plural) of snow in a day. I did add this to my profile. Thanks!!

 

[aart]

lake effect area that can get feet (yes plural) of snow in a day.

Yep, I live in a Snow Belt too.....a good reason to get a bigger building.