Coop thoughts

[arodnlys]

Hey guys and gals, we currently have our 2 chicks in a boarder that is too small for them on the patio of our apartment for a few more days before we close on our new home tuesday. Its taken much longer than expected, we missed 2 closing dates due to our lender. Long story short.

We want to get the chicks a coop. I really dont feel like having to make one from scratch. I know I can just dont have the time to.

What do you think of this one?

http://cgi.ebay.com/BRAND-NEW-Rabbi...152?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27bb779620

I like it because it gives the chicks some space to run around and be themselves. We only have 2 now and maybe will get 2 or 3 more.

I like the design and the price.

Open to other ideas, thoughts, opinions etc.

Thanks

 

[kichohana]

So for $340 this gets delivered to you and you still have to build it, right? I think it might house 2 standard chickens maximum. I don't think it looks very sturdy or secure. For that price, you could buy the materials @ your local hardware store and hire some handyman off of Craigslist to build it for you; maybe throw in a case of beer too. I've also seen some great coops made from Rubbermaid garden sheds that would house more birds than this one. If you are looking to expand your current flock of 2, you'll need to go much larger than this hutch. My 4 standard size chickens are "crammed" into a 3'x6' (18 sq ft) coop and attached 6'x7' run. I had to extend the size of the run to give them more room because of the feather-plucking that came from the tight quarters over the winter.

Good luck and congrats on your new home!

 

[zookeeper15133]

Or just look on Craigslist for prebuilt coops. You would have to put up the run, but the coop is usually completely assembled.

 

[kcfuerst]

It won't be big enough when you start doing chicken math.

 

[SumDumGuy]

Most of those "coops" look nothing like the picture when a person has finished putting it together.
The wood that is used is extremely thin and prone to warping.
As an FYI they are typically mass produced in China, and as such are that quality level.

I bought a similar model... don't make the same mistake as me!!!

 

[arodnlys]

Thanks for the replys guys and gals

I went and looked on Craigslist and found a few, let me know your thoughts please

http://orlando.craigslist.org/grd/2429476028.html

The design of this one is sorta weird lol
http://orlando.craigslist.org/grd/2406337265.html

Now these look cool, I would just want to fence in the bottome so they can run around or make a chicken run so they can be happy
http://spacecoast.craigslist.org/grd/2400324188.html

Similar to the one above but the one we like
http://spacecoast.craigslist.org/grd/2400287506.html

* The last 2 is some guy that builds them periodically and sells them to make some money. Looks like a great product, I'll have to talk it over with the wife.

 

[bryan99705]

Use the rule of 4 sq ft per bird inside a coop and 10 sq ft per bird for the run. These guys seem to be using mini-bantys for the high bird counts.

What about just looking for a coop and setting it inside a run built with pre-fab dog kennel panels. They come in various sizes, are pretty secure, and you can set them up and move them easily. If coons or dogs become an issue you can use another kennel panel(s) for a top and add skirting. Easy and looks good

 

[zookeeper15133]

I would prefer the first two. Do you want it to stay in 1 place (first one) or move it around the yard (second one).

Many people don't like A frames or arks ( second one) but I do. Mine is larger (you can see it on my page). If you choose the A frame get it pre-painted and wheels on it. Apparently he builds to order so if you supply the paint, I'm sure he will do it any color you want. Prepainting makes it last longer and easier to clean because there are no unpainted edges to rot. Also ask him to use 1x2 welded wire instead of chicken wire.

If the first ones are built to order make sure it is welded wire, not chicken wire. If it is chicken wire, it would not be time consuming or difficult to add welded wire.

You will be getting much more coop for your money.

 

[arodnlys]

I think we are going to go with the 3rd one. The guy is very nice and makes these as a hobby year round. He makes the generic ones that are in his ad, and can make one per your order as well. We want the white medium one that way the birds have some more room to run around. He said he can also ad a sliding door for 20bucks that way they have a way out into the chicken run if I wanted one. Hopefully he has one ready to go, so i can pick up this weekend or next week on my days off.

 

[Horizon Structures]

Great choice; good luck with your new coop!