Could people help me with two questions before I buy this coop??

[equusvilla]

Quote:
snicker snicker... me too and I am just getting started on my 7x8 foot coop 8 'tall. So far I have spent about $600.00 and the only thing I still need is the wire fencing for the run. It takes more time and patience than $$ and intellegence.

 

[CityGirlintheCountry]

Quote:
snicker snicker... me too and I am just getting started on my 7x8 foot coop 8 'tall. So far I have spent about $600.00 and the only thing I still need is the wire fencing for the run. It takes more time and patience than $$ and intellegence.

Amen, sister! Middle Aged women, UNITE!

 

[luckyramu]

Er, that price is out of control. Build it yourself or check cregslist in your area. Often times some peep is making something similar for half the price.

 

[gryeyes]

Quote:
*linking arms with y'all*

 

[Laurajean]

A lot of people are suggesting to build it myself and save the money. Despite all the "middle aged women" jokes, I'm disabled so I actually cannot build one myself. I have a couple of "well meaning" neighbors who have offered to build one for a nominal fee, but I have discovered that hiring them is not in my best interest. They are extremely SLOW (and not very handy either). So I am getting tired of "hoping" that someone will build one, and at this point I'd just assume part with the money and have it over it with.

I posted another post asking people for second hand item ideas for making a coop, but not many people answered. I hate to spend that kind of money too, especially being disabled, but I just am not able to build one myself. I am keeping an eye on Craig's List and the like.

Still welcome to any other ideas of course, just letting you know why I cannot build one.

 

[Tecalli]

Hi Laurajean, I bought my coop last summer rather than build one for a variety of reasons (time, skills). There are some wonderful home made coops out there, but for some people pre-made is the way to go.

I didn't go with Horizon Structures, but they have a coop very similar to the one I got:
http://www.chickencoopsource.com/chicken-coops/chicken-coops/lancasterstandardquakerchickencoop.cfm
Its plenty of room for my two standard hens and 1 bantam. I didn't insulate it this winter, but I did add additional ventilation, and the hens did fine. I am very happy with the coop. Its well made and very easy to clean. I paid $720 for it from a local garden center. I did build a very large run around it covered with hardware cloth. They free range only when I am outside with them due to all the hawks in our area.

One thing to consider is whether they will just ship it to your house, or will they place it where you want. Having it arrive in your driveway, far from the spot you actually want it, may be of little use.
I did see some cute little sheds at Home Depot this weekend that could easily work as chicken coops and they say they put it exactly where you want it. That may be another option you want to consider.

You may want to look at recent BYC posts on pre-fab coops and US made coops for other options, just so you can compare and make sure the one you are choosing is the right one for you:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=57816&p=1
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=3799305#p3799305

You may also want to consider hiring a local carpenter to build a coop and run for you. I know you have reasons for not wanting to hire your neighbors, but a carpenter otherside not connected to you could be a viable option.

Good luck!

 

[bigstack]

When I was in high school, we did all kinds of special projects in shop class. We would build pretty much anything for the community. All they ever paid was for materials. All the labor was free. We got to actually learn something usefull and the teacher kept us busy. LOL PLus the customer got a really good unit and deal! You might contact your local high school and ask about their building programs. If the school says no, I would actually try to talk to the shop teacher directly. Ours did all kinds of stuff off the books. LOL We were free labor! We didn't really mind. It gave us something to do and we enjoyed being able to help the community, even if he got paid a lil kick back. Boy scouts/eagle scouts too!!! I would deffinately try the high school!

Good Luck and God Bless!

 

[gibsonbuzz]

Nice looking coop but that price is steep. I built this one for under $800.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=318134

 

[CityGirlintheCountry]

Quote:
Oh, Laurajean, we aren't poking fun. I really am a middle aged woman. Getting more middle aged by the day.

I was merely trying to encourage you. Building, if you haven't grown up doing it, is somewhat intimidating. Lauralou on here encouraged me to build my first and it was very empowering. I am forever grateful for her encouragement.

But, everyone's situation is different. We are just trying to help you save a few dollars.

edited to add- you might try looking at the coops/runs on Meyer Hatchery's website. I remember that they had a number of small coop/run combinations that were quite nice. Good luck!

 

[Wildsky]

Just remember chickens aren't fussy, they'd be happy with a dog house with a fence around it if needed.

As I said earlier, sheds from a hardware store or at a garage sale, things like that do just fine, no need to get something too expensive if you don't want to.

I have plastic storage totes for nest boxes, and the chickens love them! Fence posts for roost, and mine live in an old shed that was here on the property when we moved in. We cleaned it out, cut a chicken door - added the roost and nest boxes and we've been doing just fine since!