Ebay and amazon coop purchase... any advise? Pawhut?

[8675309j]

Looking at this... any tips

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=111079346497

or (looks the same)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/111079336253?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

 

[Teena Marie]

We bought something similar for our first coop. We weren't very happy with it when winter came. We really couldn't put a heat lamp in it as it was too close to the girls. We did tons of research here and on other sites and decided to purchase a shed this spring. We are very happy now and know we will not worry for our girls this winter. Watch Craigslist in your area. I know there are lot people selling home made coops since I bought my shed. (Go figure

)
It would also depend on what breed you choose. We had 4 SLWs in it and they barely fit. Small breeds might do better.
They are cute coops!
Just my tiny input.
Good Luck to you.

 

[conny63malies]

For that price (300$ish) you can get the lumber and plans an build a coop that is a bit bigger with a larger run

 

[xclypto]

I was seriously considering on of these but after seeing them in person at my local Orschelns I decided against it. Most if not all were not even 5 ft and didnt look like more then 3 chickens should fit in them, I would say they would crumble from the elements if a stray dog didnt smash into the side first.

Only advise I have to offer is to find a company maybe that receives material in wooden crates, they usually throw away the wood which could be salvaged for a nice coop. Just add nails/screws and some locks! Or just check with neighbors and friends that have extra wood that they may not need and would be willing to give away.

This is what I did for my coop, after tools, nails, locks, caulk, and the galvanized wire sheet (expensive!) I was out may 100 bucks and had a 6x3x6 coop.

 

[dalyru]

We bought one off of ebay and it was really bad. Very poor craftsmanship and TINY even though it said it was very large. After haggling back and forth with the seller for over a month we were able to return it. Plus, for the price ($350) you can build a much larger and sturdier coop with a nice run.

 

[8675309j]

My husband built a coop, scored some wood from a job site and spent some on hinges and wire. We have the shed for winter but for summer this is it! I think he did a wonderful job! Girls (and boy) aren't getting the hang of the ramp quite yet but hopefully it wont take too long....




We have found a home for our ROO but I am holding out until he matures a little more to be 100% he's a roo.

 

[SunnySkies]

I have one. I have used it for over 6 months. I like it. For the price, there is no way I could have personally built a coop that size that looks nice and has held up. I did not pay $300 for it though; but I did watch eBay and got one for less including shipping.

It is not large enough for 3-6 LF full time. I have a mixed flock that chooses to sleep in there, but they free range all day.

I like it a grow out coop.

Mine survived Sandy just fine, but it sits in our yard where it is somewhat sheltered. It did not handle the winds as well after I tried it up near our barn, which sits on a hill; it would be in much better shape if DH had told me the wind blew it over one night (no chickens were living in it at the time) so I could have moved it right then instead of letting the wind blow it and cause some damage. The damage was easily fixed, but it shouldn't have happened. But to be fair, the wind destroyed the coop I built not long ago.

If you have the time, the skills and the money, build one. But if you don't, you need something right now (like I had mine and built within 3 days) and you only have a couple birds/need a grow out pen/need a breeding coop for a trio of small birds, these can and do work. I've used mine that way for over 6 months.

I did add a hasp closure to both doors to keep coons from opening the doors. I also waterproofed the wood, which is not waterproofed.

 

[jenparis05]

We bought that exact one when we first got our chicks (http://www.rakuten.com/prod/pawhut-...n-coop-hen-house-w-outdoor-run/231245778.html). It said it would be good for 2-4 chickens. I suppose if they were bantams, it would work. But my 4 12 to 14 week old chickens are crowded. I'm sorry to say that while I love the look and functionality of it, it's just too small for our needs. I can't in good conscience leave them in that thing for the better part of the day. Because of that, we leave them to free range in the yard while we're not home Has me EXTREMELY nervous because we've spotted foxes and raccoons in our yard.

Here's my one year old son next to it for size comparison....




Needless to say, we're now building the taj mahal of chicken coops. Take the advice of many on here. Either buy a shed you can convert to a coop and attach a run or else build your own. It's well worth the investment than throwing away money on one of these pre-fab things that you're just going to be disappointed with as your chicks get older.

Here's what we're building now. It will have a slanted roof with a large coop and large run. Still A LOT of work left to do, but our girls will be so much safer.

 

[8675309j]

We ended up building. See reply....

 

[jenparis05]

We ended up building. See reply....

Woops! Didn't realize that was you Good move!

Maybe the info will be helpful for others looking