so we bought the 32 originally and set it up with the expanded run thats supposed to fit that particular model. we only anticipated having 4 chickens. low and behold, we end up with 8 chickens. so the only solution we could come up with was to buy the 48 model and connect it.
our chix are still in their brooder, but we will move them to the coop here in a few weeks.
the auvituvin brand seems to be doing alright here so far in SWFL.
the first thing we did was re-enforce all the hardware mesh with poultry wire i already had lying around. really glad we did that bc the original mesh on the 32 is already rusting out. another downfall of the 32 is that there is a 24" x 8" gap that im now having to craw and try to staple gun mesh into because the coop and the run design dont actually sit flush.
the 48 design has black wire mesh which im assuming is pvc coating. it doesnt feel as sturdy as the mesh on the original 32 we bought, but im re-enforcing it with more meah regardless.
ive also read reviews that the locking hardware is shody on the avivituvin brand, so we will be getting new locks, at least definitely for the nesting box becase it doesnt even really truely latch in my opinion.
the pros of this brand ive found is that it shipped promptly and arrived quickly. they have good reviews, but come to find out they will reimburse you sometimes a few bucks if you leave a good review. also these pre fab coops definitely require at least 2 people to put together. we've been recycling all the cardboard that comes with the packaging for use in the brooder.
so if this thread still exists in the future i will try to give an update and pics.
Hey guys! I'm currently looking for a coop for my soon-to-be small backyard flock. I'm planning on getting 2 bantam silkies and 2 standard speckled sussex's.
According to the the usual guidelines posted on here for standard hens:
- 4 square feet in the coop
- 10 square feet in the run
- 1 linear foot of roost
- 1/4 of a nest box
- And 1 square foot of permanent, 24/7/365 ventilation
Bantams are often said to need half the space of a full-sized bird.
Here's what I calculated for 2 bantams, 2 full-sized hens:
- 12 square feet in the coop.
- 3 feet of roost
- 30 square feet in the run
- 3 square feet of ventilation
I know, I know - many folks don't recommend a pre-fab coop for a variety of reasons and suggest building your own, but I am leaning towards the pre-fab route as I am probably the least handy person I know and would rather pay a little extra for the convenience. With that said, I'm looking at the Aivituvin AIR46. I've seen a few videos on youtube of backyard chicken owners with this coop and it seems like it fits most of the usual guidelines. I'd certainly do some modifications like adding hardware cloth and covers for the top of the run, but for the most part it seems solid.
Link:
Aivituvin AIR46
Does anyone have any experience with these coops?
so first time backyard chicken parents here in sunny rainy florida. we bought the 32 originally and set it up with the expanded run thats supposed to fit that particular model. we only anticipated having 4 chickens. low and behold, we end up with 8 chickens. so the only solution we could come up with was to buy the 48 model and connect it because the model we wanted to connect it with was sold out until next year.
our chix are still in their brooder, but we will move them to the coop here in a few weeks.
the auvituvin brand seems to be doing alright here so far in SWFL.
the first thing we did was re-enforce all the hardware mesh with poultry wire i already had lying around. really glad we did that bc the original mesh on the 32 is already rusting out. another downfall of the 32 is that there is a 24" x 8" gap that im now having to crawl and try to staple gun mesh into because the coop and the run design dont actually sit flush. my only regret with using poultry fencing instead of regular hardware mesh is that the wire leaves jagged edges which i am now having to reenforce with metal panels for my own peace of mind. but thats my own fault.
the 48 design has black wire mesh which im assuming is pvc coating. it doesnt feel as sturdy as the mesh on the original 32 we bought, but im re-enforcing it with more mesh regardless. another problem with the 32 model is that it doesnt have ventilation. easy fix for us, we used a drill bit used for drilling doorknob holes and stapled screen and poultry mesh.
ive also read reviews that the locking hardware is shody on the avivituvin brand, so we will be getting new locks, at least definitely for the nesting box becase it doesnt even really truely latch in my opinion.
the pros of this brand ive found is that it shipped promptly and arrived quickly. they have good reviews, but come to find out they will reimburse you sometimes a few bucks if you leave a good review. also these pre fab coops definitely require at least 2 people to put together. we've been recycling all the cardboard that comes with the packaging for use in the brooder.
one major thing i was not expecting.. we have had the 32 model assembled and empty in the yard for a few weeks now. there must be at least 20 butterfly crysalis and caterpillers hanging inside the run and on the outside.
we plan on leaving them in the coop for at least a few days maybe a week before letting them into the run. i will try to give an update and pics.
