Few Questions One Not Concerning A Hatcherie

[SunHwaKwon]

It really depends on how much you want to/can spend. I don't think any of the plastic playhouses will be big enough. You will want something around 6x8.

 

[SunHwaKwon]

I just got my chicks from Hoovers at about 6 this morning. They were pretty cold - the heat pack was already cold and hard. One of the barnevelders is not looking so good but everyone else seems okay. The five rare that they sent me are all either light brahma, more Salmon Faverolles, or Wheaten Marans. I haven't taken a close look yet because I was more concerned with getting everyone under some heat. For right now I will say I am happy with them but I will post back over the next couple of days to let you know how well and healthy the chicks are and how they recover from their journey.

 

[Cluckcluck1215]

It really depends on how much you want to/can spend. I don't think any of the plastic playhouses will be big enough. You will want something around 6x8.

I can only spend around $300 or less.So would buying that shed, and then buying the lumber and such be cheaper.....Better?????

 

[SunHwaKwon]

I can only spend around $300 or less.So would buying that shed, and then buying the lumber and such be cheaper.....Better?????

That depends. With any of them you will need tools. A power drill with screwdriver and drill bits at the very least. I am looking for the parts list now to see what all is needed so I can try to estimate it for you.

Are you planning to have it directly on the ground or also make a floor with it? that will make a difference as well. Even the metal sheds do not have a floor. The bad thing with a dirt floor is things can dig/burrow into the coop. I prefer to keep mine elevated, even with a floor, because otherwise you can end up with rats or something building tunnels underneath and you have no way to get to them. Plus, having it elevated also gives the chickens more run space.

 

[SunHwaKwon]

Also, is the $300 just for the coop, or also for the run and the chickens?

 

[Cluckcluck1215]

UPDATE

The ideas I have posted before are NOT being concerned with currently.I have found this other "coop" or "Rabbit Hutch".
I want to know if It can fit 5-6 chickens.(1-2 being bantams)https://www.amazon.com/Pawhut-Delux...787386&sr=1-5&keywords=Chicken+coop+with+runs

 

[keesmom]

Way too small for 6 hens, even if 2 are bantams. I wouldn't trust it with predators either.

 

[Cluckcluck1215]

Way too small for 6 hens, even if 2 are bantams. I wouldn't trust it with predators either.

Oh, ok....

Could you give me some links to "GOOD" coops under $300?

ETA TO ADD:Found this.How many hens?Mixed sizes:http://www.ebay.com/itm/Deluxe-Larg...-4-6-Chickens-w-nesting-box-Run-/391505749462

 

[SunHwaKwon]

I don't know what the actual coop dimensions on that are. I just went to TSC and picked up last year's version of this http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/pr...luxe-farm-house-chicken-coop-up-to-8-chickens on clearance for $119.99. It says its for 8 chickens but there is absolutely no way I would put 8 chickens in it. At most, 3 large fowl or 5 bantams depending on the kind (my sebright is much smaller than my bantam cochins). I got it to use for breeding and brooding so I am okay with the size for that since it is temporary. Also I would not consider it (and likely not any) prefab coop to be predator proof. I set it up inside of my 700 sq ft run that is dig, climb, and fly proof so I think it will be safe. I do close my coops up at night all the same, to be on the safe side.

TBH the only way you will find a prefab coop that ACTUALLY will fit that many chickens is if it were severely discounted, like the one I just bought; that is, a $600+ coop marked down to the $300 range. And it will probably still be thin soft wood like the one I just assembled.

ETA we are not trying to discourage but to help. Overcrowding can lead to a lot of behavioral and health issues, and isn't good for the happiness of the birds either, so we want to help you avoid that!

 

[SunHwaKwon]

One last thing I want to throw out there.... I know you say so many times in your profile you "just want chicks" but remember they are only cute fluffy chicks for a couple of weeks and before long they are pretty, but not fluffy and cute, chickens.