First coop guidance

[rosemarythyme]

I completely get where you're coming from. I started with 3 chicks and a small prefab, with the idea that that would be enough for a "test run" to make sure chickens were right for us. Now I'm planning to build a much larger coop, and the existing prefab I'll dismantle for use as a chick brooder and broody/isolation cage.

That said, the actual "coop" portion of that coop is too small for 4. You could rework the entire structure so that it's all coop, instead of mini coop/mini run, by taking out the inside walls and then paneling up some of the mesh to ward off rain/wind. Then take out the 2 short roost bars and put in 1 long one across the wider side of the coop.

 

[X_and_Z]

I also had a pre-fab that was meant from the get-go as temporary. It was MUCH larger than this one, was only meant to last a few months at most and was in an urban area behind 7' privacy fence (i.e. no predators larger than a raccoon - most of the time possums/skunks/rats/mice are the real issues) in a very mild dry climate. I still had to build a pressure treated secure base for the coop, attach it to the base, cover it with a tarp, add ventilation, etc. A determined medium sized dog could easily have torn apart that coop by ripping the wood to shreds/pulling the screws apart (they are small because the wood thickness is small and the wood is soft).

While it survived until my final coop could be delivered and was given free to a tween just starting out with chickens I would never recommend one unless budget was not a concern (i.e. I went into the endeavor budgeting for a final coop + the pre-fab) or there are significant other factors.

 

[Kuntry Klucker]

Hi, I have a differing opinion on prefab coops. I built my first coop, I will say it was the hardest most dangerous project that I undertook. I was new to chickens and followed the advice of more experienced keepers, one of which was don't buy a prefab coop build your own. Not knowing much this is what I did. I found through this endeavor that I have no business using power tools. I nearly killed myself twice and spent $1500 more than I had intentionally set out to spend. After I cut the wood too short or at wrong angels it got expensive. I realized that this was really bad advice that I followed from more experienced chicken keepers. I had never built anything before, so this was my first and last experience with wood working and carpentry in general.

So how did I come to love prefab coops. Well, as the saying goes you cannot have just one. I feel in love with chickens and wanted more. I knew from my past experience that building my coop was a suicide mission so I looked elsewhere. I began to entertain the thought of prefab coops against the better judgement of other poultry keepers. The fact was simple, I can not build a coop so I had to seek out other options.

To start I read reviews, most will say that it looks good but the quality is poor. This is a general across the board review that you will see for a prefab coop. Don't let this bother you, the coops given a little love will do just fine. Anyway, Knowing that I ordered one with a plan in mind. When it arrived I put it together and was actually shocked at how well it was actually made. Drawing from my experience from my coop building disaster I updated the hardware cloth, updated the latches, and gave the wood a good coat of barn paint followed by a good water seal. The results were stunning!!! No only did I not kill myself building the "kit coop", all I needed was a screwdriver inserted of a power saw. But after I made my adjustments is held up well, and I mean well. I live in the steamy south in East Tennessee. We get hot summers with lots of humidity, nasty spring storms, and ice in the winter. Mother Nature throws it all at us. Through this my prefab coops have held up very well. I do touch up the paint about every other year, the hardware cloths and latches are still fine.

After my experience with my first prefab coop which now has 5 years under its belt, I ordered more as my flocks grew. I now have 5 coops currently in operation, 4 of them are prefab coops. I have not had any predators get into my prefab coop, nor have I had any problems with the wood rotting (hence the paint and water seal). The Roofs hold up well and the durability of the structures have withstood everything mother nature has thrown at it thus far. I can honestly say that it would take a disasterous weather event to tear them down such a tornado or derecho. But if I get a tornado here I will have much more to worry about than just damage to my prefab coops. Additionally, I have them insured under my homeowners property damage clause. I will just put them in with all the other things we need replaced should we have to deal with a disastrous weather event.

So this is my story, I learned from experience that building your own coop as many suggest is just not feasible for everyone. I did it and nearly killed my self and I will never build one from scratch again. I have enough experience with prefab coops to honestly recommend them as a viable options for others who cannot or do not know how to built a chicken coop. They are a very good option. I will say that I will only get mine from Tractor Supply or a local co-op. Reason being... if it arrived damaged (so far none of mine have) they will replace or exchange it for me. If I order from Amazon I might be a bit screwed there. That would be my only advice. Prefab coops are great, but get it from TSC, Rural King, or local co op that sales them. If you have problems you can get help.

I am a small voice on this site with respect to prefab chicken coops in particular. But I like to think that my experience and opinions will help others understand that there are other options and that prefab coops can make great homes for your chickens.

 

[ButtonquailGirl14]

you will not want that coop. way too small and expensive. build a nice one now and it will save chickens, time, energy and money.

 

[lazy gardener]

That coop is only big enough for 2 birds, and even then, it will be crowded. Recommendation for back yard flock is AT LEAST 4 s.f. in coop and 10 s.f. in run per bird. If you go with less space you will be very likely to end up with stress induced illnesses, and aggression leading to blood shed and possible cannibalism. I recommend a minimum size of 4 x 8, walk in style, no matter how few birds you have. If you decide that you don't want to keep birds, you will then have a nice little garden shed, or actually have a coop that you could sell.

 

[PirateGirl]

@Kuntry Klucker makes some very valid points.

Also touch base with those on your state thread, local Craigslist, local poultry FB group. You may be able to find someone who will build you a fabulous coop at a reasonable price. I have seen people in my own state that specialize in building chicken coops and dog houses to order.

Good luck. You will find wHat works for you.

 

[jreardon1918]

Our rookie chicken experience started a little over a year ago. We almost bought a prefab. And maybe things would have worked out great. One of the things we considered was a prefab with no run. Then putting the coop inside a covered dog run. We decided against that. Fell in love with the really cute designs. Ended up building the coop link in my sig. What I have learned is that our coop and run worked out well. But with a year of experience, we could have done better. That is not a big deal, like the house, it is a work in progress. If the snow ever melts, run expansion is on the to do list.

Some of the advice you have gotten is great. A hoop coop could get you going quickly and cheaply. Buy a shed and convert it. A prefab as a starter coop with a reasonably sized run that should be ok. Just keep in mind some of the prefabs will be smaller than you think.

 

[aart]

Welcome to BYC!

I understand they will create enough heat in an appropriate size coop. I may be wrong?

Fallacy. Ventilation is much more important and makes 'holding heat' moot.

Pre fabs....sigh.....avoid them,
you'll save money, and maybe heartbreak, in the long run.
Tho they can make good isolation, hospital, broody, chick coops.

Good reads on Space and Ventilation in y signature.

 

[Dbolles]

I want to thank all of you for your advice. I think I read everything you posted. Information overload!

I have decided to be smart and take your collective advice. I'm going to build a hoop coop tractor as my first coop. Seems cheap and effective with lots of room to experiment.