First Coop, Need Help Please

[tdmom]

Hi, I have 4 chickens and I bought a used coop on craigslist for $75 but now I'm regretting my purchase. I'll post pictures below for reference.

After researching here, I realize that coops need ventilation (with proper 1/2" hardware cloth secured over it), and to my knowledge, this coop doesn't have any ventilation--does it need windows? I'm in western NY so winters will get cold too.

The person who had it before me used to prop the back door open with a 2x4 and his chickens hopped out the back for the day. There are no divided nesting boxes and if I'm correct, those are necessary right? The ramp doesn't even go on securely in the front for the sliding door but they need it, right?

There is no roosting bar, is that required?

There is really no room for much in this and I'm afraid I've made a terrible purchase. My husband is not handy and is frustrated with this already. My chickens are free range during the day and until I get something more secure for them, they are in an extra-large dog crate at night in my garage with food and water, but they are getting bigger and I know they need something better but more importantly, something SAFER.

Can anyone make any suggestions or give me some advice please? I love my chickens so much already and would love to give them something better. Thank you.

 

[karlamaria]

Hi, I have 4 chickens and I bought a used coop on craigslist for $75 but now I'm regretting my purchase. I'll post pictures below for reference.

After researching here, I realize that coops need ventilation (with proper 1/2" hardware cloth secured over it), and to my knowledge, this coop doesn't have any ventilation--does it need windows? I'm in western NY so winters will get cold too.

The person who had it before me used to prop the back door open with a 2x4 and his chickens hopped out the back for the day. There are no divided nesting boxes and if I'm correct, those are necessary right? The ramp doesn't even go on securely in the front for the sliding door but they need it, right?

There is no roosting bar, is that required?

There is really no room for much in this and I'm afraid I've made a terrible purchase. My husband is not handy and is frustrated with this already. My chickens are free range during the day and until I get something more secure for them, they are in an extra-large dog crate at night in my garage with food and water, but they are getting bigger and I know they need something better but more importantly, something SAFER.

Can anyone make any suggestions or give me some advice please? I love my chickens so much already and would love to give them something better. Thank you.

yikes, looks like a torture chamber. I say chuck it and get a dog house if need be. your birds need to roost, and 1 nest box is enough for 4 birds, but where are they suposed to go in that thing? oh and you can grate them, with out food and water i fhtere sleeping in the crate only. sorry about your bad purchase.

 

[Vicky2479]

Hmmm sorry but I have to agree, let hubby take out his frustrations out on it with a sledge hammer ( doesnt need to be to handy for that). They need somewhere to roost off the floor, that is weather proof, well ventilated and has a dedicated spot for laying. Hope you find something suitable soon

 

[LittleChooks]

Sory about your coop

. I am going to convert an old "tree house" but you could buy a new 4 hen coop from a manufacturer

 

[LittleChooks]

You could try and look in the Coops section of BYC, that might help?

 

[ONSTAD1]

At least it was only $75

Here is a link to the coop I just finished...I'm not super handy and it turned out ok.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/685152/small-coop-finished-pic-heavy#post_9272435

mo

 

[tdmom]

Thank you everyone. I appreciate your honesty and your comments. Yes it was only $75, but to us that is a LOT of money.

We are constantly looking on our local craigslist for other alternatives but haven't found any yet (looking for coops, sheds, playhouses, etc.). We do have an OLD (very old!) tree house that used to belong to my eldest son, that may be something we can try to work with. It only has 3 sides to it, but we'll see. My husband did get it out of the tree and onto the ground, but now we have to figure out the next steps of getting it to the spot we need it at and if we can build onto it or not. Prayers would definitely be appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love my chickens so much already and hope we can provide them with a secure, safe coop to live in! I hate having to put them in the dog crate every evening.

 

[tdmom]

UPDATE: It's been over a year and it's still not 100% finished, but it's close!!! Here is the continuation... https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/814621/our-treehouse-converted-to-coop-and-run-pic-heavy