Free Range Hen Houses from Tractor Supply

[K8Aspen]

I am contemplating on getting the smaller one of these, as it's small enough to fit into the run I am planning or on the end, depending on what kind of room we end up with. I wanted to know if anyone has purchased one and if they thought it was a good buy. I would build one; but my husband's back has been out for two years and he's so sensitive to any little strain, and I'm OK with building; but for the money this things costs with the purchase of a chain link run then covered in chicken wire, I think this is a better bet. plus, in the meantime, while our chicks are hatching/brooding, we can use this free range run for my bunnies until their pen is built. Anyways, I'd appreciate thoughts on these "free range" runs and any better alternatives. Thank you in advance.

 

[Blooie]

I am not a big fan of them. We ordered the Little Red Barn last year, because the ad said it would hold 5 chickens and I thought it was cute, then we found a site with honest reviews. We were able to cancel our order. Later on we saw one at the feed store, and high-fived each other for not going through with it. They never hold as many chickens as they claim they do. The construction is pretty flimsy. Most of the reviews for people who used them said they had to make many modifications to it before it would even work. That said, I don't know exactly which one you were looking at, so bear that in mind.

I can sure sympathize with your plight. My husband was just out of surgery for a knuckle replacement and several other repairs in his right hand, and of course he's right handed. But we got it done. Just took us forever!

But back stuff is tricky, and I don't blame you for not wanting to risk anything. For just a little more money you might consider going to a big box store and buying a wooden storage shed. Those places usually deliver and will even set it up for a small additional charge. They are easily modified by adding some ventilation at the top and a pop door for the chickens at the bottom. Craig's List is often recommended on here as a potential spot for used coops as well.

You also should take into account the risk of predators in your area. Even the neighbor's dog can be a potential death sentence for your chickens. So when you put up your run do the best you can to make sure it's as secure as possible. Dogs, coyotes, racoons, etc can tear though chicken wire in less time that it took you to unroll it. The chain link will help.

Oh, and welcome!

 

[K8Aspen]

Thank you for your response.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/product__10151_-1_10001_250512#desc-tab

This is the link tot he one I am looking at. I think I could add the 10' x 20' run onto it with minimal problems. It appeals to me for the rabbit location help in the meantime and also most likely because I am a horse owner, I like run in sheds...

 

[K8Aspen]

This one is pro-panel. I will have to create nest boxes and perches as it really doesn't seem to have any of note. I liked it because of total access, in case of sick birds or Heaven forbid, a deceased one.

Also the reason for the chain link is because we had a gorgeous chicken run and coop about 5 years ago, a raccoon got into it and killed everyone of our chickens. The raccoon shredded the chicken wire. i didn't want that to happen again, so we're getting the big dog run and will put a 2" x 4" rafter top on it with 2" x 2" square non climb across the top with chicken wire inside to make doubly sure they can't get in..

Not to mention, we have a English Mastiff who loves to mother the baby chicks but when they become full fledged chickens, somehow, she feels that they are a snack, not the same babies she loved on months before.. so this is also to keep her out.

 

[Blooie]

I looked at the one you linked to. Compared to some pre-made coops I've seen it actually doesn't look too bad. I guess it's a judgement call on your part. Hard lesson on the chicken wire but a good one to have remembered! Good luck to you!