Getting started in Ohio!

[Knobby]

Welcome from a fellow Buckeye! I wound up just building my own coop using free pallets. So far, our flock has able to survive through 2 winters without any issues. Manufacturers tend to inflate the amount of chickens their coops can manage, thus my reasons for building my own. Since the pallets were free, I have no issues tearing down my existing coop to build another one that is suiting to my current flock size.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens. Pull up roost stay awhile.

 

[triciayoung]

Very nice job. I like when the coop is set within the run because it is double protection.

 

[Knobby]

Very nice job. I like when the coop is set within the run because it is double protection.

Yeah, it takes up a third of the run space, but the added protection gives me a little more peace of mind. I've since then fenced around the entire area with more pallets, but will add cemented posts and even it out alittle better.

 

[Bev1]

Hello! I've placed an order for chicks this spring (goal is to have 6 chickens, but placed an order for 8 barred Plymouth rocks). I've been wanting chickens for years and have finally taken the plunge! I am still debating what coop to buy. A low maintenance plastic coop has great appeal. I would love to be able to tractor them around the yard. I'm leaving towards the large raised nestera coop since it is recycled plastic and slightly larger than the eglu but it's hard to be sure it will work well in our climate and for 6-8 hens. Would love any feedback or advice (although I'd caveat that I don't want to build my own).

Excited to be on this journey!

I am just getting re-started. Like you I have ordered 8 chicks - only because that was the minimum order for the season. Ordered EEs and a couple of blue eggers. Have been looking at the Nestera and the Eglu. I am going to go with the Nestera because of the design. It looks easy to move, even with the attached run. Didn't care for the nest box design on the Eglu models. And didn't want wood and all the cleaning issues that arise. Also, during hot weather thought parking it under trees, away from direct sunlight would keep the temp down. We shall see. Won't be ordering it until the beginning of March.

 

[DobieLover]

I am just getting re-started. Like you I have ordered 8 chicks - only because that was the minimum order for the season. Ordered EEs and a couple of blue eggers. Have been looking at the Nestera and the Eglu. I am going to go with the Nestera because of the design. It looks easy to move, even with the attached run. Didn't care for the nest box design on the Eglu models. And didn't want wood and all the cleaning issues that arise. Also, during hot weather thought parking it under trees, away from direct sunlight would keep the temp down. We shall see. Won't be ordering it until the beginning of March.

You might want to read through the entire thread. Neither of the models you want will be a good choice for your climate.

 

[triciayoung]

Yeah, it takes up a third of the run space, but the added protection gives me a little more peace of mind. I've since then fenced around the entire area with more pallets, but will add cemented posts and even it out alittle better.

Nice. I don't think any of us would ever say we have "too much protection".

 

[Tookie]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Good luck with your plans!

 

[Bella the Chicken Lover]

Welcome to BYC! The first coop I had was this metal shed, and it worked out pretty good. I wouldn't really recommend the plastic shed, knowing it doesn't work as well from a friend of mine. Glad to have you at BYC

 

[PurpleSeaStar]

I am just getting re-started. Like you I have ordered 8 chicks - only because that was the minimum order for the season. Ordered EEs and a couple of blue eggers. Have been looking at the Nestera and the Eglu. I am going to go with the Nestera because of the design. It looks easy to move, even with the attached run. Didn't care for the nest box design on the Eglu models. And didn't want wood and all the cleaning issues that arise. Also, during hot weather thought parking it under trees, away from direct sunlight would keep the temp down. We shall see. Won't be ordering it until the beginning of March.

I ordered the Nestera. I know the feedback from this thread was against, but I've read some reviews (and I even messaged the Coffee with the Chicken Ladies!) and I'm going ahead. I don't have the time or inclination to build or modify my own coop. If it is too small for all six hens (or 8 if I successfully raise them all, I'll do my best!) I'll sell the extra pullets at the end of the summer. I probably should've waited to order, but I got to excited, and now it's arriving today!