Got taken by prefab coop company

Angelbirdy

Songster
Jun 18, 2020
137
324
136
Los Alamos, NM
My Coop
My Coop
After deciding we weren’t in a position to build our own but wanting an upgrade from the feed store and amazon coops, we decided to spend a little more and get less chickens than recommended Since the coops run small. However, this coop is as flimsy and poorly constructed as one half the price. No return shipping possible, of course, so we set about reinforcing by joint supports, extra wood along the base and completely enclosing the bottom with 1/2” 19 gauge hardware cloth. We did the screw and washer method for the stapled screening also and replacethe cheap hardware. I have to knock out some paneling for proper ventilation and raise the roosting bars also. However, this coop is going to be too small for even the 4 small breed and one Brahma we got. Trying to figure out how to add onto this thing. Can I pop off the nest box and do a split level addition, or detach the run and build extra out that way? Or raise the whole thing to become a walk in? Appreciate any ideas!
Food and waterer set up will be fed through the outside of the run, so the advertised space is accurate. Predation is a huge issue here so I’ve made a portable 40’ round daytime yard rather than free ranging, although our yard is fenced.
here’s the coop:
https://www.urbannorthern.com/products/the-kona-coop
 
forgot to mention, I sealed the wood before assembling and got metal roofing to protect the terrible roof and cover the run (we had planned on the run cover before buying).
At this point I want to chuck the $600+shipping into the fire and start over.
 
I definitely want to add to their run space, but the big issue is the sleeping/coop area, because it only has 4’ roost space and very little wiggle room for an extra one due to the pitched roof. I think the external 2 nest box Is sufficient For laying, though!
 
forgot to mention, I sealed the wood before assembling and got metal roofing to protect the terrible roof and cover the run (we had planned on the run cover before buying).
At this point I want to chuck the $600+shipping into the fire and start over.
Wow... sadly, I agree with you. :(

I would still do the roof improvement you were thinking of... and the increased ventilation...

And call that a broody hen house, or for chicks.... or a lone silkie.....

And yes, :barnie start over. Though you clearly now want to tear your hair out (with good cause), you will be so much happier in the long run if you just buy a cute shed, or find a handyman to build you a cute shed and run.
 
I definitely want to add to their run space, but the big issue is the sleeping/coop area, because it only has 4’ roost space and very little wiggle room for an extra one due to the pitched roof. I think the external 2 nest box Is sufficient For laying, though!

If you close in the sides of the prefab run making the entire structure into the coop and place it inside a hoop run you have a bigger coop and once built a run protecting it from predators. Fir....which is what it is made of is very soft and neither predator or weather resistant.
 
I agree with some of the others, just make the entire thing into the coop. Roof over the open run "roof," rip out the interior walls (so now it's 1 big box instead of a small box in a bigger box), cover up some of the outside walls to block against wind/rain (remember to leave ample ventilation though, don't board it all up!) and run roosts across the new span.

The nests can be left as is with maybe a small platform or perch for the birds to access them.
 

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