CoffeeKat
Chirping
Good evening from TN, all.
A week ago we became the owners of a few hens. Now, this all came about by falling into my lap. I’d been considering chickens for some time and was drafting a 10 page proposal to my husband to sell him on the idea outlining costs, benefits, drawbacks, etc. (When I “do a thing,” I REALLY do a thing haha.)
I didn’t really see it happening based on the high cost of prefab coops or sheds and the time in my day to build one. This would be kind of my thing and I just can’t build one right now.
Long story short, my friend and fellow chicken owner plotted with her husband— who came to have this infamous PP sentinel coop in like new condition. She pitched the idea to me that perhaps this is great for my situation. So, for 150 USD, she was willing to sell it plus 3 hens (2 of which are yet to begin laying) and some start up stuff. To me, that was an ok deal and probably best case scenario in terms of spousal persuasion and our available space.
I have surmised that there are “feelings” about this coop in all directions and it’s certainly a well discussed coop.
Originally a 4th hen was to join my ranks, but I am holding off. My questions pertain to space issues and adding ventilation with this particular model.
Please see the attached photo.
1. Given the measurements of this coop, how exactly does the number of hens flex when they are given access to both the large run all day (this is not the final setup—fencing is temporary but the space will be the same when they are in their final
Place) and also access to our back yard?
i have seen two hens at most if having to stay in the coop, and as many as 4 when able to get out and around.
2. What has been most successful with this model in terms of offering ventilation to the girls?
3. what issues with predators do you find with this coop (those who have it) and what method did you use to prevent diggers? Our largest concern are raccoons, possums, and hawks. (I do have a netting over the run I made and plan to buy a nice aviary netting for the final setup)
One thread mentioned the coop area measures 32inches by 36inches.
chickens will be in the coop overnight only. The rest of the day they’ll be out in the pen and beyond to help us with bug control and vegetation control. Our yard is fully shaded all day.
Given this environment, am I able to add my 4th girl I had originally intended?
Coop link: https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/producers-pride-mini-defender-coop-mdc001
edit to add: also, anyone have an automatic opener on this sucker?
A week ago we became the owners of a few hens. Now, this all came about by falling into my lap. I’d been considering chickens for some time and was drafting a 10 page proposal to my husband to sell him on the idea outlining costs, benefits, drawbacks, etc. (When I “do a thing,” I REALLY do a thing haha.)
I didn’t really see it happening based on the high cost of prefab coops or sheds and the time in my day to build one. This would be kind of my thing and I just can’t build one right now.
Long story short, my friend and fellow chicken owner plotted with her husband— who came to have this infamous PP sentinel coop in like new condition. She pitched the idea to me that perhaps this is great for my situation. So, for 150 USD, she was willing to sell it plus 3 hens (2 of which are yet to begin laying) and some start up stuff. To me, that was an ok deal and probably best case scenario in terms of spousal persuasion and our available space.
I have surmised that there are “feelings” about this coop in all directions and it’s certainly a well discussed coop.
Originally a 4th hen was to join my ranks, but I am holding off. My questions pertain to space issues and adding ventilation with this particular model.
Please see the attached photo.
1. Given the measurements of this coop, how exactly does the number of hens flex when they are given access to both the large run all day (this is not the final setup—fencing is temporary but the space will be the same when they are in their final
Place) and also access to our back yard?
i have seen two hens at most if having to stay in the coop, and as many as 4 when able to get out and around.
2. What has been most successful with this model in terms of offering ventilation to the girls?
3. what issues with predators do you find with this coop (those who have it) and what method did you use to prevent diggers? Our largest concern are raccoons, possums, and hawks. (I do have a netting over the run I made and plan to buy a nice aviary netting for the final setup)
One thread mentioned the coop area measures 32inches by 36inches.
chickens will be in the coop overnight only. The rest of the day they’ll be out in the pen and beyond to help us with bug control and vegetation control. Our yard is fully shaded all day.
Given this environment, am I able to add my 4th girl I had originally intended?
Coop link: https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/producers-pride-mini-defender-coop-mdc001
edit to add: also, anyone have an automatic opener on this sucker?
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