Hello! First thread. How about this for a coop?

[ClemmieKatie]

Hi folks. First timer here. I am participating in a free range farm "rent-a-chick" program and, predictably, have fallen in love with my four girls: Clemmie (Sapphire Olive), Cheryl (Midnight Majesty), Brownie, and Timothy (the 8 year old insisted on naming her that; they are both Welsummers). They are 12 days old and just adorable. We are scheduled to take them back to the farm on Saturday but have the option of adopting them for a fee. I keep waffling on it (head vs. heart) and one of my biggest obstacles is that I don't have a coop for them yet. (I do know they won't need one for several weeks, but the "no coop" is just one of those hurdles you have to get over before it becomes a reality.)

Coincidentally, my neighbor is selling their rabbit hutch and wondered if I wanted to buy it for the chickens. The photos are attached. I've read several articles about lots of folks converting hutches into coops. I know I'd have to add some sort of run. What do you all think? Here are some photos I took last night. I think this is the model (https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petco...ra-xl-two-story-rabbit-hutch-with-outdoor-run).

 

[Chloe+chickens=LOVE]

For 4 chickens this looks good! it would be even better in the day time if you free range them

 

[Wezdin]

The only problem i can see is a low roof and no place to roost.

 

[rosemarythyme]

It's going to be too small for 4 once they grow up but for the time being it might do ok, if the price is cheap. Maybe with enough alterations it could work even once they're grown - basically you'd want it to become one giant box instead of a box segmented into 3 smaller rooms. You'll also need to add a run if you aren't free ranging.

 

[ClemmieKatie]

They want $75 for it, I’d probably not want to pay more than $60. I’m really handy and can build or mod one no problem. I would love to free range but need to study and research more about exactly what that all entails. Thank you for the responses so far!

 

[imnukensc]

That is no where near large enough for 4 chickens.

 

[Sequel]

That is no where near large enough for 4 chickens.

I agree, I think it's much too small. If you're handy get a nice shed and do a conversion, add a secure run and you will be so much happier and so will your chickens. Think about the winter, they will need a place to hang that's dry and out of the wind. I know how easy it is to fall in love with them, aren't they just the best??? Good luck!

 

[New2Chicks97]

If you could get it for the right price you could use it until you built or found one better suited to your needs. If you really want to keep them then at least this would be a place for them to go.

Check your local Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist ads too. I see a lot of chicken coops on our local for sale places.

 

[ClemmieKatie]

Thank you, I appreciate you all being honest and candid with me. Maybe it’s not the right time then.

 

[aart]

I am participating in a free range farm "rent-a-chick" program ....They are 12 days old and just adorable. We are scheduled to take them back to the farm on Saturday but have the option of adopting them for a fee.

Very curious about this program...you only rent the chicks for a couple weeks?
More info, please.... links, pics?

Agrees with others about the hutch...too small.
If you can build.....that's the way to go for sure.

Oh, and...Welcome to BYC! @ClemmieKatie
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