Help finding the right coop

[IdyllwildAcres]

I got mine on amazon and my pet chicken and I'm very satisfied with it. Here's a couple I was interested in, they might be too big though:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06VXTGHVP/?tag=backy-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076C56L73/?tag=backy-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0080CK8CK/?tag=backy-20
https://www.mypetchicken.com/catalo...bhouse-Coop-w-Run-up-to-4-chickens-p1167.aspx

2.4 out of 5 stars
5 star
26%
4 star
5%
3 star
11%
2 star
11%
1 star
47%
See all 19 reviews

Nearly twice as many one star reviews than 5 star....

I wonder why?

Gary

 

[Chullicken]

Tough to build one right under $500, the hardware cloth alone is uber expensive. I like to look around when I am at work and talking to people, going to yard sales to find cheap materials windows, doors etc for little to no cost or free. Just last summer my best friend was paid to clean out a retired carpenters workshop/garage...jack pot. Got tons of lumber and remnants for free and some small cellar windows.

 

[Brummie Pekin]

If you by a manufactured coop that does not mean you cant modify or add to it. The coop that I have fits 4 chickens with plenty of space to spare but lets say I want to get more hens all I have to do is take apart the run (You can buy additional run sections for my coop) and instead of buying new run sections all I have to do is get a bit of wood and some strong chicken wire and start adding on but one thing you have to do is make sure your homemade run is very secure (If that means going overboard with the chicken wire then so be it). The indoor part is much harder to extend but if you have a few pieces of wood and a saw it can be done but I wouldn't recommend it.

 

[Soleil_A]

hey, what about this one?? http://www.destinyfarmgardens.com/Coops--Page-1.html

 

[21hens-incharge]

hey, what about this one?? http://www.destinyfarmgardens.com/Coops--Page-1.html

THAT one is much better!
It will actually fit (barely) the number of birds you are looking to keep.

It needs more ventilation, a shed window wouldn't hurt either. It looks like you will have to do the roof shingles or polycarbonate or metal.

Lots of experienced builders on here can help walk you through that part.


Oh and no way would I go above 5 birds total in that space. I know they say "up to 12 chickens". I am betting that is with a free range situation.

The chicken wire..... The 2x2's for rafters with zero cross bracing .
Those are relatively easy to correct but still.....paying $750 should not mean you have to finish things and fix things.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I edited as I saw more things that make me say hmmmmmm.

Be sure to re-read please.

 

[Soleil_A]

THAT one is much better!
It will actually fit (barely) the number of birds you are looking to keep.

It needs more ventilation, a shed window wouldn't hurt either. It looks like you will have to do the roof shingles or polycarbonate or metal.

Lots of experienced builders on here can help walk you through that part.


Oh and no way would I go above 5 birds total in that space. I know they say "up to 12 chickens". I am betting that is with a free range situation.

I agree, I will see pictures thesizs of my coop and people are saying “can fit 8-10 chickens” But yes, i’m planning on keeping just the two of mine! Possibly may get 2 bantams, if my mom lets me!

 

[Soleil_A]

I edited as I saw more things that make me say hmmmmmm.

Be sure to re-read please.

like what?

 

[21hens-incharge]

like what?

The roof structure has 2x2 lumber with no gussets. That should be 2x3 MINIMUM for that size structure and needs gussets for stability.

The chicken wire will need additional stiffer wire like hardware cloth at the very least on the bottom 2'.

Now as to cost.....adding pain will be required to make it last. That is relatively cheap.
The roof shingles (2x2's won't hold shingles) would be close to $100 to do.
A polycarbonate roof again close to $100.
A metal roof same deal about $100.

Material cost for the coop shown is about $200. I know you don't have building experience so paying the higher cost is expected.
Just don't forget the hidden costs of roof, paint, and if you want a solid floor. Their site says the floor is slatted.....

 

[Brummie Pekin]

https://www.chickencoopsdirect.com/...-run?msclkid=c96e2fb4a88f1a48668c73dca38e4a2c

This is the chicken coop that I have (I paid an extra £80 to have the run extended) I had 4 bantams in that coop easily and could probably have had more obviously with at least an hour or two a day free ranging. Now I have 2 bantams in the coop since two sadly passed away and I am actually looking to get two larger hens today. I live in a city environment too with Limited space but this coop and run combo is perfect. Im not sure about currency conversion but mine cost around £400 which would be about just under $500 I am guessing and within your budget. The only problem is this is in the UK so I am not sure that they ship to the US