Help Me Decide

[FluffyandGinger]

I have that coop and like it very much. If my birds were confined for any amount of time, it's only good for a couple, but they free range and a bunch have decided, against my suggestions, to all sleep in it. I have no idea how they can be comfortable, but they are.

I would strongly suggest the following:
Add some coonproof/predator proof latches to the doors.
Waterproof it with some paint on or spray on stuff
Put it where the wind cannot pick it up.

I don't think it's nearly as awful to buy one of these as people make it out to be. I have built several coops, and I bought one of these. This one has held up just as well, if not better, than the coops we built and it cost way, way less.

The size is definitely an issue. You cannot let chicken math happen if you have this as your sole coop.

Hi Sunskies,

Thanks for your reply, can I ask a couple of questions seeing that you have the same one? There is no sectioned off nesting box, or timber roost - did you do something to the 'bedroom' yourself by adding these things or are the chickens ok to sleep on the sugar cane mulch and lay in there too? Sorry, I'm a bit confused by all of these bits and pieces..... just when I think I'm sorted haha!

The chicks are in there now (though inside much to my husbands horror) and really, really enjoying it. I've put the lamp up in the 'bedroom' and turn it on at night, it encourages them up the ramp and to settle down for the night. But I'm not sure if it needs customising for when they're ready to be outside, and in time laying eggs.

Thanks in advance for your replies.

 

[SunnySkies]

It did come with two little roosts, that are about 1-2 inches off the floor, and some of the birds perch on them and others don't but just sit in the tray. Mine has two nesting boxes to the side (on the right side, if you are looking at the front), both currently occupied by ladies trying to hatch eggs. I have thought about making a little curtain out of burlap, but they seem to be fine. However, if I had babies in it, I would keep them out of it to help them understand that is for eggs later.

I keep straw/hay in that section and use a little pine shavings in the tray. I don't care for the pull out tray as it is so shallow. If I put a decent amount in the tray, it becomes difficult to pull out.