Help! Need a coop fast!

[SouthFloridaChickens]

Hello Everyone:

I'm new to chicken raising and have 4 chicks that need a coop! My darling husband recently broke his hand and is unable to help build a coop at this time. SO.....I'm trying to find one online that would support 5+ chickens at night (they will be allowed to free range in the horse pasture during the day) and that is fairly cheap. Anyone have any feedback on this coop from CritterCages.com??

http://www.critter-cages.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=22&products_id=760

Any ideas/links/feedback is truly appreciated. I have checked Craigslist and I'm not in a very "chicken friendly" area.......to say the least! My chicks are 5 weeks old and will be needing something shortly. Thanks again!

Johnna

 

[1 Florida chick]

I don't have any experience with that type of coop from your link, but I have seen something similar at the Feed store where i live (Sebring, Fl). I would try checking your local Tractor Supply or Feed store if you haven't already! Good luck!

 

[chickM4st3r(AL)]

try a tractor.....fairly large tractotr

 

[jBlaze]

I have one somewhat similar and I do NOT like it. We got it as a temp coop till we got a shed. Now just use it as a brooder box. I have several issues with it, mostly that it is difficult to clean.
When looking think of where to put feed, and where the poop goes, how wasy to clean it, where the eggs are gathered, ec. I see lots of neat-o looking coops, but when I consider these questions, they are more cute than cool.
hth, good luck!

 

[hipeatall]

You might want to try CraigsList in your area... that's how I got my chicken barn

and the man that made it for me even delivered it!

 

[emys]

If you have to purchase online, maybe look at this one? http://www.mypetchicken.com/catalog/Chicken-Coops/The-Briar-up-to-3-chickens-p690.aspx#

They had 2 better ones, but are sold out right now. They also sell some plans for a coop you could maybe build yourself with hubby supervising.


This plan of theirs says it is for complete novices at building and it uses free pallets!
http://www.mypetchicken.com/catalog...et-Wood-Chicken-Coop-Building-Plans-p622.aspx

 

[columbiacritter]

I recently bought thier Chickn barn, one step down from what you are looking at. It is ok for the money, you will HAVE TO paint it as their stain is NOT water repellent at all. It did go together easily, one person even unskilled would have no issue with it.

They have NO FLOOR! So plan on putting it on something or making one. Mine is on a stand and I used the lack of floor to make it easy to clean with a removable floor. I also put in corner braces, just because I modify everything.

I think IF YOU PAINT IT and have it not sitting in the wet mud it will be ok for at least several years.

just primer coat of paint, will get final colored coat soon.

 

[MarieNC]

Wow your story is just like mine! Except my husband broke his wrist. We have 6 three week olds that will need a coop in another month. The people that lived here before started to build a coop so we have a foundation, but it looks like I will be doing the actual building with husband supervising. Should be interesting. Good luck!

 

[TurkeyMountainChickens]

I hope you find something that works for you and your chicks. They grow so fast, so your wise to be looking for something that can be ready quickly!

If you are unable to find a chicken coop on craigslist or the like, you can always get a shed. There are often small sheds designed for garden tools, etc. It is fairly easy to add a roost, and the fast that they are tall enough to walk in makes it much easier to clean and service the food and water!

 

[SouthFloridaChickens]

Thanks everyone for all the advice. One last question, do most of you keep your young chicks (under 6 months) under cover? I have been told they tend to be hawk food if not protected.

MarieNC: Good luck to you, how funny we are in similar situations!