Help updating store bought coop!?

[aart]

ETA: what major city in Indiana are you near?

Or at least northern, central, or southern Indiana.
Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[KingD]

I bought a coop from tractor supply I feel it’s to small for my chickens now that they have grown does anyone have any tips on making it bigger? I’m not the best handy man but I know some stuff lol. Also I let my chickens out every morning to free roam and they go back into the coop when it starts getting dark so I don’t really need a run. I have PLENTY of scrap wood I just don’t know where to start thank you!

Yes that's way too small. Could just about squash a family of mice in there. Even that would be pushing it!

If you can't afford a new coop then you could build a run around your current one.
Please admire my incredible artwork.
Just gives an idea.

This eliminates the risk of the hens being eaten up by 4 legged or winged things but doesn't really sort out the problem of space inside the existing coop.

If I was you, I'd keep this coop for the future(you will use it), and build a nice new big enclosure for them. You live by yourself? Or do you have someone who could help you make it?
It's not rocket science, just a few things you must take into consideration like ventilation and predator proofing. Actually throughout my time keeping chickens I've made countless amounts of cages and stuff and it's surprising how much money you can actually save by doing it, especially if you have scrap wood lying around, which you have.

If you take up this option, there are many many threads on this forum where people have built their own coops and recorded the whole process start to finish. Very informative and interesting.

Good luck and I'm sure other people will give their far superior advice to you.

 

[KingD]

Also I let my chickens out every morning to free roam and they go back into the coop when it starts getting dark so I don’t really need a run

Not to talk too much, but this might end in disaster. There's nowhere in the world which is free from chicken killing predators. It's best to have them in an enclosed area, even if it's a meadow surrounded with electric fencing. Once a hawk, fox, coyote, dinosaur ect knows there's food there, they'll come and feast

 

[DobieLover]

Or at least northern, central, or southern Indiana.
Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!
View attachment 2790442

I was asking because I saw this little gem.
https://kokomo.craigslist.org/grd/d/marion-storage-shed/7362479098.html

Oh the things I could do with that!

 

[BDutch]

Not to talk too much, but this might end in disaster. There's nowhere in the world which is free from chicken killing predators. It's best to have them in an enclosed area, even if it's a meadow surrounded with electric fencing. Once a hawk, fox, coyote, dinosaur ect knows there's food there, they'll come and feast

You are right about risks with predators. But it depends on the kind and amount of predators, the run and garden which is the best/ safest. Free ranging has lots of benefits too (natural behaviour and nutrition).

I only lost one chicken while free ranging (probably a buzzard) and 3 inside the run, 2 chicks by a rat many years ago and one chicken recently by a fox. I was very lucky there was only one kil with the fox while the chickens where locked up in the run.
My garden has lots of hiding places. A few days ago MDH spotted a buzzard (my bantams are so small that buzzards are a threat for them) who landed on top of the chicken run while my chickens where free ranging. MDH went outside to chase hime away. I went after him and couldn’t find the chickens anymore. The chickens where all hiding under bushes and lush plants. About 15 min. later they showed up again, one by one to take a sprint to the run were I had treats for them.

 

[sybonbon]

I have this coop. It hold 3 chickens comfortably. I let them out every day (supervised) to have more room to forage. It's a sturdy coop.

 

[aart]

I was asking because I saw this little gem.
https://kokomo.craigslist.org/grd/d/marion-storage-shed/7362479098.html

Oh the things I could do with that!

First thing would this, right?

 

[DobieLover]

First thing would this, right?
View attachment 2791249

Absolutely. And I'd put fly rafters on each end for at least 1' overhangs.
It's only $100! Yes, transportation would cost more than that but it's worth it to have real coop.