Here is how I plan to modify my pre-fab coop when I put it together

[Keltara]

Quote: I just noticed this Jimmy. Actually, I have had a few others ask me for plans. My husband is in the process of drawing them up right now. I'm hoping to have them within the next 2 days or so. When I get them from My husband, I'll be sure to give them to you as well.

Blessing!!

 

[homeschoolmom3]

I can relate to the "fly under the radar" idea. While I have over 2 acres, I live in a neighborhood with covenants against "livestock". I am hoping that my neighbors will be understanding as long as I agree to no roosters. Plus, it is now socially acceptable to own chickens! Currently my chicks are only about 7 wks, so space in our little coop hasn't been an issue. However, I am already making plans for expansion...discrete expansions My MIL has the exact same coop you have, with one small hen and three young chicks. But, with 200 acres and a nice budget to work with, she has options that I don't have! Best of luck

 

[nab58]

Yes, I did get my chickens at TSC. The law is BS? How can they get away telling people that?!!!

I complained to the place I bought my coop and they're allowing me to return it too. It's all assembled but were going to somehow get it back in the box and get a refund! Yipee!

I'd love it if anyone can share plans with me too. My husband and friend are going to build one from scratch.

 

[rlh1]

I have to keep my coop BUT I just got a little tikes playhouse that I am going to modify into a coop. The two of them will be attached via a run/tunnel for lots of wondering room. Eventually I will use the little coop for a brooder or grow out pen.

 

[jimmywalt]

Yes, I did get my chickens at TSC. The law is BS? How can they get away telling people that?!!!

I complained to the place I bought my coop and they're allowing me to return it too. It's all assembled but were going to somehow get it back in the box and get a refund! Yipee!

I'd love it if anyone can share plans with me too. My husband and friend are going to build one from scratch.

I was told that a couple years ago some child got simonila from the livestock (chicks or ducks?). They sued TSC and won. Then TSC now doesn't let customers touch the chicks and has the "you must buy 6" rule. It's NOT a law!!!

At TSC they told me it was because of PETA. It's funny PETA isn't after any of the other farm stores!

Glad you were able to return your coop. I purchased all the raw materials for my build and will be returning my TSC coop after work tonight.

 

[jimmywalt]

Good man Jimmy!! You are going to have such peace of mind, and also your girls will be happy and healthy. Just remember to keep your vent doors open always. They need ventilation 365 days a year. I'm sorry if I was harsh earlier. I hope you can forgive me. I just wanted you to be well informed and know the truth. TSC...I have found over the years, is not a good source for "information'. The best information I've ever received on chicken keeping from coop building to illnesses is right here on BYC from the people who keep chickens and know. Your coop looks like a great design. I imagine you'll be saving money with it too!! Good job!!!

Kelly

Thanks Kelly!

I was having a problem with the small TSC coop since day 1, but didn't think that I would be able to build one. Then after spend a week or more online looking at coops that people built I came up with my plan taking a little from many I had seen. I know I will be much happier, and so will the hens, with my own build. I hope that I and my buddy can get started on it tonight. I'm very anxious to get it built.

Here's a link to my plans and the material list. https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...-the-entry-exit-be-the-nest-box#post_10856935

 

[nab58]

This is what we're going to build.

http://www.downeastthunderfarm.com/2011/08/free-chicken-coop-plans/

I think my husband would rather be doing something other than building a chicken coop but he's been 'volunteered' for the job.

 

[LuvOurChickies]

We have the same coop and we are not adding a door that can close to the ramp. Just closing the outer door at night. The coop is enclosed in our larger run which has a roof and is about 6 1/2 feet by about 12 feet. We plan to modify ours by raising the roof about 3 inches and using hardware cloth as the "walls" all the way around at the top. That leaves ventilation from the ramp door and ventilation at the top. We have four birds as well and they have been together since day one. They get along great and prefer to be together all the time. Your coop will be fine and your birds will actually be fine with the ramp door left open. Just keep the little door with the window shut in the winter time and open for extra breezes in the summer. If it is in a larger run, the girls will be able to come and go as they please. My hens have the run of the whole backyard all day and are really only in the coop from bedtime to early morning. If you have four that have been raised together like we do, they would probably rather be close together anyway. Ours nap during the day under the coop in the shade (ours is raised on a sort of shelf in the larger run) in a big pile. Even when they are running around in the yard they are within wings length of each other. If I were you I would simply add plenty of ventilation and leave that door open. Plenty of shavings or whatever you use for bedding will keep them warm enough in the winter. Our kids had a ball putting that coop together and painting it. We are having the time of our lives playing with these chickens...enjoy yours !!