Hi I would like some info. about chicken coops!

[Kates chickens]

Hi my names Kate and I'm trying to find information about a medium sized coop. I really don't want to sound cheep, but i just don't have enough money to buy one from the store. I've looked for plans; however, you have to pay for those to.. I believe I can come up with the materials but I just don't have the money, and I want to be able to keep my chickens safe and happy. So, if there are any suggestions please let me know I'm literally stuck between a rock and a hard place!!!

 

[roostersandhens]

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! Have you checked out the BYC Coops section, a lot of the coops have details/plans etc on how to build them. https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/medium-chicken-coop-designs-pictures-of-chicken-coops there are also a lot of threads on "Pallet Coops" where people have made coops out of scrap wooden pallets etc, and a thread with some plan links https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...plan-nice-one-too-on-the-purina-mills-website

 

[gander007]

Alright

great to have you with us

Really that is a good question and no you do not sound
cheap so do not think you sound that way but first can
you build a box and make a fence it is that easy so do
not think too much into it just do it and repurposed
material is some of the best stuff to use and a lot of the
time you can get it from someone who just want's to
get rid of it anyway .........

You really do not need a chicken coop that looks like
a mansion unless it need's to go with the house

gander007

 

[herechilychiky]

Kate, Welcome to BYC!!!

ditto on what gander007 stated. you pretty much just need to keep several things in mind; 1) keeping them safe from predators 2) protect them form the elements 3)make sure you have enough room for your flock which includes nesting boxes/room and quality area for feed and water. I'm sure there's other considerations but I think those are the biggies.. Good Luck

 

[drumstick diva]

You are not alone probably most of us are struggling in this economy. Do you have anything at home you could use to shelter your chickens, an old shed, garage, basement ?????

 

[ludwigson]

Chicken coops don't have to be fancy (or expensive). I had a neighbor who just stapled chicken wire around the sides of his deck, installed some nesting boxes (old crates) and put in a simple door. It could not have cost him more than a hundred dollars. The basic needs of a chicken are an area to feed and water, an elevated roost on which to sleep (2 x 2 length of pine...) and a semi-enclosed area in which to lay eggs (one per three chickens).

 

[TwoCrows]

X2 on the pallet coops that Kelsie suggested. Some people here on BYC have made pallet coops for less than $80.

Good luck in all your poultry adventures and enjoy BYC!

 

[liz9910]

Welcome to BYC! Good luck to you.

 

[MamasSilkies]

Hi my names Kate and I'm trying to find information about a medium sized coop. I really don't want to sound cheep, but i just don't have enough money to buy one from the store. I've looked for plans; however, you have to pay for those to.. I believe I can come up with the materials but I just don't have the money, and I want to be able to keep my chickens safe and happy. So, if there are any suggestions please let me know I'm literally stuck between a rock and a hard place!!!

Hi Kate, I am no expert and new myself. But how big are your chicks? My husband and I built a little coop for 4 baby silkies. And as we speak we are building an outdoor (larger coop) You can look for plans (for free online). We used and are using scrap wood. You can find bins where new houses are being built full of scrap wood you can use. Also Home Depot has a section that is usually 70% off for wood. CHEAP!!! Feed stores usually sell chicken wire and supplies cheaper then any other place btw. Hope that helps. And we always live on a budget and I thrive on recycling wood and other things instead of using new (if I don't have to).