Hi everyone!
I'm a suburban newbie, recently bitten by the chicken-raising bug.
My husband and I are planning to get 3-4 hens in the springtime (probably RIRs, Red Stars, or Buff Orpingtons). We'd like fresh eggs, and we don't want to support industrial egg practices.
Okay, so on to the coop...
I'm thinking of adapting this dog house. (Yes, my husband could build something similar, MAYBE less expensively...but I'm not sure the time and hassle would be worth the savings.)
Anyway, here it is:
It's dimensions are: 41'' H x 44'' W x 38'' D
Do you have any suggestions for how to adapt it properly for use as a chicken coop? Has anyone used anything like this? I'd obviously have to add a nesting box off the back, a place for roosting inside, as well as many ventilation holes. I'd have it elevated on a platform, and attach it to a covered run.
I'm worried because it doesn't look like an entire side opens up for cleaning, and that's something I'd like. It also doesn't look like the top opens up. I'm not sure how to adapt it to keep it clean - I guess that's my biggest worry.
I can't wait to hear everyone's thoughts!!! Thanks in advance!!!!

I'm a suburban newbie, recently bitten by the chicken-raising bug.


Okay, so on to the coop...
I'm thinking of adapting this dog house. (Yes, my husband could build something similar, MAYBE less expensively...but I'm not sure the time and hassle would be worth the savings.)
Anyway, here it is:

It's dimensions are: 41'' H x 44'' W x 38'' D
Do you have any suggestions for how to adapt it properly for use as a chicken coop? Has anyone used anything like this? I'd obviously have to add a nesting box off the back, a place for roosting inside, as well as many ventilation holes. I'd have it elevated on a platform, and attach it to a covered run.
I'm worried because it doesn't look like an entire side opens up for cleaning, and that's something I'd like. It also doesn't look like the top opens up. I'm not sure how to adapt it to keep it clean - I guess that's my biggest worry.
I can't wait to hear everyone's thoughts!!! Thanks in advance!!!!

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