How to make (the factories) improve the flaws in the DIY chicken coops. 🤩

[MaryJanet]

That is a dollhouse.

Tiny! Maybe two or three little bantams could use it as a roost, but not as a daytime run.

 

[DickMidnight]

It's quite easy to read 135cm as 1.35m.

Whereas going from 135" to 11.25' is not so straightforward.

i think the sentiment of 21 hens’s post got across. no need to get hung up on semantics.

 

[3KillerBs]

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/373419728969
https://vi.raptor.ebaydesc.com/ws/e...8&pm=1&ds=0&t=1659327436000&ver=0&cspheader=1

Would this be an example of a bad coop? Does This company need to be emailed? If they made them properly, they could be the possible reseller here on this forum ?

Way, way, way too tiny.

Not even 2x3. *Maybe* enough room for 2 bantams.

Here's another Rule of Thumb,

• If a man of average height can't lie down in the run and stretch out comfortably it's too small.

 

[MaryJanet]

i think the sentiment of 21 hens’s post got across. no need to get hung up on semantics.

Fair call. Sorry for being cranky about feet and inches.

 

[3KillerBs]

P.S. I checked the global average height for human males. Which is 5'7.5"/171cm.

 

[Shadrach]

When I've finished hacking this coop about and seen how it performs I do intend to contact the manufacturer showing my modifications. Some of what I would alter, such as the original roost bar positions are easy to change. I would suggest that the adjustable vents on can see in the picture be placed higher up but that I think may involve retooling and that may be expensive.
It's a Scottish Company and it has competitors and it looks like in the UK at least there is a market for the plastic coops.
Most of the wooden flat pack style coops I've looked at do not seem to be that well made or good value. However, the coop I am replacing was a flat pack coop and it's lasted a decade and would have lasted even longer if the roof and floor had been fixed properly. The roof blew off and the floor rotted away.

 

[Shadrach]

That's interesting. It could be a futuristic military bunker/fall out shelter for hobbit like creatures.

I've been pleased with it in general. The chickens seem to like it.

 

[3KillerBs]

When I've finished hacking this coop about and seen how it performs I do intend to contact the manufacturer showing my modifications. Some of what I would alter, such as the original roost bar positions are easy to change. I would suggest that the adjustable vents on can see in the picture be placed higher up but that I think may involve retooling and that may be expensive.
It's a Scottish Company and it has competitors and it looks like in the UK at least there is a market for the plastic coops.
Most of the wooden flat pack style coops I've looked at do not seem to be that well made or good value. However, the coop I am replacing was a flat pack coop and it's lasted a decade and would have lasted even longer if the roof and floor had been fixed properly. The roof blew off and the floor rotted away.

I have noticed that the plastic prefabs seem to be more solidly built than the common wooden ones -- especially the ones Americans can buy at Tractor Supply and like chain stores.

 

[saysfaa]

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/373419728969
https://vi.raptor.ebaydesc.com/ws/e...8&pm=1&ds=0&t=1659327436000&ver=0&cspheader=1

Would this be an example of a bad coop? Does This company need to be emailed? If they made them properly, they could be the possible reseller here on this forum ?

It does better than most in saying the number of chickens that will fit. It says one or two... It says 20"x 29" (20cm x 74cm) outside dimensions is almost enough for one. If you get the external nest box. Nevermind, the external nest box option was in Shad's link. The run at 29"x30"(74cmx76cm) is about enough for a chicken (one, not two at the same time) to open her wings; not enough to walk around in a meaningful way. Especially when you consider food and water go somewhere.

The short height is not a problem other than it is hard to get the roost above the nests.

The slide out tray is theoretically a good idea. In practice, a poop pile is higher than the slot.

The "front-facing...easy access doors" are 9" wide (23cm). You might set a couple of chairs or something 9" apart and see how well you can reach 30"(75cm) past them while on your knees. Or belly if you want a chance to see what you are reaching.

To be cont. Ok, the people family has their dinner.

It says a hinged roof for good air circulation. I can't see which way or how far that goes.... oh. I found more pictures on their website. I had the egg box door and the living area door mixed up. The egg box is behind the top door of the two doors in a stack in the middle. The roost is diagonal behind the single door. So, it is well below the bottom of the nest box. They will sleep as high as they can get, of course.

Diagonal is an issue, too. They need clearance for head and tail. I know 12" (30cm) is the rule of thumb clearance but this late at night, I can't remember if that is for the head and tail combined or each the head and the tail... but it doesn't matter because even if it is both together then 6" (15cm) is actually useable. The roost goes diagonal across only part of the width and even less of the depth of the space.

Back to the hinged roof.
I'm speechless.
Could it possibly be worse? I think that kind of hinge is all or nothing. You can't even open it part way.

 

[Shadrach]

I rarely see people talk about the shortcomings of the over spec, fixed position, self build coops.

Fixed position, I understand. Could you please share the other shortcomings? In a message or another thread if it is too much drift for this thread.

It may be too much drift for this thread.