How to reinforce cheap coop

[grettasurfergirl]

Hi! Just got our first chicks a few weeks ago and am desperately trying to figure out the coop situation. We bought an inexpensive coop from tractor supply (the “homestead”) and people said the bottom of the nesting boxes was flimsy particle board that wouldn’t last very long. Any ideas on how I can protect this or replace it so it doesn’t deteriorate quickly? Paint? Flashing? Another piece of wood on top? Also seems I need to get better hardware and replace. Any other suggestions? Thank you!!!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

My first question is how many adult chickens do you think will fit in that small space?
What is the interior square footage inside (length X width) of the interior of the coop?

 

[grettasurfergirl]

My first question is how many adult chickens do you think will fit in that small space?
What is the interior square footage inside (length X width) of the interior of the coop?

Looks like the interior area is 36.4 x 34.4 and we would have 2-4 chickens depending on how many are roosters. One is a silkie and the rest Easter eggers.

 

[grettasurfergirl]

The manufacturer says up to 8 chickens but no way that would be enough room!

Looks like the interior area is 36.4 x 34.4 and we would have 2-4 chickens depending on how many are roosters. One is a silkie and the rest Easter eggers.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

ALL coop manufacturers either purposely lie or they know nothing about chickens. I think it is the latter because a coop that can hold 3 chickens doesn't need 4 nest boxes. It would need one (as an instructive comment for manufacturers).
Your coop is 8.7 sq. ft. That is big enough for 2 chickens.
You would be much better off returning it and building your own for less money.
Or, you could build your own and keep the expensive one for a quarantine coop or broody coop.

 

[grettasurfergirl]

ALL coop manufacturers either purposely lie or they know nothing about chickens. I think it is the latter because a coop that can hold 3 chickens doesn't need 4 nest boxes. It would need one (as an instructive comment for manufacturers).
Your coop is 8.7 sq. ft. That is big enough for 2 chickens.
You would be much better off returning it and building your own for less money.
Or, you could build your own and keep the expensive one for a quarantine coop or broody coop.

It was on sale for $199. Do you think I could realistically build something better for the same price or less? Seems like all the plans I looked at would be more because of the cost of materials.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

You can get cheap materials on craigslist, sometimes free. Our Lowe's had cull lumber for half price. I bought a few pallets of that lumber and built 3 coops for under $200.
Get creative.

 

[trumpeting_angel]

It does cost a lot to build with new materials. But there are examples - here and on YouTube - of coops that use reclaimed or used material, often found on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.

Handy friends might have some leftover lumber. You can learn online about the codes stamped on pallets that indicate which are heated-treated and which are chemically treated. (Breaking down pallets is real work. With a Sawzall, or reciprocating saw, you can saw through the nails instead of prying apart all the boards, still not easy.)

It will cost more when your $200 coop won’t function, is too small, or starts coming apart.

Sorry. I tried every which way to do it cheaply, but we ended up spending real money on it. I’m sure it will be worth it.

 

[Relleoms]

Totally agree with @trumpeting_angel. You’ll spend the money now or you’ll spend it later. And you’ll have far more headaches if you spend it later! I had that coop and spent a solid $100, if not more, on hardware, paint, lumber...and after the first major thunderstorm was looking for a replacement. When the “wood” got wet, it warped and I couldn’t open doors. The roof leaked. The lower area flooded. And a strong wind would have sent it flying to Kansas. It would absolutely work great as a broody coop or sick coop in a very protected area (like inside a garage or barn) but I would seriously do yourself a favor and build a proper coop from the get-go!

 

[Mybackyardpeepers]

ALL coop manufacturers either purposely lie or they know nothing about chickens. I think it is the latter because a coop that can hold 3 chickens doesn't need 4 nest boxes. It would need one (as an instructive comment for manufacturers).
Your coop is 8.7 sq. ft. That is big enough for 2 chickens.
You would be much better off returning it and building your own for less money.
Or, you could build your own and keep the expensive one for a quarantine coop or broody coop.

This was my situation, but I started using the lower half as a brooder in my family room. I plan to house my silkies in it when they are old enough to go outside permanently because they are smaller than regular breeds of chickens.