Hutch?

[RocketChick]

If I let my chickens free range all day until it gets dark, will a hutch be okay for them? I only have $30 to spend on a coop, and so far a hutch is my only idea, OR converting the playground into a coop and I have no idea how to do that.

If it is okay, how many chickens per hutch? I'd get more than one...

OR any idea on how to turn a simple backyard playground into a coop? The sandbox could probably turn into a coop, but I have noooo idea on how to do that and only spend 30 dollars...Id rather do that than the hutch but...

Any ideas on something they can sleep in at night for 30 dollars or less? Again, theyd free range all day though.

 

[GardeNerd]

How about a dogloo dog house? They are about $30 on craigslist used.

I picked up a free beat up rabbit hutch on craigslist back in January. It is on the bottom of my BYC page all fixed up. It can only hold 2 full sized hens, but if you are free ranging all day, I would guess four. I am in SoCal, so my circumstances may not be the same.

 

[RocketChick]

Oh that hutch coop is very cool! Nice job!

Would a dog house be better for them? How could I make it so that predators couldn't get them? The only ones I'm actually worried about where I live are coyotes, but they are dwindling because more houses are being built...but I'd like to be able to sleep at night, heh. Could I just put something in front of the entrance to block it? Or are coyotes smarter than that?

 

[RocketChick]

Feel bad for doing this, but BUMP! I need answers! :O

 

[Schultz]

Just remember, coyotes and dogs will dig. I have seen many people convert dog houses, however, just make sure something can't dig in. I would try craigslist for any freebies you can find. Perhaps you could place an ad in the wanted section? You would be surprised at the stuff people just throw away!

 

[~*Sweet Cheeks*~]

Do you already have the 4 chicks and 1 duck?

Is your yard where you free range preditor proof from the ground and the sky?

If you only have $30.00 to spend on a preditor proof hutch/coop how can you afford to feed your birds?

 

[RocketChick]

My parents are paying for feed. They want me to get creative and figure out how to make a coop for 30 dollars. I know it's possible, especially with all the free stuff on craigslist...

And yes, my backyards extremely safe. It has a mirror thing that keeps away hawks. And the coop will be on cement (with a lot of pine shavings in the coop) so coyotes/stray dogs cannot dig through. Our fence is very high though, and I've never seen a stray dog(animal control is very good, I guess) so I'm not worried but I'll make sure the coop is very safe.

I found a free dog kennel thing and a free doghouse...so ideas are forming in my head!

The kennel has a roof on top so it will keep away hawks if the mirror thing doesn't manage to.
Thanks!

Yes I have the chicks and the duck, but I'm not keeping the duck, only raising it to adulthood.

 

[digitS']

When folks no longer have a big, old dog - they usually don't want to keep a big, old doghouse. I think one would be fairly easy to find cheap or, if you told them your story, free.

The house would need to be big to accommodate your 4 chickens, unless they are only sleeping in it.

The dog door could be covered with a heavy, plywood door - for you to use. The chickens would need their own door to access their run. Another plywood door on that could be enuf to make the house secure.

If the doghouse is elevated and the area below is part of the pen, the chickens could use that for shelter, also. You may be able to keep their nestboxes, feed and water there rather than in the doghouse.

. . . just some ideas.

Steve