I am a failure at chicken coops....

[namastemama]

Found something with potential, but its a bit high priced http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/for/2627931867.html

 

[hemet dennis]

Quote:
Yea don't get it at that price don't spend more then $50 to $75 for one that size

 

[wolftracks]

Try Costco and see if they'll sell you a peach bin. About 20 bucks. They're 4x4x3 tall and you can add to the top for height if needed.

 

[mshuey1]

I make my own coops am a mom w fibro. If u have a drill then yur set. The first thing u need to do is put together a frame get 2x4s or something close.
Separate yur wood by size.
I will post pics.
Once yur done w that pm me.

Don't buy a box when u can make one.

 

[OnceAroundTheBlock]

You could do what I did, I hired the local high school carpentry class to build mine. They did such a fine job on the coop, I decided to get them to build a 10' x 10' run too.

They made them both for the cost of materials and furnished the labor free just to get the experience of building something. I did give their instructor enough money to treat them to a pizza party as a small appreciation for doing such a nice job though.

Now I'm just waiting for my daughter to give me some of her chicks just as soon as they get a little bigger.

 

[Judy]

Unless you live in a very cold climate, I would go with something like the design in post #12. Just face the open end east, or away from where your storms come from. That kind of structure is relatively easy to secure. Just make a nice secure frame for the wire area, to fasten the wire to. If you only have chicken wire, which predators can tear through, you will need to add a strip of something stronger at least aone the bottom. And be sure there is an "apron" on the ground and fastened to the wire cage, to prevent digging in. They are healthier and more comfortable when they have a lot of fresh air like that I believe.

It's just a matter of building boxes. I'll bet you've learned enough to be successful from your mistakes.

 

[Ole rooster]

aoxa.........power saws scare me too. I have the utmost respect for anything that is powered. Especially the chain saw.

I think the first thing you should do here is decide what you want and how much can you spend. If you have already tried 3 and all failed, I know some money was spent each time and each time basically wasted. So decide what you want to have and go from there. Just have a plan to go with. It really does keep you on track.

 

[yinepu]

Quote:
I'm just the opposite.. I LOVE power tools! (my dad was a carpenter so I was just an itty bitty thing when he pushed me towards the table saw and had me cutting wood for him)

My husband loves it cause I never complain when he brings home a new power tool! (he can't take me to Lowes or Home Depot though since I want to buy all the new stuff we don't have yet)

I agree with building it yourself or getting the help of a local school (at least the school will have the proper tools for the job and the kids can use the experience)

 

[Felony]

how many chickens do you want to keep??

 

[mshuey1]

Quote:
I'm just the opposite.. I LOVE power tools! (my dad was a carpenter so I was just an itty bitty thing when he pushed me towards the table saw and had me cutting wood for him)

My husband loves it cause I never complain when he brings home a new power tool! (he can't take me to Lowes or Home Depot though since I want to buy all the new stuff we don't have yet)

I agree with building it yourself or getting the help of a local school (at least the school will have the proper tools for the job and the kids can use the experience)

X2!