I found something interesting today...

[aimeeinwv]

No husband?? check with your local 4-H club!! High School Shop classes.. they need good projects! 4-H clubs be doing service projects soon, they could prob help. Also, check local churches. A lot of the men like to get together on weekends and do "mission" work ie: construction etc.. if you have a carpenters union nearby??? offer eggs when available!! you could build an amazing coop for $400 - here's our pic, ours was only $200 in materials... minus the shingles, they were free. It's 8' x 5' width & depth.. and 7' tall - someone with experience can have you a coop in a day... and you can give them the extra money you saved in exchange ALSO check your local freecycle.com There are often postings for extra lumber, and you can post a request for lumber. It's nationwide, they'll be one in your area!!

 

[Suburban chick farmer 09]

Those coops are garbage. They're built out of 1x's. If you let that thing sit in the rain, snow, and sun it won't last long.

 

[PortageGirl]

I was also going to suggest a local school shop class, or someone local who could use a few bucks in this economy (get references or reccomendations of course) some cash money or even eggs for their family might be a better option for them these days.

4H is an excellent idea too though! Maybe a Boy Scout troop? Offer to make a donation to some charity for them or they can use it as a fundraiser for whatever they are working towards etc.

Lots of the sorts of buildings on that site tend to be of flimsy wood that warps, or fiber-board that deteriorates very quickly.

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

I think they are really cute for a little backyard 2 or 3 hens. Maybe some of our canadian members could go check one out in person. as far as the wood goes, treat it and seal it as soon as you get it. Boards will probably come loose, but they do in all but the best situations. Good luck, let us know if you bite the bullet!

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

Looks nice to me

 

[canada-goose]

I see there are lots of opinions. This is informative!

 

[PortageGirl]

Well, I've used SOME power tools before, but I wasn't full of confidence. I could make simple cuts, and use a drill and have used a saw for simple cuts etc, but wasn't comfortable. We just built a shed and with my brother's help, I've learned a TON! I'm still no master carpenter, but I'm a lot happier knowing more now! If you can find anyone at all to help you learn, I highly reccomend it! The trickiest things like windows and doors, and some of the things that required more muscle were still very intimidating. but if you're looking at something small enough, it's really possible to knock something out.

this is a pretty simple plan, and some of the fanciest parts could be either left out or saved for later. I know ... I REALLY KNOW how daunting it can be, but it's really possible to get some help together and figure it out!!!

http://www.middlesexdesign.com/chickens/coop.htm

here's another,
http://poultry.purinamills.com/LibraryArticles/HenHouseDesignMaterialList/default.aspx

and there's lots of others out there too!

http://www.piteraq.dk/gok/smallhouse.html

Also, check at home depot etc, they're selling their shed buildings off now before winter hits!

 

[yokester]

Quote:
HSS Wholesale a division of Amanda Holdings Limited (1987) is an established company that has been in business for over 20 years.

Below are a few recent unedited or solicited comments from actual wholesalechickencoop.com customers:

I ordered a coop from you a couple of weeks ago. We are very happy with it.

the chicken coop has arrived and it is already erected and ready for chickens - and looks good

I was so impressed with my chicken coop, I purchased from you, I was wondering if you all would expanding your line of products, and possibly adding rabbit hutches in the future? I would love to do more business with you,

Hello, I just had to write to tell you, the chicken coop arrived in perfect condition, and it only took me about an 1 hour and 10 minutes to put it together. If I can do it, anyone can!!!

You should have a testimonial page, because I was more than pleased with the quality of the workmanship, the way it arrived and most of all working with you all. The coop is so solid, and the details, and the type of wood are incredible. You were so outstanding --- I will without hesitation recommend your company to all. Now I am motivated to get more chickens and purchase more of your products.

Great little coop - fast shipping and easy to build!

An easy transaction, and a great coop!

nice looking and lots of space for my bantams

great little coop & easy to put together

Prompt shipping-good communication-Well constructed coop!! Highly recommend

 

[SimplyForties]

Quote:
I had to laugh when I started reading this one. "No husband? check your local 4-H Club, high school shop class, etc.," thinking...for a husband?

Then I read it more carefully and it became clear you meant for a coop builder!

 

[rebelcowboysnb]