I need a cheap chicken coop...

[chickenlover50010]

Hi! I am trying to convince my parents to let me own some chickens, and I think cost might be a problem. I know where I can get chickens for a pretty good price, but the chicken coop is what worries me. All of the chicken coops I see are either hard to build, cost WAY too much, or both! Is there a chicken coop that I can build or buy for $50 or less?(I know, it isn't alot of money to work with...

) I hope someone can answer!!

 

[SterlingAcres]

Start with a trio of hens and build a tractor. Cost efficient and easy for a beginner. You're parent should be fine with that.

http://home.centurytel.net/thecitychicken/tractors.html

 

[jab91864]

You can do a lot with scrap materials. What state are you in?? I ask because that will make a difference on your needs weather wise. Also how many do you want to house.......

Julie

 

[porteryork]

How many chickens are you thinking about? One place you might check is in the coop section, someone has built a coop out of old pallets that you can get for free. There are some other ideas but it depends on how many you need to house.
Michelle

 

[chickenlover50010]

I'm thinking about two or three, I read that they need a companion. I live in New Jersey, and so far the weather hasn't been too bad.

 

[Fresh Eggs]

Lol, I am a beginner and i have 26 coming in two weeks!!!!! We are in the egg buisness. Trust me, start small! Aka, tractor and three or so hens. I would try first with banties or some calm docile breeds. Silkies are a perfect example.



With warmest regards,



Fresh Eggs

 

[littlefarm_bighappy]

Hello and Welcome!!

First off, in my opinion, there are few things that can shape a child into a good citizen by teaching them to care and raise for animals properly. Ask yourself if you are truly given to the responsibility of caring for these animals, day and night, and to buy the food. Once you are truly sure you are committed to this, you can approach your parents and ask for their permission. Remind them that responsibility is a big thing for a person to take on, and that it will be a character building experience for you. Don't forget to remind them of fresh eggs and the positive environmental impact! (no more buying from factory farms)

A chicken coop can be free or expensive, depending on where you live. If you live in a warm climate with few predators, you can go with simple mesh fencing, posts, and a doghouse (igloo style!) In a cold climate with predators, you will need to fortify against ice, wind, foxes, et. We'd have to know what type of hazards to deal with to point out what you can save $$ on. My perches are free, throwaway lumber pulled off the curb garbage pile and nailed together (imagine an H with two cross bars..)


We live near a college town, where, every year, college students throw away thousands of dollars worth of lumber in the form of loft beds. We have kept track of dorm move out days and saved literally hundreds of dollars of lumber. Also, have you tried posting on craigslist.org for people that want wood hauled away?

We live in a country of waste, and it is AMAZING what you can get from people that simply toss stuff away. Dog kennels, fencing, etc.

And NEVER underestimate the power of bartering labor with a farmer/mother. I'd gladly help build a coop for a responsible person to help babysit/clean house!!

Hope this helps- post more specific questions about your needs for your area, what you have available, and I'll do my best to give you some more specific answers!

 

[chickenlover50010]

Quote:
WOW!!

My parents would NEVER let me to have that many! Your chickens won't be lonely!

 

[patandchickens]

You can build a coop basically for free (you will probably have to buy screws and maybe some other bits and bobs) if you scrounge your materials. Pallets, wood packing crates, stuff from freecycle and the curb. Also talk to the guys at construction sites (when they're not too awful busy) about the plywood and scrap 2x4s they would otherwise discard. It may take some time to amass enough stuff to build a coop and run but it can be done (a number of people here have done it!)

Good luck,

Pat

 

[Fresh Eggs]

10 ameracauna, 7 rhode island reds 8 black stars and 1 free rare chick from murray mcmurray hatchery. We live on two acres in the south bay of San Francisco.