Just Curious...

[enggass]

I ordered my new chicks today, 3 RIR & 3 Barred Rock. Will be getting them in May. I could have had them in April, but I need the time to build the coop. I know building my own will be very satisfying and I know what it is I want to build. That being said, I also know that it will be quite a bit of work. Before I go that route, does anyone here know of either pre-builts or kits that I could order? Again, 6 birds in all. Everything I have found is outrageously priced. Just want to explore all options.
Thanks,
Steve

 

[medtec113]

IMO its always cheaper to build what you want. Are they free range or kept in the run?

 

[enggass]

Kept in a run most likely...
I did find this
http://www.critter-cages.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=85
and this...
http://www.critter-cages.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=22&products_id=760

 

[eastbaychicks]

Did you look on craigslist. Problem with building it yourself is scope creep. We probably could have spent way less money buying one off craigslist... and much less time!

 

[crosbygroup]

I second Craigslist - you can look under sheds, coops, and playhouses. You never know what you will find or where you will end up with it. You might find a really good shed or playhouse and just have to build a run. I've been looking at the 8 x 6 Rubbermaid shed at our Costco and wondering what I could do with something like that. (suhhhhh don't tell my husband)

 

[enggass]

I have found a couple - they advertise how many chicken will fit. How important is the 4SqFt/Chicken rule? Or is it really more like 2SqFt/Chicken? Seems as though sellers of coops go by the 2+/- SqFt rule...
Steve

 

[crosbygroup]

Bigger is better - I've found most people here go by the 4 sq. ft. rule and 10 sq. ft. for the run.

 

[crosbygroup]

I just did a quick search on craigslist for Maine and this is what I found. I'm not sure if any of these are near you, but I'd love to have any of these near me.

http://maine.craigslist.org/tls/1643580647.html - 10x10 or 10x12 $350 shed

http://maine.craigslist.org/spo/1635120104.html Ice House For Sale - $650 7x10

http://maine.craigslist.org/grd/1630384194.html 3x8 chicken coop $100

http://maine.craigslist.org/grd/1629561582.html 4x6 shed new cute $700

http://maine.craigslist.org/for/1624598005.html 8x10 shed used no picture $550

http://maine.craigslist.org/for/1618272685.html these are expensive, but great looking sheds.

http://maine.craigslist.org/grd/1608077490.html This one is 4x8 for $500 and looks great.

http://maine.craigslist.org/grd/1637267812.html - coop new size unknown $389

http://maine.craigslist.org/bab/1632884942.html playhouse 4x6 $300 and they would have a window box and porch

http://maine.craigslist.org/bab/1624106626.html - 2 story playhouse $400

 

[Shelly_WNC]

I never really could find 'free plans' on the web, but I found the coops on BYC to be a huge help.

So I'd recommend viewing the coops here and once you find one you really like PM the member for more details. And oh yes - scope creep does occur especially this year with all this rainy\\snowy weather.

Good luck!!!

 

[enggass]

I think I am going to get this in a 4x6 model for $469 Unassembled/Unpainted... They are local to me so I can pick up for no additional cost.
http://www.rootscoopsandmore.com/Roots,_Coops,_&_More/Coops.html#4