just got 6 hens @ 4days old. I need a coop without breaking the bank

[damicofam6]

...any thoughts on prefab online orders? need help in MASS thanks
want to stay under 500$ if possible. a lot of the online store seem poor in quality and safety

 

[PapaChaz]

hit up craigslist. We have a few guys around here that post regularly.


if you're handy with tools any whatsoever, you could built something pretty basic and keep around that figure

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! Forget about the prefab kits; think reusing a shed of some sort. In warm climates, you need a roof and three walls, and predator proof. In snow country, think a roof and almost four walls, and lots of ventilation, and predator proof. And AT LEAST four or five sq. ft. per bird in the coop. Walk-in buildings are way nicer than crawl-in dog house type "coops"! Mary

 

[happybooker1]

I made mine from a free wooden shipping crate I got off my local Craigslist. The size you need will be determined by # & size of grown hens & if they are in the coop full time or have a yard/run attached.

 

[21hens-incharge]

There are TONS of great ideas here to give you inspiration for your coop.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/2/Coops

Pallet coops can be really nice too.
Doing a hoop run would save some money and work perhaps.
To help you stay on budget think about materials from restores like Habitat For Humanity and Craigslist. Lots of options with a budget of 500.
Also remember dimensional lumber comes in 4'x8' sheets so working off those dimensions will save a lot of work.
Are you looking to build one or buy one? That is the question.
If buying one already made it will be hard to find one for 500 that is secure and durable. If building one it is very doable for 6 hens.

Edited to add:
This one is a 4x6 but could easily be made 4x8. The design is good and could be inspirational.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/chicken-coop-run