Looking For A Sturdy Coop

[Awestruck]

I have been researching chicken coops for the past several months. We have a nice one from CCONLY but it is not sturdy. I may look into getting another one next year for some more chickens, but as I look, I see the same problem everywhere. The wood is flimsy on all the coops I have seen available. Plus, they always say that they can house more chickens than what they really can, according to the reviews. Has anyone found one that they like, and if so, does it have a run with it? Thanks.

 

[cavemanrich]

If you are looking for something sturdy, you need to build it yourself, or have someone do it for you. All the prefab coops and kits are to provide a product to newbies to try chicken-keeping. All overate the number of chickens they will house. Overcrowding, a major problem that leads to BAD CHICKEN BEHAVIOR... Other option is to look into the garden sheds available at Home Centers, and convert into a coop. You will need to provide much needed additional ventilation, as well as interior roosts and such.

 

[hlhutchinson]

If you have the money (these are pricy) but look sturdy

It's from https://www.carolinacoops.com/

When we were looking into prebuilt coops had the same problem poor quality (and all had bad reviews) those that were not poor quality (found some nice Amish ones) coast way to much. I recomend building your own, as cavemanrich suggested convert a shed into one. Or find a handy man and have him build you a custom coop. I lucked out and my husband built mine other wise I would have had to hire someone to do it.

 

[cavemanrich]

Carolina coops are pricey indeed. I put in a request for price for a 4 x 10 henhouse with all the options and this is what I came up with...

It is indeed a FINE COOP.. for Beverly Hills.
Not far from me I can buy homes for less..
This is just one of the many I can buy. Some are lower than this one..
https://www.zillow.com/homes/fsbo/R...9,-88.739663,42.073762,-89.413949_rect/10_zm/

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I agree if you don't want to spend an arm and a leg and have a sturdy well made coop, you have to build one from scratch or refurbish a garden shed.

 

[hlhutchinson]

Carolina coops are pricey indeed. I put in a request for price for a 4 x 10 henhouse with all the options and this is what I came up with...
View attachment 1063738
It is indeed a FINE COOP.. for Beverly Hills.
Not far from me I can buy homes for less..
This is just one of the many I can buy. Some are lower than this one..
https://www.zillow.com/homes/fsbo/R...9,-88.739663,42.073762,-89.413949_rect/10_zm/

lol now that would be a grand old chicken coop

 

[Awestruck]

I looked at some garden sheds and there seems to be some hopeful ideas. However, I only saw one door on them and that would have to lead out to the run. I wish there were some with more windows in them. I will have to look into this more. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[jeria]

I'm a newbie, no building or building design experience-- 68 yo gramma on my own. I read one bad review after review on pre-fab ones. I have designed and am building my own. I'm hoping to have put together within the next 2 weeks, delayed a bit due to weather (right now raining when I need to be building) and bronchitis. It is a challenge but interesting journey with many tweaks on the design as I go along. My 15 yo grandsons will be available to help one weekend to put the roof on and finish it up. Lifting 4x10 sheets of plywood and metal roofing is not something I can do alone. They are busy with sports, part time jobs, and of course the girlfriends and I work full time so timing is an issue.

 

[hlhutchinson]

I'm a newbie, no building or building design experience-- 68 yo gramma on my own. I read one bad review after review on pre-fab ones. I have designed and am building my own. I'm hoping to have put together within the next 2 weeks, delayed a bit due to weather (right now raining when I need to be building) and bronchitis. It is a challenge but interesting journey with many tweaks on the design as I go along. My 15 yo grandsons will be available to help one weekend to put the roof on and finish it up. Lifting 4x10 sheets of plywood and metal roofing is not something I can do alone. They are busy with sports, part time jobs, and of course the girlfriends and I work full time so timing is an issue.

Nice

 

[jeria]

Jump in, learn as much as you can and just do it!! Life is learning: if I can do it anyone can. Don't be afraid to make some mistakes along the way and be open to changing the plans as you learn more.

I did find out yesterday Menard's-- building supply chain here in the area--- has a design program to help you custom design a coop or other outbuildings. I may hit them up when I get to my garden shed later this summer/early fall. My prefab one torn apart in an 80 mph wind storm last year. Skeptical of pre-fab!!

Trying to make coop and run to be able to withstand our frequent 60mph winds and occasional 80-90 mph and be as predator safe as I can make it. My $150.00 budget though is up to probably $400.00. At least I shouldn't have to replace it next year. Any leftover materials will be used in other projects since I've revamped some areas along the way. MMMM lots of work and $$ for $65.00 including shipping 4 chicks.

I may post the final plans when I get it done... Well back to work Framing for wall #3 is done and #4 about 1/2 way then to start on the framing for the floor.