Looking for some advice for my Chickie Babie's home

[Rsc2771]

I have the same coop with 4 Golden Comet hens and one Bantam rooster, it is not enough room. I am in the process of building a much bigger coop and run. I decided the little coop would be used for chicks that hatch off in the Incubator and that my big girls will be moved over to the chicken mansion when it is finished.

Lesson learned, I am in the same process you are. I want my girls to live a long and healthy life and it scares me that I didn't do more research. Thank you!

 

[Rsc2771]

Do what Disney does, make your coop look good in front, but practical behind the scenes!

Haha love it!

 

[Rsc2771]

This looks like your coop, yes?
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...luxe-farm-house-chicken-coop-up-to-8-chickens

I agree with @Doc7 and @MatthewsHomestead, it's way too small. The coop I linked to only has room for 2 standard sized chickens.

Yes, unfortunately that is what I bought and believed it would actually fit 6 , I have some neighbors who have 8 full grown chickens in them! I need to spread the word and not listen to the TSC people about the space provided is more than enough. I feel horrible, I think they knew I was a city girl

 

[Rsc2771]

Since you are so close to us, if you ever want to come out and take a look at our setups just send me a pm. We are about 20-30 mins away depending on which side of MA you live. We are at the very end of Siloam if you know where that is.

Yes! That would be great! I wish I found you all before I wasted my time and effort on putting together this "coop" for my girls.

 

[bobbi-j]

Yes, unfortunately that is what I bought and believed it would actually fit 6 , I have some neighbors who have 8 full grown chickens in them! I need to spread the word and not listen to the TSC people about the space provided is more than enough. I feel horrible, I think they knew I was a city girl

I’m not sure the TSC people really know what they’re talking about either. If they aren’t experienced in keeping chickens of their own, they only know what the manufacturer tells them on the box. They are there to sell you stuff, that’s all.

 

[karnie123]

A quick, cheap, and temporary fix could be a few metal fence posts and wire/net. It makes a decent run but don’t rely on it to be predator resistant unless you really work on it. Depending on the wire/net, it can be put up and taken down fairly easily. Just a thought.

I almost bought one of those too but the employee at TSC actually raised chickens. She told me not to buy it and that I should build my own.

 

[kwhites634]

Hey All!
So I bought a coop from TSC, and yes it is flimsy, when I got it I made some improvements with extra screws and such. By doing the small improvements it has become more secure.I also buried hardware cloth on the sides.I have 6 females...hopefully...I'm sorry I am a newbie city girl! I want to know if they have enough room, that is my biggest concern, and what I can do to improve their life. I keep them in the pin throughout the day and they go into the coop at night. Slowly we want to free range them after we get a fence! Open to any ideas or suggestions! View attachment 1406897 View attachment 1406901 View attachment 1406903

I'm glad you paid for it, and not me. I deal with TSC regularly; I know what those things cost. I bought one that wasn't near as nice as that when I started; OUCH! I used it as a pattern when I built a 2nd one.
Depending on your situation, you don't really need a fence to free range; airborne predators will fly over the fence anyway. Unless you put up netting over the entire free range area you're going to lose a bird to a hawk now & then; that's just one of those things you learn to accept when you keep chickens.