May I have opinions on these Tractor Supply coops?

[Lilion]

Well shoot. Thank you all. I really, REALLY don't want to spend more than $600 on this. Not with all the other stuff that goes along with getting started. Back to the drawing board.

 

[DelawaresinCA]

I've seen these at my local TS and feel like they're better suited to quail but even then the dimensions aren't right. You can definitely build better for $600!

 

[Kiki]

Well shoot. Thank you all. I really, REALLY don't want to spend more than $600 on this. Not with all the other stuff that goes along with getting started. Back to the drawing board.

Scrap free wood and some hardware cloth would be cheaper than 600.

 

[Kiki]

https://kansascity.craigslist.org/zip/d/kansas-city-aluminum-and-steel/7515029104.html

https://kansascity.craigslist.org/zip/d/mission-free-pallets/7507513108.html

 

[Ponypoor]

Are you handy at all? You can easily build a small shed if you are handy, or if your spouse is.

They are teeny tiny now but grow fast

 

[3KillerBs]

To be blunt, they're under-sized, badly-made, and ill-ventilated.

Here is some basic info for you:

The Usual Guidelines

For each adult, standard-sized hen you need:

• 4 square feet in the coop (.37 square meters)
• 10 square feet in the run (.93 square meters),
• 1 linear foot of roost (.3 meters),
• 1/4 of a nest box,
• And 1 square foot (.09 square meters) of permanent, 24/7/365 ventilation, preferably located over the birds' heads when they're sitting on the roost.

4 hens

• 16 square feet in the coop. 4'x4' is the only really practical build for this given the common dimensions of lumber.
• 4 feet of roost
• 40 square feet in the run. 4'x10' or 5'x8'. 6'x6' is a bit too small, 6'x8' is more generous and easier to build than 5'x8'.
• 4 square feet of ventilation. A 2'x2' window is theoretically enough, but in practice doesn't create any air FLOW so better to spread the venting around (and even better to exceed the minimums, especially in warm climates).
• 2 nest boxes, to give the hens a choice

This coop was designed to meet those specs exactly: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-little-monitor-coop.76275/

That said,

Given that you're in a hot climate area, you should consider an open air coop -- a big wire box with a 3-sided shelter at one end that combines coop and run in one.

The easiest build for a person with limited handyman skills is a hoop coop. Here are some ideas to help inspire you:

Open Air Coops

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/jens-hens-a-southern-texas-coop.75707/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/my-positive-local-action-coop.72804/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/california-living.68130/

Hoop Coops

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/hoop-tractor.69336/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/hoop-coop-brooder-with-roll-up-sides.75720/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-biddie-bordello-a-hoop-coop-run-combo.72189/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/permanent-hoop-coop-guide.47818/

My own Open Air coop is featured in my hot climate article: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/hot-climate-chicken-housing-and-care.77263/

And here is information on coop ventilation: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/repecka-illustrates-coop-ventilation.77659/

 

[saysfaa]

Where exactly do I find those? Seriously, I have no idea.

Ask around is the best way - we found there is a clear best choice in this area by asking at work and asking neighbors.

https://www.dunneganspringsstructures.com/amish-sheds-builder-mo/

https://www.amishyard.com/

If they don't cover your area, they probably know who does.

I don't know anything about either of them, so you will want to check their reputations.

Also, Amish built buildings tend to designed by carpenters more than keepers of chickens... they often need extra ventilation at least, and wide eaves are worth getting.

And there are people besides the Amish who build sheds.

Netsearch for "custom sheds Missouri" brought up several options that looked promising.

 

[Lilion]

https://www.dunneganspringsstructures.com/amish-sheds-builder-mo/

https://www.amishyard.com/

If they don't cover your area, they probably know who does.

I don't know anything about either of them, so you will want to check their reputations.

Also, Amish built buildings tend to designed by carpenters more than keepers of chickens... they often need extra ventilation at least.

And there are people besides the Amish who build sheds.

I see. Sorry, I totally thought you meant sheds that we're specially for chickens already.

 

[Lilion]

Given that you're in a hot climate area, you should consider an open air coop -- a big wire box with a 3-sided shelter at one end that combines coop and run in one.

But what about winter? Those seem awfully ... open. Sorry if that seems stupid.

 

[3KillerBs]

But what about winter? Those seem awfully ... open. Sorry if that seems stupid.

This thread should reassure you: https://www.backyardchickens.com/posts/25324962

I did put a tarp on part of the fully-open wall because this area can get severe storms from any direction of the compass.