Modifying pre-fab coop?

[callen0912]

Has anyone here done this? I'm considering buying a pre-fab coop and modifying to add to it as well as make it better predator proof. I thought I had a coop lined up but haven't been able get ahold of the friend who said they would sell it to me

and I'm running out of time. I won't lie I'm pretty intimidated by building a coop from scratch and would feel a lot better if I had something to build onto.

 

[JackE]

From what I've seen, most of those pre-fab coops are total junk. They always seem to overstate how many birds the "coops" can handle. And the construction is pathetic. I would buy a pre-made shed (Lowes, HomeDepot), or even one of those big doghouses (Depending on how many chickens you have). Might save a bunch of heartburn later.

 

[callen0912]

From what I've seen, most of those pre-fab coops are total junk.  They always seem to overstate how many birds the "coops" can handle.  And the construction is pathetic.  I would buy a pre-made shed (Lowes, HomeDepot), or even one of those big doghouses (Depending on how many chickens you have).  Might save a bunch of heartburn later.  

I was considering getting this coop, and completely closing in the run so the entire thing becomes the coop and then adding an adequately sizes run. Still a bad idea?

http://www.wayfair.com/Aosom-LLC-La...d-Roof-and-Nesting-Box-5663-1319-XAO1103.html

 

[JackE]

Reading the comments for the structure, you see the word flimsy mentioned a few times. Take heed. Outside, in the elements, flimsy is not what you want for long term stability. And, looking at the measurements, you will have a not quite 3X7' building. Not very big at all for the $$$. I wouldn't, I just build what I need. Maybe you could get an old shed off Craigslist, or out of the newspaper, or one of those Swapper type magazines you find in convenience stores. Something a bit heavier duty, that won't blow across you yard with one thunderstorm.

 

[georgiagail]

As has been suggested, consider a dog house (for example, check out places like Wayfare) for your coop and place this in your run made from a dog run.

As others have suggested, many of the pre-fab coops seem to be quite flimsy...also much smaller and holding fewer chickens than they claim they can.

Gail

 

[Curlyginger]

I bought my coop from a local guy who makes them (he's about 90 minutes from my house) and I built the run from scratch. The quality is of the coop is really good and it wasn't too much $$. Where are you located?

 

[callen0912]

I bought my coop from a local guy who makes them (he's about 90 minutes from my house) and I built the run from scratch. The quality is of the coop is really good and it wasn't too much $$. Where are you located?

In Cleveland, Georgia. There used to be an individual that my local feed store actually had him build them coops they would sell (my best friend has one) but the guy disappeared and they haven't been able to get ahold of him again.

 

[Curlyginger]

Here are a few places within an hour or two of. No idea of prices, but worth a check:

https://www.facebook.com/WaynesCustomCoops/timeline?ref=page_internal

http://www.cherokeefeedandseed.com/poultry-care-videos/chicken-houses-and-chicken-coops/

 

[callen0912]

Here are a few places within an hour or two of. No idea of prices, but worth a check:

https://www.facebook.com/WaynesCustomCoops/timeline?ref=page_internal

http://www.cherokeefeedandseed.com/poultry-care-videos/chicken-houses-and-chicken-coops/

Thank you! I'll check them out! I think I may have just found an individual to build me one. On a local farm and garden Facebook page, but I'll still check out what you found!

 

[donrae]

The coop you linked only weighs 97lbs. That tells me that wood is pretty darn thin and I'd think the whole thing is likely to blow over in a wind. The design isn't bad, but I'd be looking on CL or somewhere else local to have someone build you out of actual lumber, that's sturdy enough to last a few years.