My Chicks need a proper coop

[Chick-mom]

Hello, I am new to this currently have 1 hen and 1 rooster. Needing a coop and pen anyone know the best place to order online cost affective. There are so many out there but Im not sure if they are proper. the comments many times are they are two small for two. and those are the ones running $300.00 Do anyone have free plans to build a walk in coop and pen. Please Help this part is stressing me, Im ready to enjoy them but they need a proper home.
Thanks in advance.

 

[cavemanrich]

The prefab coops are fine for individuals that are not sure if chicken keeping is the thing for them. They spend $200+ and do get housing that is fine for short term. They usually upgrade to something better , once they know,,,,,, chickens are there to stay.
The easiest way for a descent coop, is a garden shed conversion. Wood, metal or plastic all can be converted into good coops. I would prefer wood as first choice, with plastic close behind. Metal would be third choice, since slightly harder to modify for chicken use. (but not impossible) All depends on your working skill level, and type of tools you have available.
You would need to provide much ventilation, especially during summer hot weather. That would be cross ventilation. For year-round ventilation, you also need plenty of ventilation up high at roof line/ridge. That is to vent humidity, and ammonia.
Not sure of your budget situation, but you may consider getting a used shed from Craig's List posting. They do go for little ca$h, if somewhat dated. I have seen them for free, just to remove. If you are handy, then one of those would be a cost-effective route to try.
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and

 

[rosemarythyme]

Hoop coops would be one of the more cost efficient ways to go, and offer a lot of ventilation which you'll need in hotter weather.

This one is pretty big, but to give you an idea: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/permanent-hoop-coop-guide.47818/

 

[3KillerBs]

I second the idea of a hoop coop, especially if you have limited building skills.

 

[Chick-mom]

The prefab coops are fine for individuals that are not sure if chicken keeping is the thing for them. They spend $200+ and do get housing that is fine for short term. They usually upgrade to something better , once they know,,,,,, chickens are there to stay.
The easiest way for a descent coop, is a garden shed conversion. Wood, metal or plastic all can be converted into good coops. I would prefer wood as first choice, with plastic close behind. Metal would be third choice, since slightly harder to modify for chicken use. (but not impossible) All depends on your working skill level, and type of tools you have available.
You would need to provide much ventilation, especially during summer hot weather. That would be cross ventilation. For year-round ventilation, you also need plenty of ventilation up high at roof line/ridge. That is to vent humidity, and ammonia.
Not sure of your budget situation, but you may consider getting a used shed from Craig's List posting. They do go for little ca$h, if somewhat dated. I have seen them for free, just to remove. If you are handy, then one of those would be a cost-effective route to try.
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and

Thank you

 

[Chick-mom]

Hoop coops would be one of the more cost efficient ways to go, and offer a lot of ventilation which you'll need in hotter weather.

This one is pretty big, but to give you an idea: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/permanent-hoop-coop-guide.47818/

Thank you

 

[Chick-mom]

I second the idea of a hoop coop, especially if you have limited building skills.

Thank you.

 

[Dottie the Chicken]

@aart @black_cat

 

[black_cat]

I also agree with the hoop coop idea- they are very easy and can be made quite spacious. Definitely get some more hens or at least some female chicks to one day accompany your pair, they're fun and will help avoid possible overmating with the rooster.

 

[Dottie the Chicken]

More than 2 would be good. That way if one dies you don't have a lone bird. Also, like @black_cat mentioned, you don't want the rooster over mating the hens.