Need advice; what is the most economical way to build a large run with a coop?

[Meglin]

Hello! This group has been such a wonderful resource so far. This is my first time working with chickens and I'm raising them at the school I work at. My students have hatched 2 chicks so far, and we are making the plans to build a structure that would be suitable to keep them on campus the rest of the year.

I am wondering what your recommendations are for a run/space large enough for the chickens to enjoy their day, but also be big enough for a class to visit if they want to spend time with the chickens. I also (of course) need a coop. Even though we have 2 chicks right now, I would prefer something large enough for us to continue using year after year. My plan is to sell the chickens at the end of the year and get a new batch of eggs for next year's science students.

Any recommendations? I really wanted to purchase a coop/run combo but they are so expensive! We only have between $400-$500 to work with at the moment that we've raised through fundraising. Thanks in advance!

 

[cholland]

Google - Hoop coops.
I built an 8x8 for about $100.
You can make them longer and they are still somewhat portable. One end can be enclosed for a coop.
I've seen a post about school group doing one before. Can't remember if it was on here or somewhere else.

And check with Lowes, or other hardware stores for cull lumber. It's highly discounted or free and works great for chicken coops.

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

I built my coop out of an 8x10 metal shed that I got on craigslist cheap. They're pretty easy to disassemble, move and re-assemble.

 

[aart]

My plan is to sell the chickens at the end of the year and get a new batch of eggs for next year's science students.

How old will the birds be when you sell them?

What is your climate? That can make huge difference.

 

[CapricornFarm]

Some people build whole coops and runs out of free pallets. They look a whole lot better painted.

 

[Meglin]

Thanks for your responses so far! I am looking into the hoop pen, but I also found a few from retailers that might work that I'll post in a different thread.

The chickens will be 8 months old when I sell them. I live in Arizona, but they won't be on campus during the dead of summer; just October-May.

 

[junebuggena]

A hoop pen is definitely the way to go for Arizona's climate. Plenty of space and ventilation.

 

[aart]

but I also found a few from retailers that might work that I'll post in a different thread.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/which-of-these-chicken-coops-would-work-the-best.1199240/

 

[Kellycbf]

Hoop coop.