New chicken owner

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nicholzac

nicholzac

In the Brooder
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Jun 19, 2015
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Florida
Hi all, I very recently bought three chicks. Two silkies and a duclee. I'm sure I spelled that wrong. Though I have some time yet I started looking for premade coops with no luck. Most I have found have terrible reviews or even warnings about cancer causing chemicals. I'd like to eventually have six chickens if all goes Well. Hoping someone here can point me in the right direction.
 
From reviews on here and posts on different threads, it seems the pre made & coops from kits, are cutesy but lack substance. The don't hold up to weather or predator attacks. The number of birds they can house is grossly over exaggerated. Sometimes you can find a decent coop on Craig's list.

There are many styles and sizes etc. on the coops section above, some with detailed plans. Do you have any one with carpentry skills? They could probably whip one up that would be less costly and last much longer. My sister had remodeling done by a shop teacher from a high school in the area. He did projects when school was out for the summer.

Some folks trick out a storage building, garage etc. If you plan to just keep a small flock, you may want to view the chicken tractors,. which are portable coops you can move around the yard.
 
Welcome to BYC!
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The pre-made coops are expensive for the size and quality you get. I think you would be best off trying to either build one yourself or find someone that will do it for you...you'd most likely end up with a better coop for the same or less money.

If you don't feel up to doing the building yourself, check with a neighbor that has chickens...maybe they know someone that can build one for you (or even show you how to do it). The coops section has stories from members that have adapted a number of things to make a coop (pallets, sheds, old playhouses, recycled materials, etc.). Maybe you can get some ideas there:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/2/Coops
https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/9/coop-run-design-construction-maintenance

Good luck to you, it's nice to have you here!
 
welcome-byc.gif
glad you have joined us and congrats on starting your own flock.

You should explore the coop/runs forums for ideas, many people with no carpentry skills have accomplished building their own, or improving ready made ones. There are simple coop free plans available - Purina and TSC have detailed plans for simple coops.

Consider exploring the Florida threads under "where am I, where are you" to see if someone knows anyone in your area that builds quality coops.

Good luck with you new flock and getting their permanent home ready.
 

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