New coop just delivered need advise

[hayescamp]

I bought the "Wrangler" from the Chicken Saloon. My husband just opened the packaging and said it was made cheaply and it is flimsy. My question- aside from the beautiful Amish built coops that I can't afford are all premade coops junk? I don't know if it is worth it to send back a 70 lb package just to rebut a different version of the same thing. My hubby doesn't have the time or desire to build me a coop. My ladies are 8 weeks old and are outgrowing my ikea desk that I converted as a coop. Help!

 

[Pyxis]

So sorry about that. In general yes, a lot of premade coops are junk, and will also claim to hold way more chickens than they say they do. How large a coop do you need? You could do a hoop coop, like what I have. They go together easily and quickly and are less expensive than building wooden coops generally. You can see mine and how to build it if you click "My Coop" under my avatar.

Unfortunately most premade coops are tiny, poorly made, and even if you do use them, I don't think I've heard of anyone having one hold up to the elements for more than two or three years.

Another option would be to check your local craigslist - a lot of people sell nicely made coops they no longer need on there. Heck, at the moment I'm trying to give away an old coop I don't use anymore because it's too small for me on craigslist, and I've seen other people do the same.

 

[little buddy]

Go on Craigslist and see what might be for sale in your area. You might just find a well made coop for a fair price.

 

[TheRambler]

Another option I have seen people do for a fairly cheap alternative to building one yourself is to buy a rubbermaid/tuff shed. Can get several good sizes for a coop from $300-500. Then just cut a few ventillation openings and attach hardware cloth to them, on the inside add a few brackets to add roosts and nesting boxes. Done. Even if your horrible with building you could do that.

Other good options as already mentioned are craigslist, or trying your hand at building one. Its actually fairly easy, well it can be as easy or complicated as you make it. A simple A-frame, or just a square coop is by far the easiest. In my area several people advertise on craigslist that they will come to your property and build a chicken coop for like $150(plus materials) or so, so that is also an option if your husband doesnt want to help you.

 

[TheRambler]

Then there is always free, if you can arrange to pick it up (rent a flatbed from home depot or lowes if needed). http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/zip/4991410674.html

 

[hayescamp]

Then there is always free, if you can arrange to pick it up (rent a flatbed from home depot or lowes if needed). http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/zip/4991410674.html

Can't open the link. I'm in northern NJ. Unless your upstate near Canada pick up is doable. Zip code? Thank you!

 

[TheRambler]

Can't open the link. I'm in northern NJ. Unless your upstate near Canada pick up is doable. Zip code? Thank you!

I just searched chicken coop on craigslist in your area. That one in the link was in NYC in the bronx i think.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

I know you said your husband doesn't want to build you a coop - but does he at least have the tools, etc to do so? If the tools are there, you can likely build yourself a nice little setup (for less than you paid for the prefab junk) and you don't even have to be particularly handy to do so.

 

[microchick]

I built my own coop with some help from my husband. He did the design and I went to work on it. It really isn't difficult to do and all you need is a hammer, nails, circular saw, level and square. I had to have help with the roof and some of the 'high' construction but I wound up with a rock solid coop for our chickens.

If your coop is going to be stationary, take 4-8 foot 4X4 posts and set them two feet in the ground with concrete. Make sure they are straight and your measurements are true. Let the concrete set and the next day you have the foundation for a coop. You can make it any height you want and there are plenty of options available as far as plans are concerned on the internet, even here on BYC. People are very creative. My coop was built with left overs and with salvage barn wood. I spent under 10 dollars to build it and that money was spent on hardware and nails.

Yes it is hard work, but yes you can do it and you would impress the h-e- double-tooth picks out of your husband.

BTW I'm almost 62 years old.

 

[hayescamp]

As too building a coop my husband is perfectly capable and has every tool under the sun. He built me a rabbit coop that lasted over ten years. When my bunny died it took two men to take it apart since we were done with outside pets ( I always come home with something cute and furry or now feathered) I'm hoping his discust at this pricy piece of junk will inspire him this summer to build me a coop. He coaches both my sons sports teams and truly doesn't have time now. Wish me luck convincing him. We made some modifications, added supports, stained it so hopefully this piece of junk will last a bit. For the wasted $$$ I'm trying to see it as a lesson learned.