- Jan 2, 2013
- 4
- 0
- 7
Hi all
I just joined BYC - in preparation for establishing a mixed flock of about a dozen hens. I raised chickens for eggs and meat years ago, and now I'd like to get back into the egg part, also with an eye toward a nice hen for my granddaughter to get involved in 4H (she's 6).
I'm looking at coops now, on Craigslist. This 5x4 is an option I'm looking into. It has two 4-foot roosting bars and 3 nest boxes.
My first reaction is that it is not big enough for 12, some of which may be heavy body hens. My intent is to have a coop and run, but also to let the ladies out during the day. I live on about an acre-most is fenced. The fellow who makes them suggested that I could get two and connect them with a run.
This is what the says of the construction:
"They have a 30yr HI DEF ROOF and 50yr LP SMART SIDING PLYWOOD. They are screwed together not nailed. These coops are built to last you many many years." It's not obvious, but he says the building has venting along the front and back soffitt.
I can get two of these 5x4 coops for $500, which seems like a very good deal.
Thanks so much for your input! Next I'll be picking your brains about the right mix of ladies-which will include a couple especially suited for a little girl to bond with-we'll be brooding them inside and handling daily.



I just joined BYC - in preparation for establishing a mixed flock of about a dozen hens. I raised chickens for eggs and meat years ago, and now I'd like to get back into the egg part, also with an eye toward a nice hen for my granddaughter to get involved in 4H (she's 6).
I'm looking at coops now, on Craigslist. This 5x4 is an option I'm looking into. It has two 4-foot roosting bars and 3 nest boxes.
My first reaction is that it is not big enough for 12, some of which may be heavy body hens. My intent is to have a coop and run, but also to let the ladies out during the day. I live on about an acre-most is fenced. The fellow who makes them suggested that I could get two and connect them with a run.
This is what the says of the construction:
"They have a 30yr HI DEF ROOF and 50yr LP SMART SIDING PLYWOOD. They are screwed together not nailed. These coops are built to last you many many years." It's not obvious, but he says the building has venting along the front and back soffitt.
I can get two of these 5x4 coops for $500, which seems like a very good deal.
Thanks so much for your input! Next I'll be picking your brains about the right mix of ladies-which will include a couple especially suited for a little girl to bond with-we'll be brooding them inside and handling daily.