New member-questions about getting a coop

[Michelesullivan]

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.

 

[Wisher1000]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you are here!

Ask around your area for carpenters that are not working at the moment or who could use a little extra money. Unfortunately, there are quite a few around. Some may even have scrap wood that could be used to build a nice looking coop that will be big enough for your flock.

Two 4x5 coops will only be enough for about 10 birds. You will need at least a 6x8 and an 8x8 would give you enough room to add a garbage can for feed and you could stand up inside to clean when it is raining.

I bet you could get someone to build that for $500 or a bit more. You might even try your hand at it yourself!

Good luck!

ETA: Take a look at these...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/mac-in-wiscos-chicken-coop

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/swedishfishs-chicken-coop

The 8x8 coop could be used for a shed if you stopped having chickens.
If you buy the two small ones, they would all still try to cram into one!!

 

[chickgma]

Hello & welcome! I'm pretty new to chickens, but would like to tell you about my coop. It was a used 8x10 garden shed ($100)that my husband converted to a coop. I found it on Craig's List. Who knows how much it cost to convert it!!!! He walled off a 2x8 section in front where I keep feed, bedding etc. That leaves us with 8x8. We have 7 hens: 2 Rhode Island Reds, 1 Buff Orpington, 2 Barred Rocks & 2 Delawares....all big girls. As far as friendliness, 1 Barred Rocks and 1 Delaware are the ones in the flock that are the best. Hope this helps out & best of luck!

 

[TexasJ]

As a carpenter $500 is a little steep as for the smart siding its not structurally sound unless sheathing is used behind it it basically painted osb it gets wet over time will dry rot swell and fall off you can build that coop for under 150 the names of the material are what makes people think there good I would keep looking and you will need a bigger coop for 12 good luck
My coop cost less than 200 including feeds and feed

 

[Michelesullivan]

Thanks for all the replies
The thing is, I don't have the time or knowledge to build a coop. And my husband is building a big deck right now so there's no way he would have the time to do it. I have to find something suitable and I'm a little concerned about your comments re: the quality of the construction material. I haven't seen anything on Craigslist that's built by a carpenter that is under $500. The lowest things I've seen are in the $700-$800 range. I will keep looking, I guess. If I find anything I'll let ya'll know and get it critiqued!

 

[foothillsfiber]

My thought on the nest, I will never have nest boxes at floor level again!!

 

[Michelesullivan]

How come no nest boxes down low??? Chickens get in and poop in them? When I had chickens *years* ago (30??) I had a large outbuilding/shed that we simply put nest boxes and poles in-boxes were about 4 feet off the ground. I don't recall any issues with them.