New member

[billsdebra]

Hi We just moved to Arizona from Illinois. We want to raise layers and pets from baby chicks. How do you know when you don't need to use a brooder anymore, md does anyone have a cheap idea for a coop? Thanks

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas and ! Pleased you joined our community! Usually when they start getting fully feathered (4-5 weeks or so) and they start flying out of the brooder, it's time for the coop. The Learning Center will answer questions like that and many more that you don't even have yet - here's the link: https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center
And if you want to chat with fellow in-state poultry folks, locate the AZ thread in this link: https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/26/where-am-i-where-are-you
Coops can be almost anything. Many BYC members have some awesome Coops made from re-purposed materials. A lot depends on your building skills and how many chickens you intend to have. You can get some good ideas in the Coops Forum here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/2/Coops
You can also use the BYC search box to type in terms like repurposed or pallet coop and explore old threads.
Best wishes and thanks for joining BYC!

 

[CuzChickens]

Welcome to the club! I am so glad you joined us and I hope you will make yourself at home here!

~Cuz

 

[Teila]

G’Day from down under billsdebra

Welcome!

As you have already received links to some good starting points from redsoxs, I will just wish you all the best.

I hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun. Unlike non chicken loving friends, family and colleagues, BYC’ers never tire of stories or pictures that feature our feathered and non feathered friends

 

[drumstick diva]

check out your local Craig's list, often coops are available free (people lost interest) or at good prices.

 

[N F C]

Some members make their coops out of recycled materials such as pallets, old kid's playhouses, storage sheds, things they get from places like Habitat for Humanity, etc. It doesn't have to cost a fortune to build a coop, just some imagination and elbow grease.

One thing I would advise you to steer clear of is buying a pre-built coop from a store. You might feel like you're saving money but in the long run, it will cost you more because they don't last (and usually aren't big enough or predator-proof).

Best of luck to you!