New plan--Buying a coop

[junebuggena]

Too small and not nearly enough ventilation.

 

[nminusyplusm]

You have a 30 day return policy if you got it from Wayfair:
https://www.wayfair.com/v/account/help/returns_and_damage

If it was me, I'd not unpack or assemble it, just send it back. Or only get 2 bantams and cut out ventilation.

 

[Seaecho]

I think that's what I'll do. I'll just get two bantams and cut more ventilation. I HAVE done many searches on this site. The return shipping would cost too much. I goofed up big-time when I didn't take the nest box into consideration when considering sq. ft. I was measuring 4x4, which is 16. Just not thinking. How wide should the ventilation holes be, and how many?

 

[Seaecho]

Also, I know there are warnings about this, but the manufacturer said it was fine for 4 hens! And not bantams either! In the reviews, some of the people actually have that many full size hens in it.

 

[junebuggena]

Prefab coop manufacturers use commercial egg farm guidelines for space. Most of us would agree that that is no way to keep a flock of happy, healthy birds.

 

[Ruralhideaway]

I could see this working out if you got two and removed a wall on each and join them up. Still pretty cost effective. Add a little ventilation and seems it would be ok.

 

[lazy gardener]

IMO, no matter what you put in that coop, you are not going to be happy with it. No ventilation, no natural lighting. It's plastic, it is not going to breathe. There is no room for an adequate perch which is required to make the bird feel safe and secure. Even if there was room for a perch, there would not be room for the birds to get up on it.

Not that any one is asking my opinion, but I'm gonna give it: these types of pre fab coops are why folks get chickens, and then quickly abandon the idea of owning chickens. B/C the little doll house coops make it impossible to meet the needs of the bird or the owner, resulting in behavioral and health problems.

 

[nminusyplusm]

I think that's what I'll do. I'll just get two bantams and cut more ventilation. I HAVE done many searches on this site. The return shipping would cost too much. I goofed up big-time when I didn't take the nest box into consideration when considering sq. ft. I was measuring 4x4, which is 16. Just not thinking. How wide should the ventilation holes be, and how many?

I don't know where you get 4 x 4 unless you're counting the included run? The interior of that coop less than 2' x 3'. Can you swing a Wayfair store credit (I think shipping is free if you do that) and then build your own.

Or, again if I was you, I'd complain to Wayfair loudly that advertising that coop as fitting 4 chickens, bantam or LF, is blatant false advertising and animal cruelty and they ought to pay for all shipping costs, else you'll take to social media.

ETA: there's no run, so I'm very confused about where 4' x 4' is coming from...

 

[nminusyplusm]

IMO, no matter what you put in that coop, you are not going to be happy with it. No ventilation, no natural lighting. It's plastic, it is not going to breathe. There is no room for an adequate perch which is required to make the bird feel safe and secure. Even if there was room for a perch, there would not be room for the birds to get up on it.

Not that any one is asking my opinion, but I'm gonna give it: these types of pre fab coops are why folks get chickens, and then quickly abandon the idea of owning chickens. B/C the little doll house coops make it impossible to meet the needs of the bird or the owner, resulting in behavioral and health problems.

 

[Ruralhideaway]

I've seen some cool kids playhouse remodels that could come together in a day and give a couple chickens a nice set up for a similar cost. Cute too.