New plan--Buying a coop

[ewerbos]

I just looked at this and the Wayfair information about the coop is actually *wrong*. Maybe you can get them to pay for free return shipping because of that? The dimensions listed on the site do, indeed, make it seem that the coop will be 4'x4':

 

[lazy gardener]

45 x 53 /144 = 16.5625

16 x 16 = 256/144 = 1.777

16.5 - 1.8 = 14.7 s.f.

That is based on outside measurements. Interior measurements will be smaller.

s.f. is enough for 3 birds, in theory. However, recommended ventilation can not possibly happen in such a tiny space. Recommended ventilation for 3 birds is 3 s.f. An entire wall would have to be removed in order for that to happen.

 

[nminusyplusm]

Well shoot. That’s what I get for looking late at night. You are correct. The jumbo version apparently has 12 sq ft - according to the manufacturer. I should have verified via the manufacturer and if I were buying it myself, I would have. But, it was late and I was just going to see if anyone posted a mod on amazon via the photos and reviews.
In that case, that’s only enough room for 1 full sized bird. Not sure how that equates for bantams. But, geesh why even sell a product for one bird.

You didn't make a mistake. The Amazon seller wrongly listed 12 sq ft for the small one.
Just checked the manufacturer's website and the "jumbo" doesn't have 12 sq ft either, it only has 10.5 sq ft of interior space:
Interior L (in) 41.1, W (in) 36.8, H (in) 29.1

 

[junebuggena]

You didn't make a mistake. The Amazon seller wrongly listed 12 sq ft for the small one.
Just checked the manufacturer's website and the "jumbo" doesn't have 12 sq ft either, it only has 10.5 sq ft of interior space:
Interior L (in) 41.1, W (in) 36.8, H (in) 29.1

Manufacturers include nest boxes in the interior dimensions, which should never be included when calculating coop space. That means it's even smaller.

 

[lazy gardener]

Agreed. The key word here is "overall" that means total. so, you need to deduct the nest box space from the overall space to get s.f.

 

[nminusyplusm]

45 x 53 /144 = 16.5625

16 x 16 = 256/144 = 1.777

16.5 - 1.8 = 14.7 s.f.

That is based on outside measurements. Interior measurements will be smaller.

s.f. is enough for 3 birds, in theory. However, recommended ventilation can not possibly happen in such a tiny space. Recommended ventilation for 3 birds is 3 s.f. An entire wall would have to be removed in order for that to happen.

Exactly, removing next box and jogs where nest box connects to coop and eave overhangs leaves 5.13 sq ft giving 2 bantams 2.565 sq ft each, not quite even 3 sq ft.

 

[nminusyplusm]

Manufacturers include nest boxes in the interior dimensions, which should never be included when calculating coop space. That means it's even smaller.

Yup, I keep forgetting the part where I need to think like a seller who doesn't care about chickens and the people caring for them.

 

[nminusyplusm]

Manufacturers include nest boxes in the interior dimensions, which should never be included when calculating coop space. That means it's even smaller.

Actually at Amazon, the reseller really did list the dimensions of the "jumbo" for the smaller one.

 

[Bogtown Chick]

$149 is a tempting price to get into chicken hobby for. I "get it."

Here's what I did with mine: I dumpster dove a construction site for boards with misfired nails and bad cuts. I spent about $200-$300 on good 2x4's for framing up, linoleum, some screws, hardware for locking windows and making a pulley system for the pop door. It can be done on the cheap. But it's sort of like an easter egg hunt for a year finding the old windows, doors, tin for the roof.

Those boys at the construction site are throwing away all kinds of good stuff. And if you want a small coop bantam style. That should cost you pretty close to nothing. Pallet coops are to die for they are so cute and charming. And the price?...

Anyways when you do get that coop look it over. Pull on the roof and the walls. A full size Momma Racoon can figure out the pre-fabs pretty quick. Hobby over in a night.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

I recently bought a Trixie coop with attached run for $150 free shipping plus tax from target. It will house 3 Modern Game bantam pullets. https://intl.target.com/p/trixie-pet-chicken-coop-with-outdoor-run/-/A-17286011