New plan--Buying a coop

[Chickassan]

My goodness, they even used fake chickens in the picture. I hate that getting a good setup going is being so difficult for you. Now that chicken keeping has become trendy it just gets more and more convoluted.

 

[JudysMuscovy]

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.

I agree, I actually have one of those store bought coops and they are too small, I now use it for my little ones when I want to introduce them to the big ones. It's big enough for my three chickens that are two months old.
I also have a kids play house for my older ones they are silkie's and made it accessable for them to have a two levels since they like to sleep up higher and not on the ground.
I would never buy a pre lab coop again they are not big enough for any length of time

 

[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 know it seems like a pain to have to ship it back but it will pale in comparison to the headaches caused by having an inadequate coop that's too small, not well designed, not well made and not user friendly.

I was reading some of the low star amazon reviews and saw that the roof doesn't come off for cleaning inside... that alone would be a deal breaker for me, having to access the interior through the nest box or door or by disassembling part of it.

 

[ChickNanny13]

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?

You can say you'll settle for 2 bantams however, Chicken Math is wicked
I've learned "you get what you pay for" We're just trying to help & give you a heads up from our experiences. It's your decision & choice. Good luck & enjoy!

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

According to Amazon, it’s got 12’ of interior space which probably includes the nest box area. Not sure if you can mod it for your birds to have more space, but I would read through the reviews on Amazon as well as wayfair to see how others view it and to see if they’ve made any modifications.

I’ve got a tsc prefab coop (oh the horrors). It’s working as needed for now. I love that it’s up off of the ground. Do you think you and your hubby could build a stand for it? Then it would be easier to get into to do the daily chores.
It’s also nice to have it off of the ground because you could make a run area under it if it needs more security. I have part of this area on mine wrapped with some plastic to keep that area dry for the winter. I might mod it permanently on that side so that there is always a dry area for them to go to.

I can’t picture the run you are going to piece together. Maybe post pics, but make sure it’s also secure enough that predators can not get in (hardware cloth at least a foot to two up the sides and maybe an apron of welded wire?) Does it have a cover or a top? I think worrying if you did enough for protection from predators is the worst.

Ultimately, it’s your decision. Make sure you’ve researched the needs of the bantam chickens - think about where you want to put water and food, etc.

Good luck!

 

[nminusyplusm]

According to Amazon, it’s got 12’ of interior space which probably includes the nest box area.

According to the manufacturer it's this:
Interior L (in) 34.1, W (in) 21.7, H (in) 25.2
http://www.newagepet.com/product/ecoflex-fontana-chicken-barn/

which makes 5.13 sq ft of interior square footage. There's no way adding nest box area gives it another 6 plus square feet.

Amazon information is often listed by one of their many resellers. It's all over the place. I'm inclined to trust the dimensions provided by the manufacturer, though not their estimate on how many birds it fits.

 

[nminusyplusm]

Also with an interior height of only 25.2" I don't even know how decent ventilation could be added.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

According to the manufacturer it's this:
Interior L (in) 34.1, W (in) 21.7, H (in) 25.2
http://www.newagepet.com/product/ecoflex-fontana-chicken-barn/

which makes 5.13 sq ft of interior square footage. There's no way adding next box area gives it another 6 plus square feet.

Amazon information is often listed by one of their many resellers. It's all over the place. I'm inclined to trust the dimensions provided by the manufacturer, though not their estimate on how many birds it fits.

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.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

I think that's what I'll do. I'll just get two bantams and cut more ventilation.

That’s what you say now, but chickens are addicting.

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.

Definitely false advertising.
If you want a prefab coop & run that will have the correct amount of space for chickens you’ll have to shell out a lot of money for it. Below is the coop my close family friend bought. It is 22’x7’ and can accommodate 27 chickens. The run is too small though. She paid $5,000 for this Amish built coop.

 

[Ohmyheart]

Any chance you can cancel the order before it ships?