New to Chickens, New to Coops

[GoldenHickory]

hello just went to local feed store and bought buff orpingtons as my first breed after hearing all the lovely stories people have with them. But now I need a coop for these little guys. What materials do I use, how big should it be for my 12 cuddly chicken, what all should be in the coop. Any info helps!

 

[Angelak]

Im fairly new to the ins n outs of ckn.houseings,but have found these work great n very cheap.we buy theoutside dog kennels that have 4 panels size complete 10x10x6.we have taken 2 of the 10x10x6 kennels put together into 1 huge pen,cover bottom inside sides with mesh wire,then put over the entire top of kennel chicken wire.then for the coop inside we buy used

 

[Angelak]

Sorry hit submit button by mistake...lol
So for inside coop we buy used rabbit hutches n make adjustments as needed...ie:boarding up a side to make a nest area making a ladder for acess in n out of coop,making sure a door acess for egg collecting,if it doesnt have a metal or shingled roof we put a tin roof on it with a slight overhang.we have also made coops out of wooded dog houses to .
Works great for us n total we have spent on one coop/pen area is no more than $150.we also take chainlink poles and put in corners of pen for roost.
I am extremely frugile but my chickens,turkeys and peacocks r happy n safe from all now.

 

[GoldenHickory]

I'm going to be honest, I have a budget on the coop at about 5000. I am a small gardener and saved enough to start a farm.

 

[Angelak]

Good luck ,maybe more experienced handy people can give u better advice,ive seen very talented people n their coops/tractors that continue to amaze me on here

 

[GoldenHickory]

Well thanks for that info is treated lumber safe? If not what's safe and bug free. Any help is good!

 

[Jeanna Marie]

I'm going to be honest, I have a budget on the coop at about 5000. I am a small gardener and saved enough to start a farm.

Oh my! For 5k I could build a chickie palace. I say dont spend 5k on the coop. Save some for investing in good breeder stock. You need at least 4 sq ft for each bird inside the coop and 10 sg ft for each bird in the run. Since you are starting a farm andd have extra money. Go big so that you can increase your flock if you want to.

 

[GoldenHickory]

I am breeding and getting eggs. So I need 12 of each breed I want. And a rooster so I need one ideal for 13 hens.

 

[GoldenHickory]

Well making money a concern then and to make as many as possible would making them free range in the day a good idea can I make cages smaller? Should I keep a hand full in so I am garenteed some income?

 

[aart]

I would think with a 'plan' like that, you would have already done some serious research on facilities before buying a dozen breeders.

Start reading about breeding pens. (link to advanced search, titles only)

Better do some reading on predators too, to protect your investment.