New to Chickens - Question(s)

[Enchanted1s]

Before you spend big bucks on a credit card for a coop....

Please, please, please.... Post what one you are looking at so you can get a real assessment on whether you are wasting your money on something that will fall apart in a matter of a few months.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/93-Wooden-Chicken-Coop-Rabbit-Hutch-Small-Animal-Wood-House-Pet-Cage/112557661901?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

THANK YOU! All advise appreciated! I went with this one because it at least has a little weight to it - compared to all the others in the price range. Figured we would put it up on a couple of pallets.

 

[21hens-incharge]

The price does not totally stink....

You are in a normally warm and dry climate?

It will need sealed with minwax or the like. Keep the birds away from it for a few days every time you seal it. I know it is pre sealed BUT other coops like this have reports of warping and needing resealed.

I am not a fan of buying what I can build cheaper. But then I CAN build things. I have to remind myself not everyone has the tools or skills to do it.

It is on sale so that helps a ton and free shipping......

This will work I think. I would not try to keep more then the 2 birds in it though.




Oh!!! Scroll to the bottom of the page!!! There is another seller with it for even less. Same coop.

 

[Smuvers Farm]

I think this hutch would be perfect for my broody Xena!!!

 

[Enchanted1s]

I CAN build things too - but I find myself in a position where several projects are piling up on me, and I do NOT have access to free materials. And most importantly, with the nights getting colder and the rain! - the chickens need shelter NOW. We decided that I could not build something quicker for less money - so we ordered it. I figured it should (hopefully) last them for a year or two and give me time to plan and build something better later. After I finish the Island for the Kitchen, and the interior walls for the barn.

I did see the other seller that had two up for auction but both were within $20 of the buy now, had bids and 3+ days before they ended (when I looked). This means those auctions still have not ended - the coop is supposed to be delivered Today. I got the pallets set and leveled yesterday - between the rain. HOPEFULLY, there will be enough dry weather to get it put together for them today - if not, sun is supposed to be back tomorrow.

We picked up her eggs yesterday. ONE had been moved and broken. I am really hoping they are not the ones that broke it! Cooked up one for them last night - plan to give them some more this morning. Thanks again for all the tips and advise. We will get there

I am working on her about the eggs. She is convinced that 'Store Eggs' are better! I know, I know... I am working on it!

 

[21hens-incharge]

Good deal getting that ordered has to be a relief.

Where does she think store eggs come from?

Hens that get to have sunshine and fresh air along with a more varied diet lay much better tasting eggs.

Seriously my dogs turn their noses up at store bought eggs and walk away. Giving them eggs from my girls cooked the same way they act like they haven't eaten in a week. I trust their noses lol.
I am actually boiling some medium and small eggs for them right now. They are laying in the kitchen staring at the stove.

Those birds will be happier and feel safer with the coop.

 

[Enchanted1s]

I just hope they will go into their new coop when it is done. They don't really trust us much yet. We have let them roam freely since they arrived. When she first arrived she could just run straight through the Goat fence over Split Rail that is on our property. Any time we would come near she would leave the property until we were gone. Now that she has the Rooster, she is much calmer. He takes good care of her - it is pretty cool to watch. They don't leave the property now - although they could. I finally had to fence off a small area in the corner to keep our 2 small goats out of the chicken feed! but left it so the birds can come and go as they please.

I read here that we should lock them in the new coop for 3-4 days and then they will come back to it at night? I sure hope someone gave the chickens that memo!

 

[21hens-incharge]

Lol.... Chickens don't read..... That means it may or may not work.

The coop has a little run on it so you can leave them in longer then just a few days. Don't expect them to be super happy about it.
I would catch them after they are asleep and put them on the roost IN the coop with the pop door closed for a day then open the pop door to the run. You may need to put them back inside the coop at night until they figure it out.
Of course you will want feed and water in the coop.
Once they are going inside to sleep on their own keep that routine going for a few days to a week then you should be able to let them back out. They should return on their own. If they don't you will need o keep them in the coop and run longer before trying again.

The thing I like about your surprise chickens is that you want to give them a better life.

 

[TexasSam]

I just hope they will go into their new coop when it is done. They don't really trust us much yet. We have let them roam freely since they arrived. When she first arrived she could just run straight through the Goat fence over Split Rail that is on our property. Any time we would come near she would leave the property until we were gone. Now that she has the Rooster, she is much calmer. He takes good care of her - it is pretty cool to watch. They don't leave the property now - although they could. I finally had to fence off a small area in the corner to keep our 2 small goats out of the chicken feed! but left it so the birds can come and go as they please.

I read here that we should lock them in the new coop for 3-4 days and then they will come back to it at night? I sure hope someone gave the chickens that memo!

You will have to trick them into the coop and once you do shut them in and keep them there for at least A week. After that they will go back there on their own

 

[Enchanted1s]

Well - the coop arrived and we got it all set up for them, just in the nick of time. I barely got my boots off and it started pouring rain and then a Tornado Warning! When I left, they were just sitting in the rain looking at it! Of course, they were watching us all day. I sure hope they figure out that it is dry in there & there is food and water in there.

Geez TV says now we are under Flash Flood Emergency warning and to expect 60mph winds! Sure hope they figure things out.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Should be dark where you are soon if not already.

Talk about bad weather sheesh!

I do hope they end up in some sort of protected spot even if they don't go in the coop on their own.