Newbie! Free rabbit hutch as a Coop?

[freeformed]

Cost so far:

Hutch: Free
Scrap wood: <$5 at Home Depot
Hardware: $8
Paint: Left over cans at Home Depot $20

Now I need a feeder and waterer, and of course… chickens!

 

[crazcurlyq311]

If the rabbit hutch doesn't work out for you...I've been looking for one for my rabbit. If you get rid of it for any reason! please contact me! [email protected] Thanks!! and good luck!

 

[My 3 Babies]

If it were that size, you ought to have a large run, at least 4 times the size of your coop. The rabbit hutch has good space, but in the rong places, if you know what I mean.
Don't take my advice that much, I am just an avid chicken researcher.

 

[nayeli]

Wow, I just want to say your super lucky to have picked that up free!

 

[jackcooper]

Nice hutch great for free

 

[Irishhenman]

I would change the roost to a piece of 2x2 with the corners rounded offor even better a branch with a similar diameter, they prefer something they can hold on too and contrary to common belief on this site they still cover up their toes on these roosts. I have seen hens with very bad injuries to the back of their legs because of 2x4 or 4x1 roosts.

 

[CrazyChickGirl]

What kinds of injuries? Can you elaborate on that?

 

[CrazyChickGirl]

I would change the roost to a piece of 2x2 with the corners rounded offor even better a branch with a similar diameter, they prefer something they can hold on too and contrary to common belief on this site they still cover up their toes on these roosts. I have seen hens with very bad injuries to the back of their legs because of 2x4 or 4x1 roosts.

What kinds of injuries? Can you elaborate on that?

 

[CrazyChickGirl]

The hutch is a neat idea! I think it would be great for two.

 

[AmericanMom]

A neighbor was throwing out a fairly new rabbit hutch and thought it may work for a 2 chicken coop.

My thought was to create two divided nesting boxes in the right side enclosed area.

Replace wire floor with solid wood.

Replace wire front with a drop down door.

I am going to try and let them free range, and see how that goes, if it doesn't work out, I'd build a enclosed run in the front of the coop.

Advice? Is this tall enough for chickens? Big enough for two?

I found one on Craigslist several years ago almost exactly like this, although it was way to small for our flock and our rabbits quickly outgrew it, I use it for my broody hutch, Momma has plenty of room and once the chicks hatch I leave them all enclosed for a week so they can get their feet and they gets used to her and her them...... Great Find!!!!