Online Chicken Coop- Looks ok?

[black_cat]

I've been shopping for a coop online because I'm worried that if I made one myself I'd mess something up for my chickens. I'm also in an area where stuff isn't that cheap, and it probably wouldn't be as cost efficient as it would be for others.

I've found this coop for about $500, and it seems to fit my needs: it's 6 feet long and five feet wide, and it's about 4 feet tall. I know that that's not many chickens worth of space, but I'm not planning on a large flock. There are nesting boxes on the other side that you can't see in this picture.
Does this seem like an ok purchase? Or should I still try to make a larger one myself, so I have room for more chickens later? I'm worried that if I make one, I won't get things right like ventilation, insolation, and roosting space. I"m planning on starting with 3 chickens (possibly bantams), so there wouldn't really be much room to expand my flock, unless I got the bantams. What are your guys's thoughts on it?

 

[RobertaD1]

Most coops such as this seem to be made with... less than desirable materials, and probably will only last you a couple seasons. In the end, you will replace it. There are many ways to put together a nice coop. Look through the coop section of the forums. Many are built with recycled materials, and they tell you... very specifically about ventilation needs, predator protection, etc.....
I personally wouldn't sink $500 into a coup that wont last.... not when I could put one together thats bigger and better for that amount.
A common thing that is VERY true.... Chicken math is real.... you WILL get more eventually! Put that money into one coop that will last. Coops are for MANY people, their first try at building. Take a look..... its amazing what some have done with a stack of pallets.... and some hardware cloth!

 

[black_cat]

Thanks for the advice! After taking a look at some VERY intimidating coop plans, I've decided to ask a friend that built his own about what he did. Are there any established threads about where to get free pallets etc? I'm still kind of intimidated by building my own coop, but I still have a while before I'd actually be able to get chickens, so I have time to make a decision.

 

[RobertaD1]

Check around some of the businesses in your area. Lots of people just give them away. I teach and get them from my school! Any place that gets large shipments of things will have them. Drive around to the back of their buildings. If they have them stacked, they may give them away. You dont have to use pallets... plywood and 2x4s work too.

 

[black_cat]

Most coops such as this seem to be made with... less than desirable materials, and probably will only last you a couple seasons. In the end, you will replace it. There are many ways to put together a nice coop. Look through the coop section of the forums. Many are built with recycled materials, and they tell you... very specifically about ventilation needs, predator protection, etc.....
I personally wouldn't sink $500 into a coup that wont last.... not when I could put one together thats bigger and better for that amount.
A common thing that is VERY true.... Chicken math is real.... you WILL get more eventually! Put that money into one coop that will last. Coops are for MANY people, their first try at building. Take a look..... its amazing what some have done with a stack of pallets.... and some hardware cloth!

Just remembered these: sorry to bombard you with questions, but what are your thoughts on these types of kits?

Some of them come with the wood needed, and some just with instructions I think. The ones without wood seem to come with just connectors? Are these worth getting?

 

[RobertaD1]

Are there anymore details? A link or something.... I mean... it looks ok here, but any picture can look good. Here... it looks small, but it could be rather large.

 

[RobertaD1]

Just remembered these: sorry to bombard you with questions, but what are your thoughts on these types of kits?
View attachment 2153540
Some of them come with the wood needed, and some just with instructions I think. The ones without wood seem to come with just connectors? Are these worth getting?

Are there anymore details? A link or something.... I mean... it looks ok here, but any picture can look good. Here... it looks small, but it could be rather large.

 

[black_cat]

Here's the link that it came from: https://www.houzz.com/products/8x10-chicken-poultry-coop-and-run-kit-prvw-vr~141187479
I think that they come in different sizes, but the one I pictured is supposed to be 8'x6', and about 6 feet tall.

 

[RobertaD1]

To me it looks like you are paying $150 for the fasteners. Depending on the number of birds you have, it might be ok.... but to get the wood, Hardware cloth, and roofing.... you might as well go with a set of plans. Those are everywhere on here and the internet. It could work.... but you could do the joining part a lot cheaper. How many birds?

 

[RobertaD1]

I just saw your post that said 3 birds.... Its certainly big enough
But the plans dont include anything about ventilation... roost and nesting box you could easily figure out. Also remember you would need some way to access the coop for clean out.