Oooh look what I found! Think this will work?

[skatcatla]

This seems too cheap to be possible:

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=276546-62478-276546&bc=c

Is it just me or does that sound unbelievably cheap for something that big? That would make a sweet little hen house..all I'd have to do is build a nest box and add a chicken door...

 

[PurpleChicken]

Quote:
It's 4x4 externally. That is less than 12 square feet. I haven't seen it
but suspect it's not the best construction. It is cute and would be a quick
solution for 4 or 5 birds assuming you add a run.

You get what you pay for... With that said I prefer Lowes products over
Home Depot.

 

[mlheran]

It is quite cute, but 4'x4' is pretty small for an adult to manuever in -plus you'd always have to duck going in (and while working). If you want something small like that, I'd go with a doghouse (or something similar) that you can open easily from the top or side -and consider raising it to make it easy on yourself.

[edit]
43"H x 18"W kids' door

I don't know about you, but that'd be a heck of squeeze for me!

 

[adeters2]

I do work for Lowes. If it is listed at a price, then they will honor it. It is not available here where I am, but it does look like a nice little Chicken Home. lol
The other sheds are ok too, except a lot are only sold with installation. And can be a bit pricey. But well worth it if you want to sit back and have someone else do the work!

 

[tiffanyh]

I have a 4X4ish coop with a nest box that juts out with 7 chickens in it. That is just over 2sq ft/chicken and mine are very comfortable-it IS smaller than the recommended. Although I must say, they free range most evenings and have a 6x10 run that they spend all day in. They are never shut in except overnight. Ive had them for three years, no feather plucking or illness and they seem quite comfy in the winter. My ceiling is only 3 feet high and yes...it is a PAIN to clean but not undo-able.

I bought a Lowes shed for my goats for $600--PurpleChicken is right, you get what you pay for but it is adequate and better than the Home Depot one in my opinion. I have spent three years fixing up a 300 year old house-still going on it- so I was going for immediate gratification for my pets right now...the faster I can get it up and have my pets happy and comfortable, the better.

 

[LoneCowboy]

It's probably 1/8" panelling. That wouldn't be much protection for the birds, but if it's available where you are, go look at it and see what it's all about.

 

[CarlaRiggs]

What's the thinnest siding one can use in a warm area?
I'm also in Southern California; rarely get down in the 30's here.

If there are a few hens in the coop, and a deep litter method used, wouldn't they be warm enough with an 1/8" siding?

 

[johnnyjack]

i bought mine at lowe

 

[BerdooFarm]

For me four hundred bucks is a lot of money, too much money. If it's not a lot for you, why not try it out?

It's cute as a bugs ear. Dutch door? C'mon! Everyone loves a dutch door! I'd bet you could easily do some modification to it to make it stronger... if need be. .(Chickens aren't that rough and tumble) A wee little brace here and there, a decent roost, and if I might suggest- a slide-out floor. .

 

[BerdooFarm]

Quote:
I think they'd be warm. Think about how thin a tent is and yet still warm.

I think, maybe the concern with thin paneling would be... well, falling apart..., should probably make sure the paint's always protecting the wood from water damage.. or more of a concern- a dog being able to burst through it.. but if the coop is protected from dogs then- um, no problem.