Opinions on Formex Snap-Lock Large Coop

[3riverschick]

Look for used sheds on Craigslist.
Those above are really expensive and the tool shed is too narrow and high.
Have you thought of converting a huge wooden shipping crate? Or one of those Step 2 kids plastic play houses? Or do you need this ready made because of the constraints?
How many birds do you have and where do you live? If the birds will be confined inside for lengthy time due to foul weather,and they are large fowl, you need 4 sq. Ft per adult bird inside and 10 sq. Ft. Per bird outside. Half all these numbers for bantam Poultry.
Best,
Karen

 

[DraftXJumper]

Ugh, I keep looking on CL and there is nothing around here. We just found a better shed (7'x7') that looks like it'll work really well! My husband said we can add an additional window to it if I'd like. I think it'll work out well. I will post pics once we get it set up over the weekend!

 

[tigger19687]

Home Depot has a 7x7 rubbermade shed for like $550 around here. I too am lookin on CL for a used one (because you know that once you buy it there will be one on CL, lol)
I don't wany to get one smaller as this will hold hen supplies too.
The one I am looking at does not have windows but that is an easy fix. Shoot, I have to make a chicken door too so why not !

I have one that is 4x6 and it has lasted for about 4 years, even through a bunch of blizzards and 9 fet of snow in 6 week. Yes I shoveled off the top, but it is solid and that is why I ONLY want the Rubbermade ones. They are thicker then the other Keter or us leisure ones I have seen.

My shed will be going in the shade (starting at about 10:30am till dark) so the heat will be less of an issue.

 

[DraftXJumper]

I'm concerned that the 7'x7' shed is just going to be too big. Not for the girls, but an eyesore for the neighborhood. I want the girls to have enough room, but the 4'x6' coop is more attractive and compact. It would give the girls a bit more than 4 sq ft each. Will the girls not want to go outside at all in the winter? Decisions are hard!

 

[Kiki]

Bigger is always better...you can figure out a way to hide it some from neighbors....maybe a tree?

 

[aart]

I'm concerned that the 7'x7' shed is just going to be too big. Not for the girls, but an eyesore for the neighborhood. I want the girls to have enough room, but the 4'x6' coop is more attractive and compact. It would give the girls a bit more than 4 sq ft each. Will the girls not want to go outside at all in the winter? Decisions are hard!

Are there code rules/limits to poultry and it's housing in your neighborhood?
Is your yard really small?
Dimensions and pics would help.
Might want to tape or rope off the area where the coop will go to get a feel for it's size.
A larger coop is going to make everything much easier for you and the birds come winter.
If you're more concerned about form over function, or really don't have the space to give them the space they need, then you may need to rethinking keeping chickens.

 

[tigger19687]

I would rather have bigger because in the Winter you just never know if they can go out or not here.
My yard in back is about 25 deep (house to back fence) by 40 feet (?, driveway to dividing fence) But there is a Koi pond in there too, My chicks are in a 14 x 25 fenced in area in back, coop inside that area. I also have a front yard I can put them in from time to time.

So for me the 7x7 works better, area, Winter happy chickens.

AART is probably right that if you do not have the proper area, your chickies will not be happy or healthy

Ok I can't log in with my phone, takes way too long. I will post pics later

 

[DraftXJumper]

I don't think we need to be so quick to judge someone as unable to properly care for chickens just because they ask some questions. The 4x6 coop would give my girls more than the recommended 4 sq ft/bird. The 7x7 would give them 10 sq ft each, which just seemed a little excessive. I can see your points in the larger shed making it much easier to take care of the birds in the winter, however. I have several animals, most of them senior with high-maintenance needs that I take the time and money to properly address, as well as an bachelors degree in Animal Science. I always do my research to make sure my animals are given the best care and best life possible. However, there will always be varying opinions on what exactly the "best life possible" is. Thank you for your opinions, they have been helpful.

 

[tigger19687]

Just want to be clear.... I NEVER said that you could not CARE for the chickens. Just that they would not be as happy and healthy in a small area. I don't think AART said that either.
Also, an 'eye-sore' depends on who you ask. I don't know if you are in the city city or suburban area but if you have a True looking Shed, it will look 'normal' to passers by. If you have something that Looks like a coop, some people might this it is an eye sore.
I have a fence that you can't see in for my back yard.

You have Winter almost like I do here in Mass. If you are concerned about too much space, then do what I plan, make 1/2 the coop, 1/2 storage for coop stuff I doubt they will go out in the snow, and when it is too cold I didn't let mine out before. I would rather have extra space then just enough

 

[DraftXJumper]

We're in a very typical WI small town, so there are farm fields and woods all over. You're right, what an eye-sore is depends on the person. My husband leans toward the shed looking more attractive. We will likely go with that option, but I just like to do as much research as I can. Winter is WI is much colder than out east, but we don't usually have as much snow. There are a few weeks where it is too cold to snow. Usually that confuses the heck out of people from warmer areas, but yes, it gets too cold to snow! Extra space is better. Especially if I "accidentally" get one or two more chickens than is "technically" allowed