Opinions on Formex Snap-Lock Large Coop

[Ol Grey Mare]

Manufacturers use industrial space guidelines barrely above that alloted to birds in a battery cage (sometimes as little as 2 Sq ft per bird in coop and run comnined!) It really stinks because so many people are mislead and the birds pay the price in overcrowded housing.
I would modify what you have (there have been some good poats here arbout ways to do that) to get you through and save the money they want for this to use for building a good coop as soon as you/your hubby are able

 

[DraftXJumper]

It's a shame the manufacturers don't tell the whole truth about what will actually fit in their coops. Sorry you are having to deal with this.
Could you possibly return the coop?

I contacted the place I purchased it, so we'll see what they say. I won't hold my breath. We had talked yesterday about converting a small shed. I think that may be the way to go, as we don't really have to worry about nesting boxes immediately, so we'd have time to configure it. If they're living in a work-in-progress, they'd be fine, I assume, so long as it's locked up tightly once they move in.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

I contacted the place I purchased it, so we'll see what they say. I won't hold my breath. We had talked yesterday about converting a small shed. I think that may be the way to go, as we don't really have to worry about nesting boxes immediately, so we'd have time to configure it. If they're living in a work-in-progress, they'd be fine, I assume, so long as it's locked up tightly once they move in.

Absolutely. ....I've built around birds more than once. As long as it is secure and you can move them outside safely at times you need to work in ways that would be to distressing (noise) or need to have doors open, etc and don't want to try to work around them/have their *help* is no biggy.

 

[BYC910]

This time of year if your run is secure and there is a place to put in roosts then you can put them in it now and use a tarp for a cover . Just fasten it good . Four ft. per chicken in your area is what you need in a coop so they can move around when they can't go out . You have fifteen weeks till the first egg maybe more but not much . It has a way of passing fast . Be sure that your roost are big enough so the chickens can cover their feet and keep them warm . in your area it's best to use a full 2x4 .Best of luck in your chicken adventure

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

This time of year if your run is secure and there is a place to put in roosts then you can put them in it now and use a tarp for a cover . Just fasten it good . Four ft. per chicken in your area is what you need in a coop so they can move around when they can't go out . You have fifteen weeks till the first egg maybe more but not much . It has a way of passing fast . Be sure that your roost are big enough so the chickens can cover their feet and keep them warm . in your area it's best to use a full 2x4 .Best of luck in your chicken adventure

Really? I better get busy on my nest boxes 12 weeks old today.....

Gary

 

[DraftXJumper]

Ok, so in thinking about a new home for the girls, how much of a problem is "too big" for winters in WI? I've seen some people on BYC write that too much space means the girls won't be able to keep themselves warm. Is this true? I ask because I'm wondering about letting the girls use our outbuilding. I'd have to convince hubby first though...

 

[BYC910]

Really? I better get busy on my nest boxes 12 weeks old today.....

Gary

No No No DraftXJumper has fifteen you have around eight so why you wasting time here. Them little egg machines is oiling up .

 

[aart]

Ok, so in thinking about a new home for the girls, how much of a problem is "too big" for winters in WI? I've seen some people on BYC write that too much space means the girls won't be able to keep themselves warm. Is this true? I ask because I'm wondering about letting the girls use our outbuilding. I'd have to convince hubby first though...

No, it is not true. Adequate year round ventilation makes the 'holding heat' theory moot.
Here's a pretty good discussion on ventilation:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1048597/ventilated-but-free-of-drafts

4sqft per bird in coop is bare minimum in cold climates where they may spend days on end in coop due to severe cold/wind/snow.

Article in my signature on Space is a very good read.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

No, it is not true. Adequate year round ventilation makes the 'holding heat' theory moot.
Here's a pretty good discussion on ventilation:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1048597/ventilated-but-free-of-drafts

4sqft per bird in coop is bare minimum in cold climates where they may spend days on end in coop due to severe cold/wind/snow.

Article in my signature on Space is a very good read.

X2.....

 

[DraftXJumper]

Anyone have an opinion on this?:
https://madison.craigslist.org/grd/6110930567.html

Or converting this?:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Keter-Factor-4-ft-x-6-ft-Outdoor-Storage-Shed-213139/204330101

I appreciate all of the help you all have been giving me! <3