The Good Grumble
Chirping
- Jun 30, 2024
- 129
- 212
- 91
Here’s my modifications and input. I ordered this coop because I planned on having someone build for me, but they ended up not being able. My criteria was a walk in coop for cleaning and I have 9 chickens. If you aren’t free ranging or have a small run this isn’t the coop for you. The company states that it can hold 15 chickens. This is not the case and 9 is fine. But that’s my conditions.
Pros and cons:
Pros.
1. It is easy to put together. Including roof
2. Great rugged hardware and construction for the most part (see cons)
3. The windows are adorable and easy to use!
4. Customer service was great!
Cons
1. You have to modify to make predator proof.
2. You have to modify for litter
3. Venting is insufficient for even 2 birds
4. The locks are impossible- absolutely terrible. The keys hate to go in the holes. Hubs has lubricated all of them but they require two Hail Marys, burning incense and pounding on with a rock to release the chickens. All additional prayers welcome.
Mods I made
1. I took apart the nest box assembly so I could add an additional 3” to the base for litter. 2 x 4 PT & 2 x 4 spruce. There was nothing.without adding that and I use large flake dust free pine for my coop. I’m short but it was a great help to height too!
2. Bottom of coop I added 1/4” hardware cloth and battens. The floor was 3/8” and I know rodents so this wasn’t great. We added an additional 1/4” plywood and used Cabot correct deck which is a slip proof surface and super washable.
3. I also added continuous stainless steel flashing under the nest boxes which are exposed at the bottom.
4. Hardware cloth over the windows
5. Additional vents
6. I’m adding locking bolts because the hardware on man door, coop door and nest boxes have set screws and due to how problematic they are to lock and unlock they need additional security.
Aesthetic
1. I hated the red (my issue I’m an interior designer)
2. I wanted a washable surface next to roosts, because poop happens. Vinyl wallpaper for the win.
3. I also wanted a painted interior that was washable because poop happens.
I have a native garden that will be planted around the coop with some fun chicken friendly plants, some that they will eat and other they will leave be.
So that is all - ideally I wouldn’t go this route again, I’d buy a shed and modify. Going into it I didn’t expect I would have to do what I did to make safe for my girls. But it’s absolutely fine. My only regret is I wish I had more room to walk in! But I scoop the poopies in the morning easily.
Pros and cons:
Pros.
1. It is easy to put together. Including roof
2. Great rugged hardware and construction for the most part (see cons)
3. The windows are adorable and easy to use!
4. Customer service was great!
Cons
1. You have to modify to make predator proof.
2. You have to modify for litter
3. Venting is insufficient for even 2 birds
4. The locks are impossible- absolutely terrible. The keys hate to go in the holes. Hubs has lubricated all of them but they require two Hail Marys, burning incense and pounding on with a rock to release the chickens. All additional prayers welcome.
Mods I made
1. I took apart the nest box assembly so I could add an additional 3” to the base for litter. 2 x 4 PT & 2 x 4 spruce. There was nothing.without adding that and I use large flake dust free pine for my coop. I’m short but it was a great help to height too!
2. Bottom of coop I added 1/4” hardware cloth and battens. The floor was 3/8” and I know rodents so this wasn’t great. We added an additional 1/4” plywood and used Cabot correct deck which is a slip proof surface and super washable.
3. I also added continuous stainless steel flashing under the nest boxes which are exposed at the bottom.
4. Hardware cloth over the windows
5. Additional vents
6. I’m adding locking bolts because the hardware on man door, coop door and nest boxes have set screws and due to how problematic they are to lock and unlock they need additional security.
Aesthetic
1. I hated the red (my issue I’m an interior designer)
2. I wanted a washable surface next to roosts, because poop happens. Vinyl wallpaper for the win.
3. I also wanted a painted interior that was washable because poop happens.
I have a native garden that will be planted around the coop with some fun chicken friendly plants, some that they will eat and other they will leave be.
So that is all - ideally I wouldn’t go this route again, I’d buy a shed and modify. Going into it I didn’t expect I would have to do what I did to make safe for my girls. But it’s absolutely fine. My only regret is I wish I had more room to walk in! But I scoop the poopies in the morning easily.
