Pawhut Chicken Coop

[JerryR708]

Do you have pics of your mods?

Here is the added extension to the coop with additional panel. I added a solid piece of this panel board to a few sections for shade and wind block. They were screwed in at four corners and can be removed. Added hinge for ramp with better screws. Replaced the 1 inch perch with a 1 3/4 inch perched and raised it up where they like it better. Added a latch to the door without having to line the door up to make it work like the other slide latch.

 

[EsqChick]

I just ordered this coop tonight as my starter for 4 chicks I’m getting tomorrow. Question- is there already an existing spot on the inside of the coop to put the perch higher? Or will I need to macguyver it?

 

[pennyJo1960]

You will have to be handy yes or mcgiver it

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Here is the added extension to the coop with additional panel. I added a solid piece of this panel board to a few sections for shade and wind block. They were screwed in at four corners and can be removed. Added hinge for ramp with better screws. Replaced the 1 inch perch with a 1 3/4 inch perched and raised it up where they like it better. Added a latch to the door without having to line the door up to make it work like the other slide latch.
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Looks good! I didn't see this update in my notifications.
So, would you buy again or just build your own? Looks like you've got skills to diy.

 

[JerryR708]

I just ordered this coop tonight as my starter for 4 chicks I’m getting tomorrow. Question- is there already an existing spot on the inside of the coop to put the perch higher? Or will I need to macguyver it?

The original perch was to small for their large feet. They rely on their body heat to keep their feet warm. I upgraded their perch to a larger one as you can see in the photo. Yes, I had to come up with an idea to raise the perch because they like to roost up high, I just screwed holes from the outside and into the perch. I predrilled first to avoid split wood. Now my chickens get to sit next to the window and look out.

I'm on the fence on buying another one or not and here is why:
*Not predator proof-I only have hawks so this wont affect me.
*Not waterproof-If you get rain, you will have leaks. I live in CA desert, wont affect me.
*After 2 years, you will find that the tiny nails are no longer holding the coop together-no problem for me because I can fix and improve anything.
*The latch will need to be upgraded
*The ramp is fixed to the coop with thin plastic that eventually broke. The run under the coop was hard to reach with ramp in the way. I upgraded the ramp with hinges so that I could hook the ramp up for easy access.
*The run is not quite big enough for 4 chickens especially with a rooster constantly on them with no room to evade him. You will find that additional run panels are needed
and are easily made. I made an addition myself and is adequate at best, but I allow
them to free range.
* If you don't like the cedar orange stain that the coop arrives in (I didn't) You will want to paint it (before assembly).
My chickens had no shade, so I had to apply thin wood panels over the sides and top
of some of the run sections.
* The instructions are minimal, so you will have to rely on pictures.
*I believe that the wood was still damp when they assemble it, because after almost a year, there were small 1/16- 1/8 inch gaps in almost every plank of wood on the roof, sides and bottom of nest boxes. When I painted and assembles it, all the wood looked tight. Here it is 2 years later and now I can see my chickens and play peek-a-boo from outside.

 

[JerryR708]

Looks good! I didn't see this update in my notifications.
So, would you buy again or just build your own? Looks like you've got skills to diy.

ESQCHICK ordered one, so I gave her a review on what to expect. You can check out my review there, Thanks.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Mine is a innovations coops and feathers brand at tsc. It was put together with tiny screws which we added better screws to reinforce. Added eye screws and carabiners as extra lock security. I think they basically white wash the wood with stain or paint and all of these coops need water proofing or painted before actually using. My roof has roofing asphalt on it, so it doesn't leak, but if the rain is slanted just right it can come in through the sides or door areas. My ramp fell off due to the small screws and I had to add bigger ones to keep it in place.
We have no building skills though. Sigh.

 

[JerryR708]

Mine is a innovations coops and feathers brand at tsc. It was put together with tiny screws which we added better screws to reinforce. Added eye screws and carabiners as extra lock security. I think they basically white wash the wood with stain or paint and all of these coops need water proofing or painted before actually using. My roof has roofing asphalt on it, so it doesn't leak, but if the rain is slanted just right it can come in through the sides or door areas. My ramp fell off due to the small screws and I had to add bigger ones to keep it in place.
We have no building skills though. Sigh.

You can see my home made coop in my Article. I built it after I bought the kit because I wanted to see how committed I was to chickens before putting the time and money into that storm/bomb shelter.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Very nice! I bet your flock was like - "so much room!"

 

[JerryR708]

Very nice! I bet your flock was like - "so much room!"

So much room...for all their kids. The original flock stays at Pawhut.