pics/info of TSC's $399 coop

[alwaystj9]

I was stuck waiting on someone at TSC and took pix of the cheapest coop they had on the lot. This is said to be for 6 birds. The material is pine (not pressure treated), water paint stained, with a powder coated steel frame. It weighs 170# and can be bought assembled at the store or unassembled if shipped. The run size is 76"x36" and the coop itself 41"Lx40"Wx48"H. It has a metal slide out tray and a wood ramp. The latches were oddly designed, mostly 2 step fastenings.
First pic is the end with the nest box and the run under it. Second pic is the inside of the nest box with the ramp laying inside

Third pic is the interior seen through the door
with the nest box lid up. The ramp is on the floor

Fourth pic is the front with the sign & price, fifth pic is the back. I was unable to get a pic of the side where the run is.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

I have the model version before that one (no vent in the top). Right now I have 6 birds in one (5 females and a male), and it's awfully crowded. I really need to move one of the hens out, she's not even supposed to be in there honestly. It holds up surprisingly well, but can be hard to get open if you get a lot of mud or ice.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

People keep buying them so they keep selling them. It’s a shame honestly.

 

[alwaystj9]

I should add that I am not looking at this to buy, I have noticed some posts asking about these. My opinion is that it is way too small for 6 birds unless they are bantams. My experiences with soft pine wood makes me think it will start to rot before it's 2 years old (Louiana, here, everything pretty much rots). I think I would enclose the bottom and put the whole thing on runners or wheels because that run is gonna be hard to keep even slightly clean.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I had a prefab just a bit smaller than that and you’re right, it’s done for after a few years. That was after my husband put all kinds of fancy paint and sealant (or something? I don’t know I just smile and nod. It was meant to protect the wood). And that was in Utah in a relatively dry climate. On the plus side I will say that it’s nice the nesting box isn’t just hanging off the side waiting for gravity to separate it from the rest of the coop.

 

[FrostRanger]

It's overpriced, too small and under ventilated. I'd only buy one used to use as an isolation coop, maternity coop or a grow out pen for chicks

 

[Debbie292d]

It's overpriced, too small and under ventilated. I'd only buy one used to use as an isolation coop, maternity coop or a grow out pen for chicks

Us with 2 huge Amish built coops were actually looking at a different model like this for a growout pen. It would be nearer the house so it would have to be pleasing to the eye, and these are. Hubby already figured he'd have to spend about 1/2 that amount to remodel it to be sturdier, roof over it to withstand 50 mph wind, snow, sleet, etc.

Okay, after all that, he's going to just build one.

 

[Martiver4]

I have it. As a chicken starter 4 years ago it was great for my flock of 5.
Of course I would let them backyard free rage as well on most days.
PROS: for chicks it's great as a broader and then introducing during teenage years to the outside.
Cons: too small for 6 chicks
Also the roosters inside my chickens keep dropping it.

 

[Martiver4]

It's overpriced, too small and under ventilated. I'd only buy one used to use as an isolation coop, maternity coop or a grow out pen for chicks

Same it's great for chicks or to lock down or segregate a certain chicken or pair. Agree with this

 

[SourRoses]

Noooooooooooo