Please comment on this coop design - I may order it

[N. Virginia]

To wildorchid053: Did the person with the coop like this also get the window inserts? Supposedly these things (plexiglass that fit over the windows) are designed to better insulate the cupola/window feature.

Thanks,
N. VA

 

[N. Virginia]

To Superchemicalgirl: Is the 4' per chicken rule applied if the chickens are not locked up?

My neighbors have much less than 4' per chicken and seem to have no problems, except with chicken losses to predators...and I'll try to prevent that with electric fencing and 1/2" x 1/2" wire mesh and a top mesh.

I thought I'd let them roam freely in their coop, under the coop, and in their yard. I see that some people put tarps over the yards, and I could do that also. Plus I have an unlimited supply of old cow hay that could be used to cover snow - I did that before with guinneys and they seemed to like it.

Thanks,
N. VA.

 

[superchemicalgirl]

Well that's what I was asking, about them having plenty of room outside and being able to access it during daylight. They should be locked in at night to prevent predators. The 4 square feet rule is an indoor, cooped up rule in my opinion. I think your winter is one in which they can be outside most of the time so this coop could work for you. That being said, more room indoors is usually better.

I got away with having 31 growing up chickens in an 8x8 coop for quite some time because they were allowed to go outdoors from sun up to sundown where there was plenty of room. I had no issues. In fact, I've since added an 8x12 onto the coop for winter, but they're still outside all waking hours and only sleep in the 8x8. I've now got 33 in there and anticipate they'll use more of their coop in the coming months.

 

[Tommie D]

Quote:
FWIW
I've been doing a lot of research on this. Here on BYC and other sites, quite a few pretty much say the same 4 sq ft. I have also been to many many Universities web sites (spent more hours then I will admit) and they all list it as 2 to 2 1/2 sq ft. per adult bird (inside). So I know it's not quite 4 sq ft per bird but i'm going to build a 4x8 tractor and see how well it works out for a dozen Delawares this spring.

 

[superchemicalgirl]

Usually those birds are debeaked to be in that close of quarters.

I think the 4 square foot rule is the minimum for "humane" treatment of the (indoor) birds.

 

[elmo]

How do you get in there to clean it out? Looks like you'd have to crawl in ...yuck.

 

[patandchickens]

It's "cute" aesthetically but not especially functional. I'd suggest keeping looking.

Pat

 

[4 the Birds]

I'm with Pat on this one. Looks cute but the design does not appeal to me at all. The roof openings don't make sense as far as keeping rain/snow out. You would need to make mods to this house. I also like easy access to all areas. Alot of times you can find a storage shed in the classifieds real cheap that may work good with a few quick mods. This may be a good option if you don't want to build. Nice job on the coup.... uh I mean office!

 

[Lbrad7]

N. Virginia :

Thank you very much for your comments. Should have asked about this size before I got set on having it! Right now I'm in a hurry to get the chickens settled, and I think this will keep them until spring, or until they fight.

If they fight I'll either build onto this coop or get rid of some of the chickens... I don't need all the chickens I now have...several of them are downright nasty and show no sign of coming around...so if they give me any trouble, they can go back to my neighbor's, who have lots of room.

And yes, I could build the right size myself, but right now don't have time or energy. Actually, I started buiding a proper 8' x 12' house and it turned out so well that I told the chickens I am taking it for my office! So my guy is working on the office now instead of a new chicken house.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/69881_chicken_house_from_se.jpg

Cheers,
N. VA

Now you're talking!!! The building you have in this pic would make a GREAT coop for your girls!! I think that other coop looks cool but I think it's way too small for 10 hens. I think they would be fine if you just planned to keep them in it for a few months until a large coop was built, but long term...I wouldn't do it.

If you do buy it and build that large coop next spring, I think the little one would make a fantastic breeding pen....just a thought. Best of luck to you in what ever you decide to do.​

 

[wildeflowers]

I would never buy one of those coops. The person with those pics spams Craigslist horribly all over the country. Since I find that practice unethical, I wonder if he is unethical in other ways, and I wouldn't take any chances on one of those coops because of it.