Pre-Fab Coops & Kits - Any Recommendations??

RadarORiley

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Hey all! I know a lot of you guys and gals are really ingenious when it comes to designing and building your own chicken coops, but have any of you tried or would recommend any of the pre-fab or coop kits? I've built a small 8 x 4 run with a small 'rabbit hutch' that I put my 8 little chicks in at night, until I can decide what to attempt to build or buy. I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations (in the positive or negative) about a company called CCONLY. They're products do seem to look really nice and are reasonably priced (I think they're manufactured in China). It took me a long time to build my 8 x 4 chicken wire covered enclosure (with door) and I'm not sure I have the time or the stamina to attempt to build anything bigger. I work fulltime, live on a 10 acre acreage and am especially attracted to the 'movable' coops. Once they're big enough, I can't let my girls run free (though I'd sure love to) due to too many kitties and dogs that might take a liking to them. I'd also really like to be able to move them around the yard to give them a change of scenery, as well as do wonders for our lawn. Any ideas or recommendations? Thanks!
 
If you watch the video on the CCOnly website showing how they build their coops it sure doesn't look like their built in China to me but I may be wrong. I would never buy one of these because i build my own but they are much more reasonable priced than some others on the web. Stay away from the Amish web site as they have many negative reviews, I can't remember the site name right now.

I saw one being built on a TV show and was really surprised how small they were especially compared to something I would build. What all these folks say is a coop for 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 chickens just seems to small to me. The CConly coop went together quick on TV and looked real nifty only small.
 
Check craigslist, newspapers, feed stores. etc. and find a local coop builder who can deliver to you. Support the local builder and help him pay for local groceries, dance lessons, mortgage, and chickens. The Chinese will never miss it. Pre Fab coops shipped in knockdown boxes are designed for shipping not for chickens. Never buy a coop from someone who does not raise chickens.
 
You might consider getting one of those prefab wooden sheds from Lowe’s or Home Depot and converting that to a coop. Not sure how handy you are or what tools you have but all you need to make it a coop is a roost, nests, pop door, ventilation, and a window. Some of those may sound intimidating to do, but they are not that hard once you figure out how to do it.

For a roost, all you need is a board or pole running from one side to the other. You can get 2x4 hangers or do something like this, just screwing the short 2x4 support to the wall.
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For nests there are so many options it’s ridiculous. You can get real fancy if you want or keep it as simple as setting a kitty litter pan on the floor with bedding in it.

Pop door and window may seem like they are hard, but they are not. To start either one, cut out the hole and screw 1x3’s or 2x4’s around the edges to give you something solid to attach to, depending in how you are going to do it. Again you have many options of either. For a window you can put in a regular window, maybe off Craigslist, or just frame in a piece of Plexiglas. A pop door can be a piece of plywood, two hinges, and a latch or you can get a lot fancier.

For ventilation you could put a gable vent on each end if you believe in simplicity. If you are up to it, a roof vent works real well too. Or cut holes up high, frame them to strengthen them and give you something to attach to, and cover the opening with hardware cloth. You might need to cover that with a shutter or something to keep rain out.

They are all doable but there is some technique involved. You can get books at your local library that show you how to do these or maybe find a book at Lowe’s or Home Depot if you are too embarrassed to chat with your librarian. My wife has worked in libraries of some sort most of her adult life. Most librarians I know would be glad to help you find the right book. Most.

Good luck!
 

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