Pre-Fab Vs. Scratch

[JacinLarkwell]

The main value I have in prefab are that I don't have to cut the pieces and that I can keep small amounts of birds separated (pairs to quartets of standards or grpups of cull males).

They are expensive though and do not hold the number of birds they claim

 

[3KillerBs]

I thought it would be cheaper to build my own as well. Ultimately, cost creep will catch up with you (especially if you do it right). I built a tank of a coop and I think I spent about $400 in materials when everything was done. No sense in spending $300-500 on a pre-fab and another $400-500 to replace it the following year.

It's cheaper to build your own than to buy a coop that is the equivalent of what you would have built.

 

[blackdog043]

As long as your handy, you could probably figure out how to build a shed. Here's a link that will guide you through the process, step by step. If you don't want to build a full size shed, these videos will still be very helpful on how to construct a smaller version.

https://www.icreatables.com/sheds/shed-building-videos

 

[Happy hen lover]

I agree get a shed kit or get a used shed the prefab ones claim to hold more birds than they actually can . They are built to look good, take the advice of these guys here we all had to learn the HARD way . You'll be glad you did, check out the links to see the best for your climate. If you want raised or one on ground etc.