Pros, Cons, Waste of Time?

[mowin]

Pallets are usually free or cheap. I'd look into that route if your handy.

 

[3KillerBs]

I think it's unlikey that you'll find playhouses that are any more sturdily built than the "dollhouse" prefab coops. They're meant for young children to use for a summer or two before they outgrow them or lose interest in them.

How about a hoop coop?

Here are some good ones:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/hoop-tractor.69336/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/hoop-coop-brooder-with-roll-up-sides.75720/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-biddie-bordello-a-hoop-coop-run-combo.72189/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/permanent-hoop-coop-guide.47818/

 

[aart]

What about a kids wooden playhouse? You can find 4'L x 4'W x 4'ish Tall

Awfully small.

 

[Jaime918]

well they are almost the same size as a playhouse maybe a little smaller but i would just make a large run or if you free range even better!

I will absolutely keep this in mind if I run across one! Thank you.

 

[Jaime918]

Well- here's the way I look at it. Remember, you'll be cleaning it, refilling food and water etc., not to mention (eventually, we all do) having to be able to go in after an ailing or injured hin ... so to me- having anything other than something that you can easily walk into to complete the daily chores - depending on your age and physical flexibility - might be a consideration.

I made my roost tables about hip height so I could easily reach/clean the poop boards without contorting my body. The roost tables keep the floor bedding reasonably clean so the big job of clearing out the floor and changing that bedding is a every 3 months or so kind of deal.

So if you've got the know how, I strongly recommend doing an 8x8x8 shed. My own personal preferences include covering the plywood floor with horse stall mats which makes them easy to clean and really rather moisture proof.

edited to add:

Whatever you decide to do, have good roof overhang/eaves - that will shade your walls and also shield them from any moisture - we did 1.5ft off the sides and (because it's a "people sized" building"), 3ft out over the front by the door and 2ft over the back.

I completely understand where your coming from. I'm 33 so hoping I can easily keep up for years to come. Lol. Things and buildings will change as I go and learn what works best for me and I already know I'm going to drive my hubby nuts. Shading walls is definitely a must, moisture not so much a problem here in SW Nevada.

 

[Jaime918]

Awfully small.

If feasible,the plan is to attach 2-3.

 

[aart]

If feasible,the plan is to attach 2-3.

Attach 2-3 what...playhouses together .... or added feet?

 

[Silexian]

Since most play sets have a basic A-frame design where the swings hang. Maybe just build that type of coop.

 

[Jaime918]

Attach 2-3 what...playhouses together .... or added feet?

Guess I should've clarified better. Attaching the playhouses, not feet.

Since most play sets have a basic A-frame design where the swings hang. Maybe just build that type of coop.

Oooh, I never thought about that! A-frames have the most basic structure.

I think it's unlikey that you'll find playhouses that are any more sturdily built than the "dollhouse" prefab coops. They're meant for young children to use for a summer or two before they outgrow them or lose interest in them.

How about a hoop coop?

Here are some good ones:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/hoop-tractor.69336/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/hoop-coop-brooder-with-roll-up-sides.75720/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-biddie-bordello-a-hoop-coop-run-combo.72189/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/permanent-hoop-coop-guide.47818/

I will absolutely look into the hoop coops. I have so many different ideas rattling around. Hubby's only stipulation is everything has to look okay. lol. I've found some that are of better quality with a nice hardwood and those were more or less what I was thinking, but with so many awesome ideas who knows which route i'll go.

 

[Jaime918]

Pallets are usually free or cheap. I'd look into that route if your handy.

Oooh, so true. Thank you!