Pros, Cons, Waste of Time?

[Jaime918]

So after looking for what feels like an eternity for 2 more coops I really like without breaking the bank. I had an idea come to mind and I would love input on the plausibility of it. Looking at coops, they get pretty pricey for anything that isn't paper thin wood, or absolutely tiny. I've looked at the idea of sheds and other oddball items but then it came to me. What about a kids wooden playhouse? You can find 4'L x 4'W x 4'ish Tall for $200-$250. I could combine 2, I could use some of the precut windows and other areas for a door, add on for nesting boxes, ventilation and just close off anything extra. That seems like a good way to expand the way I want to without breaking the bank. Is this plausible, sensible, not worth the effort? Any insight is appreciated if you've read this far through my rambling.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Ive heard of people doing that. Personally i dont have the patience or know-how to do so

 

[Texasclucker]

So after looking for what feels like an eternity for 2 more coops I really like without breaking the bank. I had an idea come to mind and I would love input on the plausibility of it. Looking at coops, they get pretty pricey for anything that isn't paper thin wood, or absolutely tiny. I've looked at the idea of sheds and other oddball items but then it came to me. What about a kids wooden playhouse? You can find 4'L x 4'W x 4'ish Tall for $200-$250. I could combine 2, I could use some of the precut windows and other areas for a door, add on for nesting boxes, ventilation and just close off anything extra. That seems like a good way to expand the way I want to without breaking the bank. Is this plausible, sensible, not worth the effort? Any insight is appreciated if you've read this far through my rambling.

this may sound crazy but 250 gallon totes could have a hole cut in them and a door put on as well i have seen some relatively cheap some people just want to get rid of them

 

[Texasclucker]

i have seen some for even 50 bucks

 

[Jaime918]

Ive heard of people doing that. Personally i dont have the patience or know-how to do so

We've got the know how, patience is another story. Haha.

 

[Jaime918]

this may sound crazy but 250 gallon totes could have a hole cut in them and a door put on as well i have seen some relatively cheap some people just want to get rid of them

Totes do not seem to be super common here. Most people tend to hang on to them, but I never thought of that as an option.

 

[Texasclucker]

Totes do not seem to be super common here. Most people tend to hang on to them, but I never thought of that as an option.

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!

 

[Texasclucker]

also hoop coops! they are neat as well

 

[Shezadandy]

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.

 

[Smileybans]

My first coop was actually a wooden playhouse that I bought off Craigslist for under 100$. Then I modified it to have nest boxes, a top door and closed the back up. It does work. There is a ramp that goes in the front but in this picture it had been taken off so the coop could be leveled.