Question about my first coop purchase please

[Alaskan]

Raccoons are pretty strong, I think they can get into most of the cute pre-fab coops.

There might be a local coop builder where you are, or a handyman/shed builder if you want to hire out the work.

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

TBH.... I wouldn't have start with chicken keeping had it not been the chicken pen that is already there that came with the house. It was more like a, "Hey, I've got a chicken coop already so why not just get a few chickens". With that said, it's pretty fun keeping chickens, I suppose. It's not too much work but damn, I never knew chickens ate as much as pigs...... killing me! My pockets are empty, my heart's gone cold, I am but a broken man in debt to my chickens........ it's possible that I did them wrong in my past life for me to owe them soo much in this one.

 

[Alaskan]

TBH.... I wouldn't have start with chicken keeping had it not been the chicken pen that is already there that came with the house. It was more like a, "Hey, I've got a chicken coop already so why not just get a few chickens". With that said, it's pretty fun keeping chickens, I suppose. It's not too much work but damn, I never knew chickens ate as much as pigs...... killing me! My pockets are empty, my heart's gone cold, I am but a broken man in debt to my chickens........ it's possible that I did them wrong in my past life for me to owe them soo much in this one.

Usually a few chickens do not eat much.

I would look carefully at the feed and feeder.

1.rodents or sparrows could be eating all of your feed

2. The feed is spilling out into the floor and into the bedding.

Then again... if you have 20 or more... yeah... then the feed bills start to mount

 

[wleigh1021]

Smaller coops that are well made will make a good brooder or "honeymoon suite" if you end up deciding to breed your own. Most of us will say there's a high chance of you getting addicted like we are and wanting a bigger coop. I honestly wish I had gone that way originally and my neighbor would say the same. Especially if you want them as pets and for eggs because you will need to add to your flock every year after year 2 to continuously get enough eggs for your family and if they are pets you probably won't be getting rid of your older flock members.

 

[starri33]

We bought one of those Tractor Supply pre-mades, there is no way that it would stand up to a predator.. and I think when they list how many chickens would fit in this thing, I think they were picturing chicks, the one we got said 6 chickens, I could not see more than two being semi-comfortable and you'd have to let them free range. We bought it, never used it, but I've kept it to use as a grow out? the look but don't touch stage of introducing new chicks. it's now sitting inside my run next to the coop, You can look around see who has spare lumber around you, look for sheds, heck maybe even buy a shed and then fix it to work for what you need.

 

[Jim Wellman]

I highly recommend building your own. It will last forever and is satisfying to say you built it. You can save lots of $$$ on it and kids love chickens. I've only heard horror stories about store bought coops. A coop you build will be built to last and will suit the need of you and your birds. After a few additions to my coop, I can leave for over a week knowing my birds are safe from predators and have enough food and water to last about 2 weeks.
I installed cameras in my run and my coop so I can watch them whenever and from wherever: Foscam Security Camera
I also installed a light and fan (hot nights in FL) connected to Wi-Fi plugs, so I can turn them on from anywhere. I can also set timers on these plugs so they turn on and off at specified times. Here are the plugs: Gosund WiFi Plugs
My run door is automatic and is set to open 30 minutes before sunrise and it closes 30 minutes after sunset. I used this one: ChickenGuard Extreme
My run is completely covered with 1/2" hardware cloth, so predators are not a concern although there are lots around: barred owls, foxes, raccoons, opossums, snakes...

Building your own coop gives you piece of mind knowing it's built to last and that it meets the shelter, safety, food, and water needs of your birds.

Here's my design and build video that may help to give you ideas. I also put together other videos showing things like building my feeder and my waterer:

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

^^ Damn, buddy...... great job. But if I was to build it, since I've already committed the time, money and everything, I would have gone BIGGER! Not to say your coop is too small or anything, I just think if one was to spend time on a build already, mind as well go big or go home, as they say.

 

[Cindy in PA]

A coop will definitely last a long time if you build it right. My husband built me an 8 by 8 coop 26 years ago when I got chickens & it is still in use today. The T-111 siding has been stained twice & the shingles have been replaced once. We have put plywood floor in twice, but that is minor. We do have to stain again this year & maybe replace some of the front siding, but it has been solid and seen many chickens over the years!