Shed Kit / Build from scratch

[buddymc]

Anyone use either of these. Decent prices and I could use wood / junk from around the house to add roosts, nest boxes, more windows, vents, etc.

Also.. my original idea was to build a coop elevated about 2 - 3 feet off the ground. Any pros / cons between a raised coop and a "shed" coop????

From Lowes and both are big enough for my needs:

www.lowes.com/pd_4694-57658-18120-7_4294816517_4294937087_?productId=3170777&Ns=p_product_price|0&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl_Wood%2BStorage%2BBuildings_4294816517_4294937087_%3FNs%3Dp_product_price|0%26Va%3Dtrue

www.lowes.com/pd_102651-57658-19407-8_4294816517_4294937087_?productId=1000775&Ns=p_product_price|0&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl_Wood%2BStorage%2BBuildings_4294816517_4294937087_%3FNs%3Dp_product_price|0%26Va%3Dtrue

www.lowes.com/pd_4792-57658-18125-2_4294816517_4294937087_?productId=3170783&Ns=p_product_price|0&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl_Wood%2BStorage%2BBuildings_4294816517_4294937087_%3FNs%3Dp_product_price|0%26Va%3Dtrue

 

[NottinghamChicks]

I think that they would be a quick way to get yourself a coop, but they would need many alterations for both light and ventillation. Do lots of research on these subjects becasue it is more important than allot of people think.

You could still have the living space "raised" by building the floor portion up within the shed. I am taking an existing shed that I use for grain storage and yard tools and building the coop within and adding a secure run. I will still be able walk in the coop and not step in any poo, the chickens are up at waist level to me so no bending to clean them out either, and under their floor is both storage and an area for brooding. It always a great idea to have them raised because you double your space and your feet stay clean

This is my existing coop on the same idea but I clean and gather the eggs from the outside instead of being able to walk in. Not the best in inclement weather. Hope this gives you some good ideas.

 

[MamaChic21]

Quote:
I have to say, what a niece looking coop, wow.

 

[MamaChic21]

returning back to the topic;

It all depends on you. Sometimes when I get a kit, I'm able to do it without a problem but sometimes I'm not that lucky depending on what I'm putting together. For an example; I got a mini coop kit and I was able to put it together in no time even with very poor intructions but then I ordered a playhouse for the kids 4x4 and I got the walls and the roof up but a lot of parts are left over lol. If you have carpentry skills and able to put it together, I say go for it and buy a kit. When you want to do it from scratch, you might get carried away ( like me

)
Good luck on what you decide to do.

 

[teach1rusl]

My 2 cents on raised vs. shed. You can see both on my BYC page, as one is my main coop and the other is my bantam coop on the linked page. I put my (original flock) new babies out in their coop at around 3 weeks of age. I'd go out there and sit with them each day, continuing their socialization. It was easy and comfortable. When it's snowy or cold, I can still run out there and do what I need to do from the relative comfort of an indoor space.
My new, raised coop is different. I put my new babies out there at about 3 weeks. To visit with/socialize them, I CRAWL up inside and sit there...lol. It's not comfortable and it's not easy. I've already thought about next winter, and know that whatever I do inside the coop, I'll have to rush, as I don't want to stand there with the access door open, letting the freezing air in

One benifit is the usable space under the coop-gives the birds a place to go that's shady in the summer and covered in rain/snow.
IF I ever end up doing another coop, it'll be a shed-type/walk-in again.

 

[buddymc]

teach1rusl - off subject but I looked at your page. Do you still have a Dane? I've had Danes for years. Currently have a male and a female.

 

[teach1rusl]

Quote:
Yep...my guy is now about 10 mos. old. He's a blue, named Diesel

He's our first. I've wanted a dane for YEARS, but the time was never right for such a large breed. Last summer the time was right. I've joked with DH that he needs a dane buddy, but I just get "the look."

How old are your danes?

 

[wildorchid053]

we have full sized coops that you can walk into and they are 2' off the ground.. i love it.. gives the chicken somewhere to get out of the sun and rain if i am not around. it is always dry for a good dust bath.

 

[buddymc]

teach1rusl - my current Danes are both rescues. Charlie is getting older now, he's 6 - 7. My girl Willow is about 2 years. I also have a rescue Briard.

My first Dane, who got me hooked on the breed was Ceasar, a 4 year old rescue I got from the Atlanta Humane Society. Product of a divorce and no one wanted him. Sweetest most gentle dog I've every had...especially considering he weighed 185 lbs! He's the one that got me "hooked"!!!

Just wished they lived longer.. that's the hard part.

 

[buddymc]

Quote:
Starting to like the idea of a shed style raised so the girls can still go underneath. Thanks for these great responses so far!