Should I build my first Coop?

[SaltLakeChickenMama]

HI! Chicken Newbie here! I am getting 4 chicks in a couple weeks and need to start planning my coop. I am overwhelmed by all the beautiful coops on this site and while I have dreams of building my own, I want to be as cost efficient while being kind to my chickens until I know that this is something I can do. I don’t want to spend $500 or more on a coop if I’m not cut out for this job of raising a flock…

 

[KyCoop]

Yes, Yes you should. If your getting chicks in a couple of weeks you should start building now. They grow very , very fast. As far as cost goes, Ive seen some very nice pallet coops and other ones with salvaged materials. Have faith in yourself. If you really want to be a chicken Mama you CAN do it and you will love it. Its not always easy or fun or the cleanest hobby ever but its worth it when you see that first egg in the box.

 

[aart]

I have dreams of building my own, I want to be as cost efficient while being kind to my chickens until I know that this is something I can do.

If you have building knowledge and skills, building is the way to go.
If you're not sure you'll want to carry on with chickening, build it like a garden shed to give it a future use.

 

[Boppo]

Welcome to BYC, Salt Lake ChickenMama! This is such a friendly and supportive community. I am sure you will find the help you need, and friends besides. Welcome

from Eastern Massachusetts! Best wishes with your coop building and your new chickens! You will do great and have a ton of fun. Take pictures to share! We all want to know.

 

[AGeese]

Coop kits are too expensive for what you get even though you can easily sink $500 doing it yourself if you buy all new wood. I spent too much buying wood when prices were climbing. My recommendation is to look for scraps to save some dollars. Your chickens won't know the difference.

 

[Flockincrazy]

Yes start now they grow up fast
And everyone is capable of being a great chicken mom as long as they are fed, watered and have shelter you're good to go and as far as building cheep I upcycled pallets and plywood for mine it cost nothing but my time you got this

 

[3KillerBs]

If you have building knowledge and skills, building is the way to go.
If you're not sure you'll want to carry on with chickening, build it like a garden shed to give it a future use.

This!

Consider a hoop coop too -- they are fast to build and your babies will grow faster than you can imagine:

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/

 

[Krugerrand]

This!

Consider a hoop coop too -- they are fast to build and your babies will grow faster than you can imagine:

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 agree 100% with a hoop coop, if it fit can work for you. It can be repurposed to a green house / garden trellis / etc if you end up giving up on the chicken experiment. Or, it can be a secondary coop/run if you expand the experiment. They are pretty cost efficient and not overly difficult to build, too.

 

[Poodlemum]

There’s quite a few coops being offered up in the Utah chicken group! Definitely look into local options. I love the hoop coop run we put into the front of the metal shed coop
https://www.facebook.com/groups/674332195979072/?ref=share

 

[SaltLakeChickenMama]

This!

Consider a hoop coop too -- they are fast to build and your babies will grow faster than you can imagine:

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/

Those are super cool!