Snap and lock chicken coop

[15WildTurkey]

I started out with one of these. I had 6 hens at the time. They were happy in there, ventilation was actually fine, I kept both vents open all the time. Totally pred proof, I hung their feeder underneath and same, they just roosted in there. Out at dawn. Fast forward, I lost 3 to hawks and neighbors dogs. Got some more (state min of 6) so I was up to 9. That was too many for the house. I ended up getting a second one (foolish waste of $$). This caused all kinds of turf wars of who was allowed where. Fast forward again we built a walk in coop. I sold one snap lock and I use the other one for my 3 ducks.
The large snap lock is good for 6 hens. It has 3 roots bars but if all three are utilized then they poop into the nest boxes. It’s a pain in the a&& to clean. Easier for me now that it’s on the ground for the ducks. I open the roof to clean out. But when my hens were in it I used sand substrate and it was poky and difficult to clean which meant it didn’t get cleaned thoroughly as much as it should. It is not sufficient for the number of hens they advertise. The birds I had were hatchery quality Wyandotte’s and barred rocks. So not massive birds.

 

[briteday]

I think space all depends on where you live. We have four seasons but almost every day year 'round is bright and sunny, even if it snows. My birds only use a coop to sleep and lay eggs. So as long as everyone has a place to roost, they're happy. 18 hours of their days are spent in the pasture or our fenced enclosure with overhead protection, depending on the raptor and coyote season. We also have bears and mountain lions but I have only ever lost chickens to a raccoon or skunk that got into an unlocked coop at night. I would definitely get a self locking door.

I am thinking about the Fortex/ Snap Lock large coop this time around. I like the plastic. We have a very dry climate so ventilation is somewhat important, but not usually a problem here. I've had wood coops and sheds. This time I am interested in something easier to clean and disinfect. The coop will rotate on my raised garden beds so weight is a factor. (my husband built one for us many years ago and it took 4 really strong guys and a couple of 2 x 4s to move it annually) This coop can work in the right place I think.

I understand the 4 sq ft per bird rule. But several people with chickens where I live do not have ANY coop. One neighbor hung an old wooden ladder for perches in a fenced enclosure under a tree. His birds do fine year 'round. He lets his hens brood a few batches every year to replace those lost to predators and those that do not return home after free ranging in the adjacent alfalfa fields.

 

[Katsmeow77]

I think space all depends on where you live. We have four seasons but almost every day year 'round is bright and sunny, even if it snows. My birds only use a coop to sleep and lay eggs. So as long as everyone has a place to roost, they're happy. 18 hours of their days are spent in the pasture or our fenced enclosure with overhead protection, depending on the raptor and coyote season. We also have bears and mountain lions but I have only ever lost chickens to a raccoon or skunk that got into an unlocked coop at night. I would definitely get a self locking door.

I am thinking about the Fortex/ Snap Lock large coop this time around. I like the plastic. We have a very dry climate so ventilation is somewhat important, but not usually a problem here. I've had wood coops and sheds. This time I am interested in something easier to clean and disinfect. The coop will rotate on my raised garden beds so weight is a factor. (my husband built one for us many years ago and it took 4 really strong guys and a couple of 2 x 4s to move it annually) This coop can work in the right place I think.

I understand the 4 sq ft per bird rule. But several people with chickens where I live do not have ANY coop. One neighbor hung an old wooden ladder for perches in a fenced enclosure under a tree. His birds do fine year 'round. He lets his hens brood a few batches every year to replace those lost to predators and those that do not return home after free ranging in the adjacent alfalfa fields.

So far mine do great. They seem to like to be cozied up together. It’s easy to clean and I am liking it. Good luck with yours!!

 

[ATXInstantFlock]

How are y'all doing with the Snap Lock after a few years? I purchased one a bit too soon after worrying that we'd have nowhere to house chickens and I've got 10 living in one in my garage for now, but they are slated to move outside into an open air coop in which the snap lock will just be for inclement weather and/or overnight if I can make it work. I've got a roo that I'm trying to be reasonable about (live on a 1/4 acre lot in basically suburbia).