Snaplock coop vs. converting resin shed?

[Circejane]

Greetings! Long-time lurker, now a new member. I've wanted backyard chickens for years, and the hubby is amenable. A friend has some extra Isa Brown pullets from his flock replenishment, and has offered me several. These will be my first chickens, but I know that I will add more later (or sooner!). This chicken opportunity came up rather quickly, so I'm looking to set up chicken housing in a hurry.

I have an excellent, relatively protected spot for a coop and run. We live in northern MI, so prolonged cold weather and snow are an issue. I love the coops from Horizon Structures, etc. but they're cost prohibitive. We're somewhat handy but don't have the time for a coop project--prepping the site and building the run is going to be enough. Hens will have an approx. 4' x 10' run but also free range for part of the day. Run can be expanded later if chicken population demands it. Right now I'm looking at starting out with 2-4 chickens,but as I said, I know that there will be more later. Based on advice from local chicken-raising friends and the good location that I have, I do not plan to heat my coop in winter, except for a heated water bowl if necessary. I can use straw bales against the north wall of the coop for added protection if need be.

After extensive research, my choices have come down to either the large Snaplock Chicken Coop

http://www.snaplockchickencoops.com/big-coop.html


or converting a 4x6 double-walled shed that I found at Menards, adding more ventilation, another window, a pop door and freestanding interior structures for nesting and roosting. Several BYC members have converted this exact shed with good results.

http://www.menards.com/main/p-2314691-c-9485.htm


I'm looking for input, advice, and have a few questions. The shed conversion obviously gives me more space for future birds, but wouldn't the Snaplock setup be warmer and better for our long winters? I'm thinking that the height of the shed will cause some serious heat loss. I do like the option of walking into the coop, but the Snaplock looks cozy and easy to clean and get eggs from. Shed is more cost effective but needs work, Snaplock is spendier ready to go out of the box. Shed would form a northern windbreak for the run, Snaplock (even on a base) less so. Shed has a window (I can put in more), Snaplock does not, but in winter that isn't a bad thing. Is it?

Building a well-planned, larger wooden coop is a possibility in the future, so size constraints are being considered but are not a deal-breaker. I'm looking at getting something safe, sturdy and winter-hardy up quickly. In the fall I plan to install an Ador1 door to whichever coop I use.

Thank you in advance for any input!

 

[Going Quackers]

What is the other Shed(coop) made of?

I have only seen Ads for the other type, personally i am a wood fan, as it breathes.. i would worry plastic would sweat, i am cold here too... then go stupidly hot(a hundred feels excessive after negative for months lol)

All my coops are wood, i like it's more natural breath ability as animals produce a lot of heat themselves. At that price point are their any wooden options available? a shed kit is a reasonable option as they give more bang for the buck as you say they require upgrades but long term are worth the effort especially as chicken math is a reality that strikes many lol

 

[4 the Birds]

Greetings! Long-time lurker, now a new member. I've wanted backyard chickens for years, and the hubby is amenable. A friend has some extra Isa Brown pullets from his flock replenishment, and has offered me several. These will be my first chickens, but I know that I will add more later (or sooner!). This chicken opportunity came up rather quickly, so I'm looking to set up chicken housing in a hurry.

I have an excellent, relatively protected spot for a coop and run. We live in northern MI, so prolonged cold weather and snow are an issue. I love the coops from Horizon Structures, etc. but they're cost prohibitive. We're somewhat handy but don't have the time for a coop project--prepping the site and building the run is going to be enough. Hens will have an approx. 4' x 10' run but also free range for part of the day. Run can be expanded later if chicken population demands it. Right now I'm looking at starting out with 2-4 chickens,but as I said, I know that there will be more later. Based on advice from local chicken-raising friends and the good location that I have, I do not plan to heat my coop in winter, except for a heated water bowl if necessary. I can use straw bales against the north wall of the coop for added protection if need be.

After extensive research, my choices have come down to either the large Snaplock Chicken Coop

http://www.snaplockchickencoops.com/big-coop.html


or converting a 4x6 double-walled shed that I found at Menards, adding more ventilation, another window, a pop door and freestanding interior structures for nesting and roosting. Several BYC members have converted this exact shed with good results.

http://www.menards.com/main/p-2314691-c-9485.htm


I'm looking for input, advice, and have a few questions. The shed conversion obviously gives me more space for future birds, but wouldn't the Snaplock setup be warmer and better for our long winters? I'm thinking that the height of the shed will cause some serious heat loss. I do like the option of walking into the coop, but the Snaplock looks cozy and easy to clean and get eggs from. Shed is more cost effective but needs work, Snaplock is spendier ready to go out of the box. Shed would form a northern windbreak for the run, Snaplock (even on a base) less so. Shed has a window (I can put in more), Snaplock does not, but in winter that isn't a bad thing. Is it?

Building a well-planned, larger wooden coop is a possibility in the future, so size constraints are being considered but are not a deal-breaker. I'm looking at getting something safe, sturdy and winter-hardy up quickly. In the fall I plan to install an Ador1 door to whichever coop I use.

Thank you in advance for any input!

The snaplock would be OK if you want cuteness and plan on having just a couple chickens. Not sure of the cost of the shed but it would be far better with ease of cleaning, access, and more room. It also would be much easier to open up in the warm months by adding some large vents with hinged flaps. It is pretty easy to add straw or a small blulb in the shed if you have concerns about Winter cold in the coop. If you, your DH, or a friend has a full day to spare then you can actually frame in a basic 4x8 or 6x8 coop for under 200 bucks. Many times the Menards sheds are delivered as a kit that you need to put together which may be as much trouble as a self build. I suppose if they deliver the shed pre-built or if they come and put it together then it could be worthwhile; Yet, you will need to modify it with ventilation.

A third option: Self build
A basic frame and slant roof can be built in an afternoon and cost a little over 100 dollars in materials. Very easy to connect posts using metal angles and screws. Add some bead board for the walls, frame in a run and the birds will have a great setup (mine has been expanded over the years as the flock size increased). Good Luck!

 

[Tegan]

I don't have any advice....I just wanted to wave frantically cause I "know" you LOL.

 

[Circejane]

OMG Tegan, hi!!!!!!!! Big hugs! .

 

[Tegan]

Erin is here too! "Wheels" is her username.

 

[Circejane]

ZOMG! Anyone else? This is awesome!

Back to the original post, DH has now taken up the challenge of building a coop, so the shed/Snaplock issue is on hold. 4 The Birds, that's exactly what I'm looking for, although DH is thinking A-frame. Thanks for the pics and info!

As a side note, I had ordered the Snaplock large coop from www.crimsoncarrot.com, and they were AMAZING about canceling my order and immediately sending through a refund. Two thumbs up for Crimson Carrot!