square footage for hen house

[ShrekDawg]

Another option you could maybe try is building a pallet coop, most pallets are free and it could be easier. And I've seen some really nice ones on here. I've seen people use entirely pallets but I've also seen people use pallets for the frame then covering with siding or something so it looks better. But it can look great with just pallets too

 

[daxigait]

I'm so confused! Haha! The coop that I posted a link to is made by local people and I did find it on Craigslist. I guess it is so inexpensive because the wood but looking at the close ups on the pictures it looks like a decent width. Anyway. I'm looking at some Ark plans now, although I'm not sure I want to move it around everyday and if I don't move it, I don't know how easy it would be to clean underneath. Is it even possible to make a coop for less than $500 that looks nice and will be the right size (for 3 to 4 birds which is what we plan on) and isn't overly complicated?!

yes check plans on this site. I made the guys chicken mobile for less than that. Chicken tractor idea with a raised coop. He gives his plans. I made mine a bit narrower had Lowes cut the plywood sheeting and it was not that hard. I added vinyl to the floor for easy clean up. I will see if I can find it.

 

[daxigait]

The thread is chicken tractors and mobile chicken coop designs. I built the barn tractor. There are pictures and plans. I would put in no more than three boxes and put them on a side if I did it again. I love that I can clean it and get eggs from the back. I added vinyl flooring so I can take it out the back and toss in new shavings. I put tin on the roof, cut it in half and put a board on the front and midway on the run to give them more covered outside space. I also added big hooks to hand feed and water underneath. I would put an access panel low at the back through my hardware cloth so I could reach in and change those without going in.

 

[littlelune810]

The thread is chicken tractors and mobile chicken coop designs. I built the barn tractor. There are pictures and plans. I would put in no more than three boxes and put them on a side if I did it again. I love that I can clean it and get eggs from the back. I added vinyl flooring so I can take it out the back and toss in new shavings. I put tin on the roof, cut it in half and put a board on the front and midway on the run to give them more covered outside space. I also added big hooks to hand feed and water underneath. I would put an access panel low at the back through my hardware cloth so I could reach in and change those without going in.

Thank you! I also just picked up a few books from the library with chicken coop plans in them. Again we will see what we end up with. Probably an inexpensive small coop or tractor to begin with and then a nicer, large one next spring or summer. Thank you everyone for your help.

 

[henless]

We decided against the kit/prefab. I linked to plans for The Garden Coop above which is what I would really like to build. However we are also onsidering starting smaller and building a Catawba style tractor or similar a-frame tractor, and then going bigger late next spring. As of right now I am gathering building materials. My father has donated quite a bit of wood- 2x4s, plywood and such and we are keeping an eye on Craigslist for free or cheap used materials to build with. Construction of any type will most likely not be started until January so we will see what we end up with. My husband is pretty handy and I've gotten him pretty excited about building our own coop.

Another option for cheaper wood is to ask at Lowes/Home Depot where their scrap pile is. You can pick up some good buys there. Most have very little damage, but the price is reduced.

 

[izziebean]

That's awesome! My town has their recycling center open 6 days a week. They let people drop off 2x4s and plywood and they put it into a big pile. Anyone can go and pick out what they need and it's FREE! You might want to check out your city to see if they have something similar. Also, if there is any new construction.. like housing places... you can always go and dumpster dive for the 2x4s they have tossed out on the weekend. I was able to find some nice trim that way. Just make sure it's in the dumpster.. then it's legal to take and use. These huge housing editions that are going up like wildfire just order the parts in bulk and usually end up with too much. The good part is that there isn't any stinky trash in there since no one is living in the homes yet. They just set up these big dumpsters as they build. When I was out there, several of the new owners who had just moved in nearby were walking by. They donated to the cause lol.

Sounds like you and your family are off to a great start. Keep us updated as the building come along.

 

[jallen062]

We just ordered this coop from the same company that was mentioned.

http://myurbanfarmers.myshopify.com...-pre-sale-ready-to-ship-beginning-of-february

We are getting 6 buff orps in two weeks. I hope this is big enough- it says enough room for 10 hens, but we are good with 6. The chickens will free range during the day when I am home and we will also dig down and add hardware cloth to keep predators out. The coop seems to be good quality and my hubby can reinforce or change if necessary. I will post about how it is if anyone else is considering one....

 

[littlelune810]

We just ordered this coop from the same company that was mentioned.

http://myurbanfarmers.myshopify.com...-pre-sale-ready-to-ship-beginning-of-february

We are getting 6 buff orps in two weeks. I hope this is big enough- it says enough room for 10 hens, but we are good with 6. The chickens will free range during the day when I am home and we will also dig down and add hardware cloth to keep predators out. The coop seems to be good quality and my hubby can reinforce or change if necessary. I will post about how it is if anyone else is considering one....

After seeing a similar coop on display at Wilco, Ibhave to say I agree with other posters... These things are tiny!!

 

[jallen062]

After seeing a similar coop on display at Wilco, Ibhave to say I agree with other posters... These things are tiny!!

Hmmmm.....so we are getting the chickens for pets and for eggs for the household. We are family of 4 and the kids don't eat eggs.... Perhaps 4 buffs will be enough?

 

[daxigait]

Hmmmm.....so we are getting the chickens for pets and for eggs for the household. We are family of 4 and the kids don't eat eggs.... Perhaps 4 buffs will be enough?

buffs very friendly/docile and will lay about ,4 a week.
I have several Lavender Orpingtons and they are easy to handle, but bigger birds.
welcome and good luck