Still just thinking about it-starter coop?

[thistle]

I have a small, suburban yard (w/ few HOA restrictions) & nice neighbors. I'm thinking about adding 3-5 chicks, for fun, eggs, & manure (for the compost heap).

I got interested by reading about the Eglu, but I'm afraid besides being small, it's kind of pricey. I have access to wooden pallets at work, but I'm not very handy. I checked out Craigslist & someone is selling a 8' x 10' Rubbermaid Ultra Max shed-is this something that could be converted to a coop? It has skylights, small windows in the doors, & vented gables. I was thinking about placing it near the compost pile, next to our neighbors' privacy fence, & building a run, w/ PVC framing. Our backyard is fenced, but even though we're in the middle of the city, there are foxes, coons, & other critters, so I'd want it to be safe. Any advice?

 

[Churkenduse]

I hate those eglus? too small for 3-5 chicken In my opinion.

I have 5 in 4x8....
That sounds great as long as you can get enough circulation going because plastic transmits heat but I really think that sounds great.

 

[raindrop]

Sounds like a good size. You may need to add additional ventilation, don't know what your climate is like.
You could check out the chicken tractors too, something along the lines of a Forsham design might work for you too. Search the Coop & Run Design and Construction area for "chicken tractor" or "forsham" and you will see good pics. Then you could have movable compost and weed control!

Welcome to chickens!

 

[thistle]

Thanks all, I am wondering about additional ventilation, VA in the summer is miserable, maybe modify one of the doors to full screen panels? I could let the chicks out to free range during the day, but I wouldn't want them to totally destroy my garden areas.

Still just thinking about options, my daughter asked why I was looking at chicken websites all the time, I told her it was winter, & I was thinking about things...

 

[tiffanyh]

Use a doghouse. You can buy the kits even with shipping for $100 or so. I use a dog kennel for a run but you have to shut them in at night since the chain link can still let weasels through.

You can even find use doghouses free here and there.....

oh-the garden. If they are going to free range al day you might be in trouble...

 

[Churkenduse]

I could let the chicks out to free range during the day, but I wouldn't want them to totally destroy my garden areas.

Unless you watch them well they will destroy everything. They do not know the difference between your prized roses and the chickweed, thay all taste good to them.