Thinking of summer coop plans and want opinions

[ncCHICKS]

I found someone who will build a 12x8 building that has 3 windows, 2 doors (side by side so I could get in there to easily clean with supplies, wheel barrel ect) Is 1280 a good price? I think it is, but IDK. They build it on sight and you select shingle color and what siding or wood you want (t111 or cedar.

 

[peeplessinNC]

I saw some ready built storage buildings yesterday about that size and they were $1150, two doors on one end to open wide,couldn't see any windows or if there were doors on the back. So, that price sounds pretty much in line to me. Does the price include a floor also? Is the roof peaked? Ask about including some end peak vents also - the bigger the better. I've read enough here to know that you need very good ventilation in a chicken house!

Teresa (I'm in Burlington, where are you?)

 

[macnugget]

That price is inline for what I've research last year. Just put some extra vents in the top with some good screen to keep out the wasps. You will keep the stink down a lot if you use DE and keeps the other bugs out to.

 

[CTChickenMom]

My hubby is a builder and he said he would get $2000 to build a similar building. Be sure to check the quality of their building materials, his experience, and prices of his competition. You know the saying...you get what you pay for. You may indeed get a quality building or you could get a building that is out of square (which would cause drafts), doors and windows may not shut properly, and the roof may leak. Check references too.

My husband has been doing building and remodeling for nearly 14 years (in CT) and is looking to add coops to his list. He's actually excited about it! So...buyer beware. Cheaper is not always better. Here is the house I'd like...http://www.thefarm.org/charities/i4at/surv/poultry.htm, it houses 15-20 hens.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

Teresa (I'm in Burlington, where are you?)

I was born and raised in Graham, but I live about 150 miles East of there now

(And the OP is in Hope Mills)​

 

[willowcol]

That is a good price for a new one to be built, I would try checking in the bargain trader though. With unemployment so high people are selling things to get money. We got a 16X8 shed for $200.00 out of the bargain trader 3 weeks ago. needed new windows but the price was great. Lucky it was only about 3 miles from us so moving it was easy. Floor jacks to raise it up, put it on blocks, back a car trailer under it lower on trailer. Drive here, jack it back up put blocks under it, drive out the car trailer, done. It took maybe 2 hours total to move it. I was so excited. So I would check there first if I was you. Good luck with the new coop.

 

[SewingDiva]

Quote:
That's a really nice coop, a few people here on BYC who have this type have made the windows casement style and have installed hardware cloth behind the glass so the windows can be safely left open in hot weather.

And CTChickenMom you are so right - there are no bargains in general contracting, people really do get what they pay for. When it come to building it never pays to be penny wise and pound foolish.

Phyllis

 

[CTChickenMom]

I'm going to modify it a bit...I'm going to have the door on the far left and put in a bay window I found. I'll have lots of light. I think I'll put a ramp to the window and have a roost there. In the summer I can have the windows open for good ventilation. I also found a 15 panel door that will let in more light for $20!

The roost inside is right on top of the nest boxes which is really high off the ground. I'll be getting Brahmas and Australorps...they won't be able to get up there. I'm thinking of making a roost by stringing chicken wire with slats attached from the floor to about half way up the wall. I'll keep the underneath area enclosed so as to be able to clean out the poo from outside.