To Build or To Buy

[yellowchicks]

Our whole family is very handy, even our teenage son and daughter are proficient with using power tools, doing carpentry, electrical and mechanical work (hubby trained them well building robots). However, to save time and hassle, we almost bought a coop since we didn't know that we could just build our own. After much research, we realized that these retail coops, no matter how adorable, cheap or expensive, they are flimsy, undersized, and not practical. I am glad that we eventually designed and built our own coop, mobilized the whole family to knock it out in 3 weeks over the summer. We re very happy with the result because the whole set up is very low maintenance. One thing is true, the first egg costed us $1,000, after that it's free.

 

[CrazyTalk]

People without the skills should not try and build a coop just because others say you should. How much will one accident with a power saw cost you? Or how much is loosing your first chickens worth, because you overlooked a very basic concept?

If people without the skills never built anything, nobody would have the skills. You have to learn somewhere, and a lot of us don't have the sort of support networks where you can call up Uncle Joey who is a professional carpenter. You can start a completely new-to-you project and still be careful with tools.

I would advise against anyone buying a coop online, or mail order. A huge chunk of the cost there is shipping - chicken coops (and kits thereof) are necessarily large, and it's drastically more expensive (per sheet) to ship a half dozen sheets of plywood then it is to ship a pallet to Lowes.

If you can't or don't want to build, buy a shed, and retrofit it. You'll end up with a bigger, more robust building for around the same cost. If you build it and anchor it properly, you can get a boxed
8x10 galvanized metal shed for $300 at any hardware store, and it'll make a fine chicken house.

 

[RWD]

If people without the skills never built anything, nobody would have the skills. You have to learn somewhere, and a lot of us don't have the sort of support networks where you can call up Uncle Joey who is a professional carpenter. You can start a completely new-to-you project and still be careful with tools.

I would advise against anyone buying a coop online, or mail order. A huge chunk of the cost there is shipping - chicken coops (and kits thereof) are necessarily large, and it's drastically more expensive (per sheet) to ship a half dozen sheets of plywood then it is to ship a pallet to Lowes.

If you can't or don't want to build, buy a shed, and retrofit it. You'll end up with a bigger, more robust building for around the same cost. If you build it and anchor it properly, you can get a boxed
8x10 galvanized metal shed for $300 at any hardware store, and it'll make a fine chicken house.

For the 3rd time - This is what I said "People without the skills should not try and build a coop just because others say you should". If they feel they can do it, then great, but don't be led to try something that you are not confident you can do just because people on this forum say that you should....................Chances are you will invest a lot of time and money and not be happy with the result.

 

[yellowchicks]

For the 3rd time - This is what I said "People without the skills should not try and build a coop just because others say you should". If they feel they can do it, then great, but don't be led to try something that you are not confident you can do just because people on this forum say that you should....................Chances are you will invest a lot of time and money and not be happy with the result.

While I don't think everyone must build their own coop, project-based learning can be very effective in learning new skills. Interest and passion will drive success. The learning curve may be steep, it could be very time consuming, could cost more due to lessons-learned and failures, but with the right mentor and the right tools, it is possible and can the result can be very rewarding.

Do the research, set the coop criteria, assess the site, sketch up your concept, consult experts, refine the design, plan out the steps, set your budget, acquire the materials and tools, layout out the build sequence and schedule, then get to work. All these can be very invaluable skills that are not learned in school. Likewise, one can also go through a similar process by retrofitting an existing structure.

People without the skills can learn the skills if there is a will. No one is born with all the skill sets we need in life; we learn by doing, we get better by trying.

 

[cafarmgirl]

Hi, I'm a new member. I don't have my chickens yet, but I was wondering: Should I build my coop of should I buy it? I am planning on having five Rhode Island Red hens. They wouldn't be able to free range all the time. What's a good size for that? Also, does sand make good coop litter?

All just depends on whether you are comfortable and capable of building a coop. Whatever you decide, build it, or buy it, as big as you can. You will never regret having a big comfy coop lol but you WILL regret a coop that is too small. RIR's in particular can be a bit aggressive to other chickens so give them plenty of space. Minimum standards (4 sf in the coop, 10 sf in the run) are a basic guidline that will usually keep most people out of trouble. I think those standards are far to small for busy critters like chickens and I make my pens a lot larger, my birds also have access to pasture.

I would avoid the pre-fab coops you see on line, as mentioned. They are flimsy, the wood is light weight and cheap and will not last when exposed to weather. However don't rule out all retail stores. I've seen some very nice wood storage sheds, complete with windows and solid floors etc. at Lowe's and Costco among others that would take very little in the way of revamping to turn into a great chicken coop. Installation often is available if you are not up to building a coop or installing a store bought one yourself.

Lots of people use sand in the coop and/or run. In some climates it may tend to be damp and cold in the winter. You could try it and see how you like it. Plain old pine shavings are great in the coop as well. Keeps things warm and dry.

Good luck with your new flock. Maybe post some pic's of your coop when you get set up.

 

[norcalchet]

OP, I feel your pain. In the end, I bought a coop, but built the run. You can read about our experience here.

Best of luck.

 

[KurtG]

I am about 85% done. Still some hardware cloth to attach and painting. I do a lo of projects and this took longer and more materials than expected. I've seen some 'Amish" advertised coops that were not a whole lot more than what I have in this one. I am following online plans that turned out to be incorrect so had to do some improvising.