Too much research...lol

[reindeermama]

Okay, I just wanted to keep three chickens in our backyard. I have "over" researched coop design and have become totally confused. I guess sometimes you just ought to do and not over think it. I showed my husband the Urban Belfry Coop, but he looked at me in dismay at the price. Anyone have suggestions on size and plans for a reasonable priced coop. He has suggested keeping bantam Easter eggers and brahmas. He wants eggs too. Any opinions are welcome and appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! You might like to check out the BYC Coops section, a lot of the coops have detailed directions on making them ... you can usually make or have made for you a much nicer coop for the same price as those kits... www.backyardchickens.com/atype/2/Coop_Designs also try your state thread for chicken keeping neighbors and if they know anyone in the area who makes coops etc https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/270925/find-your-states-thread

 

[reindeermama]

Thanks

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

Definitely stop by our coops pages. Some of these coops are not all that costly, easy to build and some even have plans.

Good luck finding a nice coop and welcome to our flock!

 

[Michael OShay]

Welcome to BYC! Kelsie2290 has given you some good links to help you in building your coop. Whatever design you go with, just make sure that it is predator proof. Use hardware cloth instead of chicken wire as there are too many predators that can either tear through or pass through the mesh (even 1") chicken wire. If you are wanting chickens primarily for egg production, I would suggest Black Sex Links (Black Stars). They are hardy, friendly, readily available and inexpensive, and egg laying machines. Good luck in getting your coop built and getting your flock.

 

[Michael OShay]

Welcome to BYC! Kelsie2290 has given you some good links to help you in building your coop. Whatever design you go with, just make sure that it is predator proof. Use hardware cloth instead of chicken wire as there are too many predators that can either tear through or pass through the mesh (even 1") chicken wire. If you are wanting chickens primarily for egg production, I would suggest Black Sex Links (Black Stars). They are hardy, friendly, readily available and inexpensive, and egg laying machines. Good luck in getting your coop built and getting your flock.

P.S. Plus you can sex the Black Sex Link chicks by color. Males are black with a white spot on their heads and females are solid black.

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC - when you settle on a plan for your coop, double the dimensions - these critters are addictive.

 

[reindeermama]

Thanks to all of you. I was a bit overwhelmed but I am grateful for all the great suggestions. I could see getting addicted. My husband really liked the info on the Black Sex link chickens. I will keep you all up to date. Thanks for such a great welcome and wealth of information.

 

[drumstick diva]

Have you checked out your local Craig's list? Lots of people have lucked out and gotten not only a decent coop for a reasonable price(sometimes even free) but some chickens thrown in as well.

Chickening isn't for everyone, and sometimes a whim leads nowhere - the people then want to get rid of everything as soon as possible. You can be there to help them out.

 

[gander007]