Tractor Supply Co. Chicken Coop Reviews Thoughts Feedback - Why and Why Not ?

[centrarchid]

After literally 15 years of telling people I would update the shanty coop I built as a "temporary" solution, I broke down and got this coop:

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/overez-chicken-coop-medium

It looks like the most solid option of the ones available at TSC.

Recipe for parasite and heat issues. Dark with lots of protected spaces for parasite live cycle closure. Can get real hot during day unless wind from ideal direction. There are lots of trade-offs for any design. It is not just about predators.

 

[Nifty-Chicken]

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...MIjM7Oy8_V6wIVCgCGCh1_cA1mEAQYAiABEgICKfD_BwE

It looked just like this, except it was red.

ya, that's basically the one I expected.

Did all of it fall apart... even the run? Seems like that would at least hold together (somewhat) as long as it's real wood vs particle-board / MDF type stuff.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Bit late to the party, but the idea of using a shed is much better too. Cheaper, bigger and probably safer.

Though there is a coop that I think is new that seems to have possibility. I'll look tomorrow if I see it

 

[Nifty-Chicken]

A screen will not keep any predator out and I’m concerned that there is hardly any ventilation or cross breeze in that coop. I think you’re going to need a saw...

In the install videos they suggest adding welded wire, etc. to the window if you have predators (which I do... stupid coons), so that will be pretty easy / straighforward. That said, IMO they should add that to all the coops by default. I'm definitely going to suggest that. It's a tiny incremental expense, but could save tons of lives and angry customers.

Recipe for parasite and heat issues. Dark with lots of protected spaces for parasite live cycle closure. Can get real hot during day unless wind from ideal direction. There are lots of trade-offs for any design. It is not just about predators.

I totally hear what you're saying. I'm not terribly worried. It's not too much different from the shanty coop I've had for 15 years without parasite / temp / ventilation issues, and it will be easier to clean than my current one.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

ya, that's basically the one I expected.

Did all of it fall apart... even the run? Seems like that would at least hold together (somewhat) as long as it's real wood vs particle-board / MDF type stuff.

I have one almost exactly like that, just a wired window, not glass.

Took about 4 moths before the first part fell off, the window covers fell off over winter, door frames and roof warped and the wire pops off the staples without much force.

But it keeps the birds in and safe so far for me and that ramp can support pretty heavy birds

 

[WthrLady]

If there aren't, I'm pretty skilled with a hole-saw

I've been in that one. It is nice! You will want to and

ya, that's basically the one I expected.

Did all of it fall apart... even the run? Seems like that would at least hold together (somewhat) as long as it's real wood vs particle-board / MDF type stuff.

It's OSB, which you're going to want to seal before adding chickens. The one I was in had hardware cloth over the windows. BUT it DID need plenty of ventilation added to it.

All in all, it's a great start with home modification.

 

[HuffleClaw]

ya, that's basically the one I expected.

Did all of it fall apart... even the run? Seems like that would at least hold together (somewhat) as long as it's real wood vs particle-board / MDF type stuff.

The run was sort of okay.. it was more of the coop thing at the top. The ramp didn’t last at all. I had to get my uncle to build me a replacement ramp a few months in.

 

[TARDIS37379]

Prefab wooden coops are junk for the most part. The first two coops here were prefab and they just fell apart.
I’ve been using plastic sheds and they’ve worked great.
If you can DIY, there are lots of good plans. It will cost more on the front end but you won’t be patching the coop in a year.
You can get a Rubbermaid 7’X7’ coop for about $500 on sale and make a great coop that is easy to clean.

 

[Nifty-Chicken]

You can get a Rubbermaid 7’X7’ coop for about $500 on sale and make a great coop that is easy to clean.

Not a bad idea!

 

[jspeese]

Ya, I've heard the ones from China that get resold by a lot of places (even costco) are junk.

After they infected the world with covid, I wouldn't buy anything made in China if I could help it. Anything made in a communist country is likely to be total crap anyway.