Two Australorps?

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To pay that amount...no way. You can build something for less than half that amount. Seriously, If I were you, I would either build something, look for a shed and convert it or search your local ads for someone selling their old coop. Those coops that come in kits, are overpriced (not even worth their price), they are poor quality and too small. If you buy a used shed and convert it, there are so many people here that will guide you in what to do. My sister and I are city girls, no experience with anything other than a hammer! Now we can do almost anything, and we find ways to do things with little or no money.
 
upload_2017-7-13_17-36-12.png

Sorry, I ran across this one and couldn't resist. Based on the title of your thread.:lol:
 
andreanar said:
To pay that amount...no way. You can build something for less than half that amount. Seriously, If I were you, I would either build something, look for a shed and convert it or search your local ads for someone selling their old coop. Those coops that come in kits, are overpriced (not even worth their price), they are poor quality and too small. If you buy a used shed and convert it, there are so many people here that will guide you in what to do. My sister and I are city girls, no experience with anything other than a hammer! Now we can do almost anything, and we find ways to do things with little or no money.
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Thank you so much for the encouraging words, and all of the good advice. I'm so glad I reached out to this community and asked before I purchased anything I would later regret. I've decided not to cut corners, and to get some of my more handy friends together to help build my own coop and run from scratch. I feel a beet nervous about making my own setup having never built anything like this before, but this way I can make something larger and ensure the materials used are high quality, so it will most likely last longer too!
 
Alyssa Bates said:
Thank you so much for the encouraging words, and all of the good advice. I'm so glad I reached out to this community and asked before I purchased anything I would later regret. I've decided not to cut corners, and to get some of my more handy friends together to help build my own coop and run from scratch. I feel a beet nervous about making my own setup having never built anything like this before, but this way I can make something larger and ensure the materials used are high quality, so it will most likely last longer too!
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Go you!!! YOu can do it! Youd be so surprised at what you can do and do it with little money if you just look around. Chickens are addicting.
 
If you are looking for a bird who can tolerate long winters than australorp would be my best pick. Mine does excellent in the cold. They get really hardy. Mine gets hardy in 60 degree weather.
 
Alyssa Bates said:
Shoot, I was concerned about this size as well. They have a larger vesion, and the prices seem comparable to what I would pay for a converted garden shed. Thoughs on this one? Is this overkill for 3 Australorps? Do you think they will stay warm enough during the winter in a coop of this size?
https://www.mypetchicken.com/catalo...Lock-Chicken-Coop-Up-to-8-chickens-p1269.aspx
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I do not think it will be too big for them. I think it will be big enough for 2-3 hens.[ not the 8 they claim ] 4 nesting boxes is overkill so you may be able to re purpose two of them for something and also remove two of the roosts leaving more floor space. One roost should be enough for three hens.

Alyssa Bates said:
Thank you so much for the encouraging words, and all of the good advice. I'm so glad I reached out to this community and asked before I purchased anything I would later regret. I've decided not to cut corners, and to get some of my more handy friends together to help build my own coop and run from scratch. I feel a beet nervous about making my own setup having never built anything like this before, but this way I can make something larger and ensure the materials used are high quality, so it will most likely last longer too!
Click to expand...

This is the best idea for you IMO:D. Its not rocket science just build a shelter that has vents down low to drawn fresh air in and ventilation above the roosts to exhaust the air - creating a passive air flow without excessive draftiness. For winter they really do have their own 'puffy down coats' to stay warm. Give them a 2x4 roost, flat side up so they can cover their feet with their feathers when they sleep and they will be fine. You dont need to insulate. You wont need to add heat. Even in winter, do not strive for 'cozy', give them as much room as you can and they will get along more harmoniously when confined inside by bad weather. Last winter I had four hens in a 4.5ft x 9ft coop. Technically could fit more but this was good imo. What really helps in winter is to cover the sides of your run in plastic to keep the wind out. Best wishes.. Australorps Rock!
I know you were concerned about keeping them warm in winter...if I haven't yet convinced you that's not going to be a big problem, then I have to get @mobius to talk to you...:lol:
 
Ah thanks @biophiliac !! :highfive: For venting and humidity issues read the third thread down in my signature...yes it is long but should prove reassuring...you will only have three hens and they help keep each other warm. Lots of pics in the thread as well about venting. If I had to do it over again, I would not have enclosed eaves but just cover the bottom of the eaves with secured hardware cloth. To help my worries in Montana, I purchased a remote hygrometer/thermometer. No insulation, no heat. The birds are cold hardy being Wyandottes and Barred Rocks. Not a sign of frostbite, and I put castor oil on their combs every couple of weeks. I found that they actually raised heat in the coop and due to venting, lowered humidity.

Post a drawing of your coop design and we can help you further...
 

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