Two or three hens this Spring. Need pointers on construction,etc.

[Paula3]

I have found things online that sell design plans (kinda pricey) and kits for coops (pricier). We are a reuse/recycle kind of family and are hoping to piece something together that is cost effective, but also meets the hens needs. We don't really know what kind to get (good starter breed?) and are doing lots of research. Anyone in Florida have tips for coop design dealing with Floridian weather/predators, etc.? THANKS!!!

 

[chickendales]

Quote:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/coopdesigns.html

 

[teach1rusl]

Yeah...the small coops section (linked in p. post) would be a great resource to start. Also, you might inquire in the "Where Am I/Where Are You" section under Florida (to get actual Floridians' opinions). If you're a reuser, you might also look into pallet coops....

 

[simplynewt]

Quote:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/coopdesigns.html

I second that. Spend some time looking at all the coops there and then come up with your own plan.

You would get more satisfaction building it yourself then going out and purchasing something already built.

Do the research and it will pay off for you big time.

Good Luck and God Bless.

 

[Hodawg]

Where in Florida are you, Paula3? I'm up in the Panhandle in Bay County. If you're not too far, perhaps we can get together and I'll show you our coop-in-progress and we can brainstorm some ideas for you.

Beers y'all,
Ken

 

[Hodawg]

Quote:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/coopdesigns.html

I second that. Spend some time looking at all the coops there and then come up with your own plan.

You would get more satisfaction building it yourself then going out and purchasing something already built.

Do the research and it will pay off for you big time.

Good Luck and God Bless.

Double ditto that, simplynewt!

Beers y'all,
Ken

 

[Paula3]

Thanks everyone! Yep, being new to this site, I hadn't seen the coops page when I posted this.... There were alot of great ideas there for sure! I do think building ourselves will be the route we take for sure. I am in the Tampa area actually so I am hoping to connect with people in the immediate area. I just discovered a friend who has built her own coop and gotten a couple hens so I plan to visit her on Monday for all the details! SO EXCITED! I think the Silkies are the breed I may get... anyone have them? How is their egg turnout?

 

[Ridgerunner]

You might look on Craigslist for free or greatly reduced priced sheds or materials. In the Tampa area especially, all you need for a shed to become a coop is real good ventilation, nest boxes, and a roost. It does need to be predator proof.

Just to tease you and show you that you are only limited by your imagination, this thread shows what some of us do for nest boxes. The same thing applies to coops. You can get as fancy or plain as you want. The chickens don't care.

Nesting Boxes
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=41108

 

[Paula3]

Excellent! Thanks!!

 

[cva34]

I usually have really good luck by going to a site where there frameing a new home and have a a pile of cut off .Talk to whoever there and tell them what your doing and 9 out of 10 times they say take it all or what you want.Most pieces are less than 4 ' but you can splice and or whatever. Leave there pile at least as neat as it was or neater always helps too...cva34