Uk coop pros and cons

[graciesmum]

I need a new chicken coop, I have looked through loads of designs on here, I have fallen for the hoop design but I'm going to use a poly tunnel, I live in the uk and want people's opinions I the pros and cons of using a poly tunnel as a coo, please please I need opinions

 

[waynem1983]

I think there would be 2 main problems with this.

1. They tend to sweat and heat builds up incredibly quickly, even in our drab summers. Think a mix of greenhouse and cheap nylon tent.

2. Fox proofing. This the only real predator we have here, apart from the odd hawk. A fox will rip through or dig under very quickly, added the amount of ventilation needed to make it breathable would make it even less secure .

using the frame alone could work, but could be complicated and expensive.

I have looked through alot of designs on this site and the trick to remember, alot of them dont have to deal with the extreme changes in weather we get (USA based site).

If its any consolation, im in the same boat as you at the moment, I have just a simple hut and want to build something a little more elaborate, as to what that wkll be, time will tell.

I see loads of old sheds being advertised on facebook that could look very good and require very little modification, then its just a case of tarting them up!

 

[graciesmum]

I have a shed now and I don't like it, I don't have a problem with foxes where I am, also I'm thinking of opening the front and back doors to provide air flow, my girls are never locked up and free range at there own leisure, I have 22 chickens at the moment and the only thing I can find on a budget is the poly tent, I am going to put 2 ft of raised beds around the 3 sides of the tent to draw the moisture out into the beds, I have access to an industrial sewing machine so am going to see in chicken wire to the back instead of having door and just close the door in the winter, also I think if I find it is still to hot, I can add windows to the sides so air will always flow

 

[graciesmum]

my poly tunnel coop is up and my girls absolutely love it, I have placed it under trees to keep it shaded so it isn't to hot