We Need a Larger Coop

[KatyH]

Hi,
I'd love some coop advice. The one we have for our hens will not be large enough when they are fully grown in a few months. The roosting area, not including the one nesting box, is 2x3, or 6 square feet. The run area is only 20 square feet. (We have 4 girls.) It's a tractor style. It's very well built (by an engineer 20 years ago) and is in excellent shape but isn't large enough and the poop is a bear to scoop! We let them roam the yard when we're home but I know they'll be spending more time inside in the winter. (We have pretty mild winters. We're in the Pacific NW.)
It's such a well built coop that I hesitate to get rid of it, but I want them to be as happy as possible. My husband and I are not handy and I don't have $500 to spend on a new coop and run. (I was actually dreaming about the Chicken Saloon's Tavern but will stay away from it based on reviews I read here.) I do have Amazon Prime so could return something if it wasn't good quality but the reviews on most of the coops available are not very favorable and I'd hate to have to repack something like a coop if I did decide to return it.
I have looked at tons of coops on Pinterest, Amazon, Craigslist and manufacturers websites. I love the idea of reusing materials but can't find anything I'd like to or be able to build.
I'd love it if someone had advice or plans on how two non-handy people could affordably build a new home for our girls.
Thanks in advance,
Katy
PS I previously posted this under new member nav. Still getting used to the site.

 

[Judy]

Perhaps you could purchase a shed from Home Depot, Lowe's or whoever you have there, or even build something like it. My roosts are simply four treated 2x4's in the ground a ways like a post, with 2x4's nailed across them, in my case 8' long and 4' long. The people door can be the chicken door as well, so the only thing left would be to cut a hole near the top for ventilation. Lots of people also use ladder roosts, which look like a ladder at a slant.

You really only need minimal carpentry skills to do much if not all of what a chicken needs, and the sales people at these home remodel box stores can help. Another option is to find a local handyman in your area who will do minor jobs for you. You'd be surprised how many people on BYC have taught themselves these basic skills by tackling a coop. Besides, any one who could manage a tractor should be able to handle what is needed!

 

[vehve]

Could you cover up the run and make the whole tractor a coop, and then just build a bigger run for them? Some pictures (you'll be able to post them once you hit 5 forum posts and wait a while) might help someone give you some advice on this. Otherwise, the cheapest way seems to be either a pallet coop or then some good old fashioned dumpster diving to find what you need.

 

[KatyH]

Thanks Judy! I'll look into your suggestions.

 

[KatyH]

Thanks vehve! Thats a good idea. I'll see what I can come up with.