What About This As A Quick And Easy Pre-Fabricated Coop Option?

[User48]

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11199000&whse=BC&topnav=&browse=&lang=en-US


I've been trying to figure out a way to quickly and easily assemble reasonably spacious housing for 4 hens. My thought was to start with this and then add to the inside one of the smaller coops like chick'n hutch by Ware or something similar. This seems like an easy way to get something relatively big up quickly and easily. Am I overlooking anything? We already have an enclosed chain link fence surrounding our yard, and the 4 hens we're getting would be free ranging during the day (I work from home).

The Costco site also has smaller options. The one that interests me most is about 350.00, which includes delivery.

Any feedback would be appreciated. Our order from Mybackyardchicken.com arrives the week after next. I've got all the brooding stuff taken care of - it's the long-term plan that I'm obsessing over.

Thanks!
Larua

 

[NJfarmer]

You can use a dog kennel thats what I am using except I built a little hen house with it because it can get cold in NJ. But there looks like there is a small opening at the bottom of the cage you might wanna cover that up with some rocks or logs anything you have laying around in the yard

 

[NJfarmer]

You could also try looking in the Newspaper for a dog kennel that no body wants anymore. You might be able to find a cage thats is cheaper then the one you plan on ordering

 

[CoyoteMagic]

yeah check out the paper, craigslist or freecycle first before investing that kind of money.

I got a 10x10 pen for free off freecycle. Currently, I use a doghouse for their coop but I'm in the process of building a bigger one on the outside of the pen

 

[tiffanyh]

Yeah,, I agree,,,, go to lowes or homedepot, the same thing is under $200. Just through some chicken wire on top and bottom. Alos, predator can get through chain link so you may consider shutting them in at night.....

Enjoy your order.

 

[User48]

Thank you all very much for the feedback! I especially appreciate the heads up on chainlink not being predator-proof. I thought we were pretty well set on the predator front, but now I realize I have some more considering to do. The plan was to lock them up in a small hutch at night, though, so hopefully as long as we're home we'll be OK. Unfortunately, my husband recently developed a fascination with owls and we have 3 owl boxes set up on our property - hadn't considered them to be an issue, and your feedback on the predators brought potential problems with them into view too. Much to consider! Many thanks again.

 

[Katelyn]

I am also going to second the chainlink. If possible get a kennel with the material like the AKC best in Show.

We raise labs, and we were going through a kennel a month with the chain link, untill we bough a $600 for Tractor supply. Its wonderful!

Although you are going to have chickens in it, I would still now waste money one it, especaily if you have cayotes or foxes around. To me its just not worth it, and the others one look better as well.

 

[User48]

untill we bough a $600 for Tractor supply. Its wonderful!

Katelyn,

Thank you for the feedback! Did you buy a regular chicken coop at a tractor supply store or are you meaning that you bought something chainlink that's the equivalent of the AKC version?

I am truthfully really surprised about the chainlink being a problem because we are out in the middle of nowheresville, on 20 acres, and there are so many coyotes that our two labs get into howling contests with them at night. They never come too close, though, probably in part because of our two labs. I normally put the dogs in their chain link kennel at night, but when we get the chickens I may start letting them out at night - there are no concerns about their safety, as the neighbor's dogs (about a mile back) are always out at night & have never had an issue. My husband just pointed otu to me that if the chainlink fence wasn't predator-proof, the coyotes surely would have gotten a hold of our cats by now. We have 5 of them, and the only one that has ever been snatched by a coyote was the one that strayed from our yard at night...

Thanks again for all the great advice everyone!

Laura

 

[Katelyn]

Its was a kennel with welded metle. Best $600 ever spent.

 

[suburbanhomesteader]

My husband just pointed otu to me that if the chainlink fence wasn't predator-proof, the coyotes surely would have gotten a hold of our cats by now. We have 5 of them, and the only one that has ever been snatched by a coyote was the one that strayed from our yard at night...
Laura

Laura-
I would have to respectfully disagree with your husband. Coyotes can easily jump a 5' fence if they want to, and many cities have problems with these fence-jumpers. I have not used the product in this video, but I have seen it in action at someone's house, who lost two pomeranians to pit bulls in their own yard. Once installed, the pit bulls only tried to jump the fence 3 times before they gave up.

http://k.b5z.net/i/u/6045677/h/Coyote_Roller_Demo.wmv​