What Coop to Get?

[Cluckerzfamilyfarm]

My coop was from free scraps on craigslist. I am also from VA so it is possible. Pallets,old run down coops, fences. I also use a shed as well. Only took about 3 weeks. Still time for ya'll.

Also if you have the space and a few hundred you could always just buy a old bus,camper,trailer (small like a horse/inclosed trailer not a house) with no title. About 100-500$. Maybe less. I have seen no title items go for free if your husband could pick it up.

 

[jthornton]

It has only two nesting boxes for Chickens? You need closer to 8-10 for 20 chickens.

I have one nest box for 9 RIR hens and there is room for about 12... not all nest boxes are the same.

JT

 

[Melky]

Additionally in coop section if your family is very handy a lady on here built a larger coop out of free pallets just make sure they are chemical free. Free pallet wood is often found on Facebook or as this lady did you can approach a local nearby business that is throwing them away and ask to collect for free. Saves them the bill of disposal.

 

[Cluckerzfamilyfarm]

View attachment 1543671

Free99. Maybe I was just lucky I dunno. But its possible. This is my coop from pallets,old sheds/coops and a wooden fence

 

[Cluckerzfamilyfarm]

I have one nest box for 9 RIR hens and there is room for about 12... not all nest boxes are the same.

JT

So could I get away with 4 for upto 20 birds? I only have about 15 right now. But will be expanding as soon as new runs are made. Looking at getting 80 layers by March.

 

[Melky]

So could I get away with 4 for upto 20 birds? I only have about 15 right now. But will be expanding as soon as new runs are made. Looking at getting 80 layers by March.

Maybe get away with 5-6 but You definately need more space with boxes than I listed if goal 80 layers. I hope you have some acreage. If the last barn is your current house or free to a good home, Looks ok but what is the square footage?

 

[Cluckerzfamilyfarm]

Maybe get away with 5-6 but You definately need more space with boxes than I listed if goal 80 layers. I hope you have some acreage. If the last barn is your current house or free to a good home, Looks ok but what is the square footage?

200 acres. I should be ok the barn is about 1500sq. It's about 25x30 two floors 5 rooms. 80 birds is just to get started. I one day hope to start a hatchery for good show birds. But it's hard to get started alone. And years. So I am one step at a time. Maybe 3 years time I will have the stock I would enjoy selling. I plan on buying starters from a show winner so the bloodline will be as pure as possible from beginning to end.

 

[nminusyplusm]

View attachment 1543674 View attachment 1543671

Free99. Maybe I was just lucky I dunno. But its possible. This is my coop from pallets,old sheds/coops and a wooden fence

That's a gorgeous coop!

 

[Cluckerzfamilyfarm]

The 80 layers are just to help pay for the show stock

 

[slordaz]

best suggestion is one they will like, we made ours a nice insulated one, and they said up yours only time they wanted anything to do with that was when they were brooding as was secure, they took over an empty horse stall and left it to go free range on the farm but even closing the door didn't stop em from getting back in at night as thats where they wanted to live.