What Coop to Get?

[Soon2BChixMom]

Did you happen to see this one? https://roanoke.craigslist.org/grd/d/chicked-coop/6687222223.html
If you are like me, I have no way to haul. But, maybe you have options?

 

[Melky]

My runs are just wire runs.
1 was given to me homemade from wood and hardware cloth. No protection from cold winds and stuff.
The second one I bought online, and it's just a dog-crate type metal bar run with a tarp over top. Again, no real protection from the cold.
The runs have been good and sufficient through the summer, but I have no nest boxes, and the hens need some protection. I don't think what I have can be made winter-proof.
I move them around often so they have new grass. I covered the dog-crate run with a stronger tarp before the rains hit, and they stayed dry.

I understand I don't need to have an insulated coop, but I need to be sure that it is able to withstand lots of below freezing days and nights.

I already have nest boxes I can put into a coop. My brother in law is giving me his old boxes, which are still in good condition.

I have looked on Craigslist. Everything reasonably nearby is either WAY out of my price range or too small for my chickens.
I did see this one, though:
https://lynchburg.craigslist.org/grd/d/the-hoop-coop/6672520358.html
Is it a bad idea?? Would it big enough? Would it keep them warm?

My boss sells storage buildings as a hobby, and stated the going rate for the size I need is around $3000 new. That's without the moving costs, or the upgrades(roosts, boxes, etc)
Around here the Amish-type buildings are common, but very expensive.

I've looked at the cheap department store sheds that ship to you so you can put them together. Those seem to cost between $400-$1000. My brother bought one to put stuff in, and found out it leaks. He says they are not made sturdy, and aren't worth the money.

Yes, we've got a few handy people in the family, including myself, but we are also extremely busy. We started a treehouse project last spring that is yet to be finished. We also have lots of rewiring and home repairs to do on our old house. No time for DIY coop building >_<

This is the dilemma I've been facing for months. I've been asking around. I've been searching craigslist. I've been looking at every coop-selling website I can find.
I have needs, and am struggling to find the resources to meet them.

View attachment 1544057 View attachment 1544058

The coop link you had would hold about 16 chickens. It was 8x8. Up to you if buy or build. You can sometimes build for less but if you don’t have time or desire then it would work.

 

[Robin K.]

Hello!
After TONS of research and searching, I've pretty much come to the conclusion that they don't sell what I need for under $1000.

Now, I am in desperate need of a coop that I can winterize because I live in Nelson Co VA, and it gets cold here.
I acquired my chickens from an older woman who had to move and couldn't take her chickens with her. They have been happy in covered runs all summer, as I've been moving them around the yard every day. I have 11 standard chickens, and 5 bantams. The standard hens are in 2 different runs for space reasons.
Some of the ladies are getting older, and I don't want to cull them, so I would like to have space to get a few younger ones too.

I bought the bantams a proper size coop/run for them, and they are happy in their fixed home. (Just need to do a little winterizing now)

I haven't the time to build my own coop the size I need it. I work, have class, and help take care of my big family and a large number of animals.
I want a coop that can ROOST 15-20 standard hens. The run is not a problem because they can free range in my goat pen. They will be outside of the coop most of the time.
But I would LIKE the coop to have enough room for enough roosting bars, and nesting boxes for 15-20 chickens.

Is that something that exists? I see a lot of coops that say they house 6-8, and some to 10 or 12, but not really 15.

I just need some help, y'all >_<

Thanks!

I have an overEZ large coop from tractor supply it will hold 20 birds around $1350.00

 

[Cluckerzfamilyfarm]

Your in VA. Craigslist it. Dont try to get all fancy with it and spend a $1000 that doesnt not need to be spent.that $1000 can feed that chicken for life. If you were close enough I'd give you some wood and help build it. Dont over think it. Old dog houses on craigslist. Anything like it. Winter will be here fast. Some of these ppl talk like money isnt a concern. Not all of us are rich enough for 1000 hoop coop lol. If you seriously need some help I can look around for you.

 

[Cluckerzfamilyfarm]

$1350!!! Omg!!! That's it I'm building coops and selling them. I have never in my life.

 

[Cluckerzfamilyfarm]

I only spent 500$ for my car, title and all! I would never spend that on a coop. Like I said if you really would like some help. Message me and we will see what we can do.

 

[aart]

A hoop coop didn't cross my mind until the OP provided a link to the craiglist ad.
@Blooie @aart can ya'll chime in?

I've pretty much come to the conclusion that they don't sell what I need for under $1000. I haven't the time to build my own coop the size I need it.

If you don't have the time....or the money....you might need to have fewer chickens.

Really, the fastest is to buy a large shed 8x10.

Don't fool yourself that you can get away with a smaller coop in a harsh climate because...

The run is not a problem because they can free range in my goat pen. They will be outside of the coop most of the time.

Is the goat run weather and predator proof?

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

My boss sells storage buildings as a hobby, and stated the going rate for the size I need is around $3000 new. That's without the moving costs, or the upgrades(roosts, boxes, etc)
Around here the Amish-type buildings are common, but very expensive.

Brand new is going to be pricey; there are better deals on used ones. This is too far from you, but it gives you an idea how cheap they can get (at least in that area)

https://tricities.craigslist.org/for/d/10x78-storage-building/6706628241.html

 

[Cluckerzfamilyfarm]

https://norfolk.craigslist.org/for/d/storage-container/6704158486.html

Storm proof. Just add your touch. And it's not even close to 1000. Still pricey at 500. But I bet they will take close to 400. These are the building I will look for if your spending money. Something that is going to last. Ebay(online) coops are lies and are priced to make you not think twice about the quality. Good luck.

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

Here's another possibility, and this is cheap - metal shed.

https://asheville.craigslist.org/for/d/10x8-lowes-metal-storage-shed/6707663770.html

I think you can get a new one at Lowes for about $300. I got two used ones on Craigslist for $75 (one free) and joined them together. I've been very happy with them, but want to build something better soon. It was a good temporary solution. You'd have to build a base to mount it to. I made mine from treated 4x4s, and it just sits on the ground.