What do you think of this coop?

[mikecnorthwest]

I think it's a very poor design. It looks like someone copied the Chick N Barn coop. You'll notice that it has no floor so you'd have to at least build a floor for it or put it on a platform. Then you'll need to build some nest boxes. If this is the same dimensions as the real Chick N Barn then those nest box doors might look cute but they're way to small and your hens will have to lay on the floor for you to have access to them. And like others have said, the top is open and will allow rain to soak the interior and cleaning will be a pain because you'll be trying to scoop and lift out waste. For $200 you could build a much better coop on your own.

 

[kimmypie]

Quote:
Could we just increase the overhang of the upper roof to protect that upper ventilation and hopefully the part where the lower roof opens? Also couldn't we cut an opening in the back for a door ourselves? All of that seems much easier than building an entire cool ourselves. He also builds runs with hardware cloth, every other pre-built coop has used chicken wire. We are hoping he could build us a 4x10 run. If we made those changes would it then be worth it?

I haven't heard back from him, but I emailed him kind of late last night and it's still a bit early this morning.

 

[AtholCoop]

Quote:
Could we just increase the overhang of the upper roof to protect that upper ventilation and hopefully the part where the lower roof opens? Also couldn't we cut an opening in the back for a door ourselves? All of that seems much easier than building an entire cool ourselves. He also builds runs with hardware cloth, every other pre-built coop has used chicken wire. We are hoping he could build us a 4x10 run. If we made those changes would it then be worth it?

I haven't heard back from him, but I emailed him kind of late last night and it's still a bit early this morning.

I'd probably make some sort of shutter (hinged at the top) for the venilation area protection with a prop of some sort to adjust venilation and weather protection as needed. Remove the hinges from the roof panels, and flash/roof over the remaining gap. Take the hinges and re-use them for a door or two cut out of either the side or end wall. You'll likely need to add some structure around the opening and the resulting door panel but over all it'd be quick and effective.

 

[georgiagail]

I'd buy it, cut a door out of the side to allow you to get in for cleaning and, with a couple of pieces of plywood, make some closures for the upper areas of ventilation (attach these to the outside with a couple of hinges, hold them open as needed with a hook and eye).

I do agree with suggestion on adding some flashing on the roof panels to reduce the risk of leakage from rain (you would now have a door to enter the coop for cleaning)

Then paint the entire coop inside and out and you'd have a nice coop for four hens.

It's a good deal and looks like it's made a plywood, not OSB board; a good choice in terms of longevity.

Gail

 

[Bantimna]

Looks like a really nice coop, though I do have a few worries,

• Ventilation....are there enough windows or vents in the coop?
• Cleaning. How easy will it be to clean? A pain in the back, or a pleasure?
A coop where you'll need to get down on your knees to get in, isn't going to be pleasant.


Have you ever thought of the Eglu Cube as a chicken coop solution? Many BYCers both American and British have made use of the Eglu Cube.

I hope that you'll find a coop quickly and easily!

 

[shawnj72]

Hi I agree with AtholCoop if you did purchase this coop you could modify if to your liking since you already have a good start. beleive me coop building can be easy or in my case a project like building a small house..;-) But for a few chickens you could make this a wonderful coop for your birds with a few modifications.

 

[zookeeper15133]

Hi!

I think this is a good buy! I really like this design. I am going to build a very large coop this design this summer.

I would have the side opposite the egg doors on hinges, the whole side, not doors.

And make shutters or a roof extension for the roof vents. You could use the polycarb, corrugated roofing for it and just extend it. If you orient it right, you will cut down on the rain/snow getting in.

The nest boxes will take up floor space, so just have 1 for 3 hens. (Just in case 1 goes broody have a second that you could add.)

You could build a platform for it to set on. If you raise it up, you would have that extra space under it for part of the run.

If you get it before you get the chicks you could also use it as the brooder.

 

[Dooner]

Quote:
Agree....i am over $500 and still going. What about shipping? Paint, lockes, etc.

 

[kimmypie]

Well we've decided to wait on chickens for now and use the money to buy more food storage. We will have chickens though, either later this summer or next spring. This guy has been selling coops for a while so we'll look again next year. Thanks for all of the feedback!

 

[huckleberryfarm]

I have several of the Chicken Barns from Ware. I really like them and they are holding up fine so far. I just lift up the roof to collect eggs and do any necessary cleaning. I never totally clean out the litter anyway so it's not a big deal. Just turn it over every now and then and throw some new in. I also have a bunch of big coops too but these little ones works fine for a small group of chickens. And it would definitely be easy to alter if you find something that doesn't work for you. Good luck with your chickens whenever you get them!