What do you think of this coop?

[kimmypie]

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=10457417&cat=&lpid=&search=

It's on my local classifieds. My husband has bumped up our plan and wants to get chickens now instead of next spring. I found this coop and I'm wondering what others think of it? Thank you so much for any input, I'm kind of scared now that the ball is actually rolling!

 

[gryeyes]

Oh, THAT is a great price for that coop! And you can keep 4 chickens in it if you stick to the recommended 4 sq feet per bird.

There are other coops I've seen going for more that are nowhere near as "polished" or as utilitarian but attractive as that one! Go for it!

 

[kimmypie]

But I'm wondering how you clean it? Maybe lame of me because it seems like the only way is to open up the roof? I emailed him and asked a few questions. He also has some runs for a good price....

 

[CoyoteMagic]

You need to check it out to see how heavy the wood is. There is a kit from Ware (I think) that is made of real flimsy wood that looks like this. Called the Barn something or other.

If it's made of nice heavy wood, it's a fantastic price!!

 

[kimmypie]

I looked up the ware coop and although the design is similar the wood is definitely different.

Does it look like a coop that would last us a while though? I've read about chicken math, but really we don't have a huge backyard so 4 layers is about all we can do.

 

[Chicken.Lytle]

If you are not disabled, then it would be better and less expensive to build a small coop. No need to be very fancy right off. Just make a safe place for chickens to live. Observation (and continued reading here) will teach you what to change.

And 3 nest boxes for 4 hens is just silly. They will just fight over one.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

I just wanted to mention that I hope the upper ventilation windows are closeable for blowing rain and snow. (Where I live the chickens would be rained on with that open.)

You could also rig a cover for it for blizzards or very bad weather. Just my 2 cents!

 

[kimmypie]

We are not disabled, but we have very limited time and skills. We have 4 young kids so fitting the time in to build a coop is tough...

ETA: we aren't against building a coop I was just hoping to find a short cut.

 

[amylou22]

In my opinion, buy it. That is a good price. I have spent much more time and money than I ever thought possible since. Began my coop project. yo and your family can paint it and make it special.

 

[AtholCoop]

My .02...that's going to be a PAIN to clean without some doors on the sides/ends, the way that roof panel opens I'll bet money it leaks, also I'd be a bit worried about the upper venilation opening being a problem with windblown rain/snow.

All that said for the price you certainly could resolve all those issues without too much trouble or cost.