Where can I get a good sized coop but but not with a huge run?

[April s]

I’ve been researching on coops for my chickens and I can’t seem to find a large one with a couple of nest boxes and a small-ish run my budget is around $300.

 

[Ruralhideaway]

Wayfair has reduced prices on coops right now. I can't speak to the quality however, and generally premade coops seem to be very flimsy compared to what you could build yourself with a limited budget. So many unhappy people who have them disintegrating before the first winter is over.
Got a friend with tools?

 

[AllenK RGV]

Wayfair has reduced prices on coops right now. I can't speak to the quality however, and generally premade coops seem to be very flimsy compared to what you could build yourself with a limited budget. So many unhappy people who have them disintegrating before the first winter is over.
Got a friend with tools?

Yep if on a budget money goes much farther if you DIY and build quality will probably be 10x better and more secure against predation. Plus there are some nearly free options available such as finding wooden pallets, checking out the local metal scrap yards, or the local dump for construction waste. Also if you have shopping centers or grocery stores near by look behind them to see if they are throwing out pallets. Craigslist pallets and scrap lumber... check here for ideas too....https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/category/chicken-coops.12/ some are way over engineered and expensive to build but there is a chicken coop made from reused pallets in there. Good luck and welcome to BYC!

 

[AllenK RGV]

I’ve been researching on coops for my chickens and I can’t seem to find a large one with a couple of nest boxes and a small-ish run my budget is around $300.

I quoted the wrong person there, but you can build your own coop and in your own time on the chickens schedules as well. Why have layer boxes before you even have layers is that really a priority starting out? For me the priority would be to have a secure coop with roosts before anything else. I am assuming you will be ordering chicks via a hatchery or Tractor Supply. There are things you will need to rear them that cost money like feed and water stations. Your coop will need those too but usually much larger. Here again the article section shows you how you can build your own and have the features you want vs just what is on offer at the store at the full retail price. Just a few ideas to get you thinking about what you can do that will give you better coop results than you will end up with by purchasing a flat pack Ikea coop.

 

[Ruralhideaway]

Also check Craigslist for sheds that could be easy to retrofit with roosts and nesting boxes. Being able to easily walk in makes life nice at cleaning time. Even if you had to hire a flatbed tow truck to winch it up and bring it over you could be in budget. I've seen nice sheds free for removal, sometimes even already disassembled. Building a run is easy.

 

[Howard E]

To the OP April, where do you live (approximately.......climate matters), and about how many birds are you thinking?
To give you some idea, start with how many eggs you want (if eggs are why you want chickens) and work backwards from there. Rule of thumb being 3 to 4 birds per dozen eggs per week.
In the meantime, I'll also throw out a plug for a Woods style coop, like mine. It does not have a run......in many ways, it IS a run. A covered run enclosed on three sides, open to the fourth. And abundance of windows for light and ventilation. They can stay in there 24/7 if need be.
If the budget won't allow that, one of the cheapest options may be to keep an eye on craigslist for used yard sheds and convert one of those. One way to avoid needing a run with those is to really open them up and get one large enough it won't be overpopulated with birds.

 

[staceyj]

I wouldn't suggest buying a coop online sight unseen.
The wood is thin and the worst part is the way they show photographs that are incredibly deceptive as to size.
If they say it's big enough for six chickens, think 2!

Some of them are no bigger than a dog house fit for a medium size dog.
If chickens don't have enough room they can be mean to each other.

Check Craigslist definitely.
Look in the farm/garden
Building materials
and free sections.

And look online for ideas
(Like Pinterest) for repurposing other structures.
Some people have come up with incredible ideas.
Best wishes in your chicken adventure!

 

[aart]

I’ve been researching on coops for my chickens and I can’t seem to find a large one with a couple of nest boxes and a small-ish run my budget is around $300.

Welcome to BYC!
Define 'large' in feet by feet?
Even the dinky ones are often more than $300.

 

[blackdog043]

What is your general location and how many chickens are you thinking of getting? This will help us give you some ideas for a coop. A hoop coop might work for you.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

What is your general location and how many chickens are you thinking of getting? This will help us give you some ideas for a coop. A hoop coop might work for you.

X2..... more information will help us to help you.