Which coop is "best"?

[MyCooper]

Hi everyone!

First post cause I will be jumping into the chicken hobby - soon, I hope. I grew up on a small farm and we had chickens but that has been (nevermind - MANY, many) years ago. I've been reading all of your super helpful posts for a month or more and have learned a lot. Since hubby has made it clear that he will not be helping me on this project, it's up to me to pull together all the materials (yes, that's typical for him so nothing new). I was planning on trying to build something as I don't want to expend a ton of money but I also wanted a nice looking coop. Tonight I spotted an ad on Craigslist tonight that looks promising.

Either one seems like a steal at $350. If you had to pick between these two, which would you choose? http://cedarcreations.weebly.com/products.html

I'm leaning towards the first coop because it's larger and has great ventilation. Don't worry; I don't buy into the "great for 8-10 chickens" line.

Also, what would be your recommendation for how high to mount it from the ground? I know that concrete footers are available but if I were to put it higher than that, what would I use? And if I can't walk inside (unlike the coop from my youth), what would the proper height to mount it? I'm 5 feet 6 inches. I've seen rats (current group dead!) around here so I certainly want to get it where future rats don't feel comfortable making a home underneath.

I'll need to build a run to attach to this so that would be the next project.

TIA!

 

[PineappleMama]

The steeple is very cute, but it would all boil down to measurements for me... if they are both equal in that department, steeple totally... if not then the other is super cute too.

 

[Dora'smom]

They are both cute, but have you considered checking out the Urban Farm Store? They have coop kits, the smaller one is about the size of the ones you have listed, and I think it is $295. I think the large one is $375. They charge $25 if you want it pre-assembled, (though the description says that either is easily put together with just a screwdriver) and you can also buy a run there. They are in SE Portland, and are a really good place to get chicks, feed, plants, you name it. Just thought it might make your chicken venture a little easier since you don't have help. They are on the web, also, and as a matter of fact, they have a small survey going regarding which local papers you read, and if you answer their questions, they will e-mail you a coupon for 10% off of a purchase. I don't know if that applies to coops or not, but worth checking out if you are interested.

 

[MyCooper]

Pineapple, the first one is about a foot in all directions larger so I'm also inclined to go with that one. The ventilation should be great!

Dora, I've been there - actually we've been there. Nice store!! I'm on their mailing list. I liked their selection of chicks, foods, and supplies. I wish I had the room to have a coop and run like the one they have outdoors. I know hubby will get on board once I have everything set up since he was cooing over the chicks at the Urban Store. And I know once he tastes the fresh eggs he will be sold (I rarely eat eggs and I want the chickens for what they will do for my garden!).

I saw the setup and those kits seemed to be much smaller than the one described in the ad. As far as the run, I'm wanting one I can walk into as I'm not getting any younger.

 

[MyCooper]

Duplicate. Forum problems this morning.