Which of these chicken coops would work the best?

[Meglin]

My school is purchasing a chicken coop to keep chickens. So far, the kids have raised $280, but I suspect after our next fundraiser we will have at least $300 more dollars. In total, I suspect that we will have a budget of somewhere around $580 to spend. We have 3 chicks in a brooder right now and are looking for a coop that is large enough for more chickens in the future (if we hatch more next year) and a run that is easy to clean and plenty of space, yet safe. We do have a large garden that the chickens can roam in, but that would entail covering the fencing and top (I would imagine at least) with hardware cloth for predators and so the chickens themselves wouldn't escape. This, too, would be an option though it makes me nervous. It also involves more construction and we are limited on volunteers.

Are any of these coops a recommended choice?

https://www.mypetchicken.com/catalo...bhouse-Coop-w-Run-up-to-4-chickens-p1167.aspx

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...ra-large-green-walk-in-coop-up-to-15-chickens

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...luxe-farm-house-chicken-coop-up-to-8-chickens

(With this one, I would just add a very simple chicken coop.)
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...universal-welded-wire-pen-12-chicken-capacity

 

[junebuggena]

What breeds?

 

[Meglin]

I think Americauna... 2 of the chicks came from eggs identified as crested cream legbar but people on this thread said they didn't look like CCL chicks.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Oh my....
I have seen those in person. They are not sturdy nor weather resistant at all. The sides might as well be made of balsa wood they are so thin and soft.

I cannot recommend them.

Does your area still have shop classes in high school? Maybe propose to the teacher a class project with your budget for materials.
Actual 2x3 or 2x4 wall studs and siding make a much sturdier coop that will hold up well.

 

[EmberTheChicken]

The third one looks alright but im not entirely sure. I would just avoid the smaller one's because raccoons have working hands and fingers similar to humans and they can grab ahold of the chickens feathers through the holes of the wire, or they could even tear them through it, suprisingly if they are strong enough. Some predators are also able to dig under the fence. The top attachment is good if an animal gets its way inside, but make sure the door can be closed. I heavy one is a must because hawks and eagles are strong enough to grab ahold of the enclosure if it is small and light enough, and make sure the top is covered so that they wont be able to grab ahold if it is wired at the top. I had that happen one time and it was scary.

 

[Taylorbrood]

My school is purchasing a chicken coop to keep chickens. So far, the kids have raised $280, but I suspect after our next fundraiser we will have at least $300 more dollars. In total, I suspect that we will have a budget of somewhere around $580 to spend. We have 3 chicks in a brooder right now and are looking for a coop that is large enough for more chickens in the future (if we hatch more next year) and a run that is easy to clean and plenty of space, yet safe. We do have a large garden that the chickens can roam in, but that would entail covering the fencing and top (I would imagine at least) with hardware cloth for predators and so the chickens themselves wouldn't escape. This, too, would be an option though it makes me nervous. It also involves more construction and we are limited on volunteers. one last thing to remember is that if its tough to deal with chore wise, kids lose interest fast, especially if its rainy, cold or snowing. who takes them home when their is no school or during the summer? also biosecurity is uber important. esp if some of these kids have chickens at home.

Are any of these coops a recommended choice?

https://www.mypetchicken.com/catalo...bhouse-Coop-w-Run-up-to-4-chickens-p1167.aspx

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...ra-large-green-walk-in-coop-up-to-15-chickens

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...luxe-farm-house-chicken-coop-up-to-8-chickens

(With this one, I would just add a very simple chicken coop.)
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...universal-welded-wire-pen-12-chicken-capacity

you want one you can actually walk into, I got one that said it held 15 chickens, NOT it holds only two. it's alot of back breaking work if your constantly bent over trying to walk into a hutch to clean it out, the best one and it's spendy but worth it is the one TS has called the defender it's about 1,000.00 but worth it, you just need to protect the ground Most of these coops are cheap and fall apart in a short time, mine lasted 2 months before it started to take a beating and the wood warped, I had to move it onto plywood every night to protect them from dig unders. as for volunteers look to church groups, boy scouts, call the mormons, they are a helpful bunch for the most part in helping install stuff. this is the link to the best coop they have, these others won't hold up https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/producers-pride-defender-chicken-coop. you can also call TS corporate and they might give you a discount since it's a school project. the majority of those coops only look like you can walk into them, little kids yeah, maybe, adults no, my grand-daughters who are 4-13 can't get into mine which makes cleaning tough and trying to catch a sick hen tougher! can you fundraise on facebook?

 

[Ursuline Chick]

could you get more help by throwing a coop raising party, may be a hot dog lunch, picnic style. You could probably build something more to your needs if you could build it yourself. Don't know where you are or why you don't have a lot of help, but many of the Catholic schools and Boy Scout troops do service projects, is that a possibility? This could be someone's eagle scout project! I used to be an assistant boy scout leader, it is amazing what those boys can accomplish!

 

[junebuggena]

For three, you won't need a very large coop. A simple 4x4 box will suffice. You'll be able to build something sturdier for much less than anything premade. For the run, a 10x10 dog kennel will provide plenty of space, and most brands have covers that can be purchased separately.

 

[Ursuline Chick]

For three, you won't need a very large coop. A simple 4x4 box will suffice. You'll be able to build something sturdier for much less than anything premade. For the run, a 10x10 dog kennel will provide plenty of space, and most brands have covers that can be purchased separately.

Maybe some design you could add on to, if you expand the flock in future years, as you said you thought you might do. Is there any construction in your area? Perhaps you could get donations of 2 x 4's or plywood, even roofing material, that is going into the dumpster/landfill, that would be of use to you in your project. Anybody's Dad in construction?

 

[tigger19687]

I agree with @21hens-incharge . If the High school has a shop class get them to build a SHED, good size so you have room to move and store equipment and more room for chickens later too.
None of those coops are good.

WHERE do you live? Where you live will make a difference in what you uild.

I just did a build from a Vinyl Rubbermaid shed but it isn't finished, here
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...struction-thread.1198632/page-2#post-18981955