Which set up is better?

[juleschx]

I am about to get six chickens. I am doing as much research as possible. I am stuck on a setup. I cannot build a coop, so pre-fab it is. I am considering getting a coop at Tractor Supply that holds up to 10 chickens with the run attached. I believe it is a 10x10 run. OR I am considering a coop without the attached run sitting inside a large 10x20 chicken run. Is there anything I should consider before choosing either one? Thank you for any help.

 

[juleschx]

Also, we will let them out in the yard for hours each day to roam.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Welcome to the forum! Glad you joined!

Where are you located? If you modify your profile to show that it will always be available. That info can help with a lot of different questions. In this case, I'm wondering what your winters will be like? Will they be able to use your run practically every day of the year or will they be stuck in the coop section only for extended lengths of time?

Can you provide a link to the exact coop you are considering? I'm interested in the size and layout. Most coop manufacturers greatly exaggerate the number of chickens it will hold. How many it will hold depends some on your climate and whether the run section is predator proof. The type of stuff I am interested in are the length, width and height, is it elevated or ground level, length and position of roosts, nests, and ventilation.

A 10 x 10 run is probably plenty big for 6 chickens but is that all you will ever have? I like extra room. The tighter you pack them the more behavioral problems you have to deal with, the harder you have to work, and the less flexibility you have to deal with issues that come up. Still, a 10 x 10 run would be considered a luxury by many on this forum.

Still, I'd like to know what the two runs look like to make any suggestions. I'm thinking how predator proof as much as anything.

 

[juleschx]

Thank you for your reply! I am in Eastern Kentucky.

Here is the coop with the run: https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...e-defender-chicken-coop-2020-1168239n-1485380

Coop without run:
https://www.wayfair.com/pet/pdp/tuc...iron-frame-durable-waterproof-w110447899.html

Chicken run:
https://www.quictents.com/products/upgraded-large-walk-in-chicken-coop?variant=46975678349552

I am concerned that the chicken run does not have a tarp over the whole thing. I feel like it is necessary to keep shade.

As far as predator proof, I saw some reviews where people were adding additional hardware cloth to the bottom of the run all the way around to make for smaller holes. And also to lay a barrier of hardware cloth around the outer portion of the run to keep animals from digging.

They should be allowed to roam in the chicken run when they are not in the coop and when not in the coop or run, they will be allowed to roam the property.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I grew up several decades ago in the Cumberland Gap area of Tennessee so I have a rough idea of your weather. You can get a few days unsuitable for man or beast to go outside but your chickens should be able to get outside most days.

Both coops have about 16 square feet of space inside. That is really tight for 6 hens. Both are raised. The TSC one has the bottom enclosed so it is wind-protected. The Wayfair one is mobile but open, so not much wind protection. Maybe you could box it in?

The big run is covered in 1/2" hardware cloth so pretty well predator protected. I can't tell how big the openings are with the TSC run. There appear to be gaps between the supports. It should stop any bigger predator but mice, rats, snakes, and weasels could probably
get through. Even of you put hardware cloth around the bottom they could still climb up and get in above it.

With both runs many critters could push their way under the bottom supports. Would not take much digging, if any, if your ground is not perfectly level. I'd put no-dig protection around either one. Attach wire mesh 12" to 18" wide around all sides to the bottom and lay them out horizontally. Bury them about 2", just under the turf to hold it down out of the way of lawn mowers and weed eaters.

Neither one are very proud of the insides. I could not find photos to see that much detail of how they are laid out inside.

You can attach shade cloth to either to provide shade. Or use tarps.

My preference would be to have a bigger coop section for either of them. To me that is the biggest drawback. If you make the run predator proof you could always leave the pop door open so one can get away if they get violent because they are so tight.

I know you are looking for prefab, you do not want to build it yourself. I'd look for a bigger coop if you can find one and maybe look at a 10 x 10 covered dog kennel. Expanded metal or chain link. Or get that large chicken run. It should work with a coop inside.