Will This Be Big Enough? Please Help!

[21hens-incharge]

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/grd/5138278288.html
Even the small one they have pictured is larger than the one you were looking at and is better built with better materials.

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/grd/5177476871.html
Lots to choose from here.

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/grq/5159834448.html
Even more.

So things I find helpful with a coop. I like to be able to clean it easily. When looking at a coop ask yourself "How hard is this going to be to clean?" "Will they have enough fresh air?" "Is there enough room for all of them?" "Where will I put the food and water?" etc....

You can make a chicken run pretty easily if you plan first. Look at the coop pages and you will find lots of tips and pointers on there.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/2/Coops

Not sure your exact location or if you have helpers with a truck or if they can deliver. This is from just about 3 minutes of looking on Craigslist. I am certain there are more out there that may work better for you.

Please always research anyone you may buy from. Never pay 100% up front and since it is a stranger make sure you never go alone.

That was the mom in me speaking. Please forgive her she is paranoid lol.

 

[JanetMarie]

I'm sure you know there should have been preparation before getting these chicks. Please don't get a poorly made coop that is too small for them because of someone else's irresponsibility. Your sister and mother should step up and take responsibility and help pay for a proper coop since it was their idea.

 

[Exotica]

How about this one?! Thank you everyone for the help - such a sweet community here!!

http://www.wayfair.com/Precision-Pe...Ramp-and-Roosting-Bar-2926-29136-PNP1216.html
^ It has three nest boxes and the comments say it can house four chickens - some even say they have four chickens and 3 bantams. They'll only be here to sleep at night!

 

[21hens-incharge]

I have seen that one in person. A toothless old cat could chew through the cheep wood they use.
Personally I would only put 2 large or 3 bantam chickens in it. It would have to be inside my secure run as well since I have an old toothless cat.

Don't be fooled by their cute look. If the measurements are in inches it is to small for 5 hens.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Dare 2 Dream Farms .com
They are in your area and have a nice bit of information on their site. I think they are above what you had in mind for a budget though.

Worth a look since it has good information on there.

 

[junebuggena]

Once again, it has dimensions for the whole thing, but not the interior coop. I'm telling you, stop looking at prefab coops and start looking at a shed that you can convert with a few cut outs for ventilation near the roofline and some 2x4s cut to length for roosts.
I'm a female, 5 feet tall and 88 lbs., from southern California, and I managed that just fine.

 

[Exotica]

Once again, it has dimensions for the whole thing, but not the interior coop. I'm telling you, stop looking at prefab coops and start looking at a shed that you can convert with a few cut outs for ventilation near the roofline and some 2x4s cut to length for roosts.
I'm a female, 5 feet tall and 88 lbs., from southern California, and I managed that just fine.

^ Kind of freaky but I am also 5 feet and 88 pounds - lol!!!
I'll look on Craigslist for some sheds! Thank you for your advice!

Dare 2 Dream Farms .com
They are in your area and have a nice bit of information on their site. I think they are above what you had in mind for a budget though.

Worth a look since it has good information on there.

I'll check out their website right now!! Thank you!!

 

[JanetMarie]

Most (probably all) of the pre-made chicken coops house way fewer hens than what the manufacturer says, and only bantam size. They're not predator proof either. Have you thought about making part of your garage a coop?

 

[21hens-incharge]

The links I posted are of coops under 600 dollars and well built in your area. Forgot to add that to the post.

 

[Emma Miriam]

Hi! Isn't it so frustrating how GOOD premade coops are so hard to find? Personally, I bought The Smart Chicken Coop kit. It's only $295 plus shipping (and I'm on the East coast, so you'll pay a whole lot less in shipping)! If you want less DIY, they also offer an unpainted version, I think. I'm liking mine so far! I'd definitely recommend checking them out, especially since you live in CA. www.thesmartchickencoop.com