Will this coop work for my needs?

[banananutmuffin]

Edited: I can't add links because I am new. The coop I'm referring to is the large ark from Handcrafted Coops at handcraftedcoops.com


I am a total newbie to chickens, coops, etc. I want a very small (2-4, but probably 3) flock of hens this summer. For multiple reasons, building a coop is not an option.

I expect to move this coop around my yard regularly (every 3 days or so), but will also sometimes let the chickens out to roam my backyard (about 1/3 acre).

I know the description says this coop will house up to 5 medium hens, but my understanding is that this ark is on the small size, so I would stick to 4 or fewer birds.

I understand that the quality of this coop may mean it only lasts a few years (which is fine, because if I decide to continue keeping chickens, I will probably want a bigger coop in a few years anyway). I also understand that extra ventilation might be needed (no problem, I can get a friend to drill in a few extra holes).

Any thoughts? Any better options? I definitely need something premade with no more than an hour of assembly. It needs to be portable with an attached run. And, very important, it needs to be attractive.

 

[teach1rusl]

32 sq. ft in the run section, so it'd do okay for three LF birds. 81 lbs, so make sure you can drag that amount of weight fairly easily - find something around that weight and try to drag it around your yard. You're spot on about the ventilation, and you'd have to be careful how you did it, so that drafts could still be avoided come winter time.

That seems awfully pricey to me. Have you checked Craigs List - at least in my area I've found two different coop builders who sell coops cheaper than this. Or have you considered a small wooden shed?? Is there a set reason you're wanting "portable"?

 

[farmer_lew]

Just remember, pre-fab coops do run small. Usually they say it will house 5 - 6 birds, but don't believe it. In my opinion, they refer to chicks and not adults. Especially not large breeds. You may be able to put two laying hens in one, but not much more. Just remember the space guidelines of 4 sqft/bird in a coop and 10 sqft/bird in a run.

Good luck and

 

[Bi0s]

litte bit on the high side price wise i look around some more for sure

 

[banananutmuffin]

Thanks for the comments! I want something portable so I can move the chickens to fresh grass regularly. They'll get some time in my backyard, but not all day, every day. I know this one is a little pricey, but I really love the look of the ark rather than most of the other tractor versions I've seen.

 

[N. Virginia]

The coops look very nice, but even 3 small chickens make quite a mess and you'll be cleaning it out all the time. Plus if it snows where you are they won't want to be stuck upstairs for days on end. I would bit the bullet and get a regular, fixed coop where you could stand up in their yard to clean it out, and throw them grass clippings or let them range. Just my opinion. The best advice I got on this bb was to get a coop larger than I thought I needed.

cheers,
n. Va