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A Farm of My Own:  Chicken coops  |
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stephaniesmith
True Blue Farmgirl
58 Posts
Stephanie
Independence
MO
USA
58 Posts |
 Posted - Nov 16 2015 : 1:40:26 PM
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so it's official - we're getting a backyard flock next spring! I am preparing an area in the backyard.
A few questions for those of you who have backyard chickens: Did you purchase a coop, or build one? Where did you purchase from, and do you love it? We only want 4 or 5 girls.
Also, any tips for new chicken ladies? :)
Tea makes everything better!
http://www.mysteepedteaparty.com/StephanieSmith |
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hudsonsinaf
True Blue Farmgirl
3162 Posts
Shannon
Rozet
Wyoming
USA
3162 Posts |
Posted - Nov 16 2015 : 10:47:46 PM
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I can only give you my opinion this..... We bought two different coops for our girls. Neither one lasted worth two cents! A friend of ours built a coop off his shed. What a difference! Our bought coops leaked, rotted, and broke apart fairly easily over time. His is sturdy, weather-proof and s lasting wonderfully well. When we once again have chickens (we are in a rental for the next year and cannot have them right now), hubby will be building the coops(s). We are still debating the style of coop... But the ones on the market just do not seem to be worth the cost!
~ Shannon
http://hudson-everydayblessings.blogspot.com/ |
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cajungal
True Blue Farmgirl
2348 Posts
Catherine Farmgirl Sister #76
Houston Area
Texas
2348 Posts |
Posted - Nov 19 2015 : 06:55:43 AM
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Stephanie, I have done them all. My experiences have been similar to Shannon's. After 20+ years of raising chickens, some years having a small flock of 12 or other years up to 200 and now settling down to 50. My best experience has been with home built structures. Most of the time, I save money doing it myself.
There are some nicely built coops and tractors that can run up to $1000. But, That's a hunk of change for a few eggs. You can build the same types of coops for a fraction of the cost in materials.
Maybe scavenge around construction sites or check around for people tearing up decks/fences. Often, the used wood is still good quality for building a coop.
Have fun!!
Catherine
Sister #76 (2005)
One of the best compliments from one of my daughters: "Moma, you smell good...like dirt.
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cajungal
True Blue Farmgirl
2348 Posts
Catherine Farmgirl Sister #76
Houston Area
Texas
2348 Posts |
Posted - Nov 19 2015 : 07:04:57 AM
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I just thought of something. On pinterest and other type sites, there are tons of items being made with pallets. The items made for indoors are cute and will hold up. But, in my experience, making things out of pallets/pallet wood for outdoor use just don't last. I've spent hours making gates, goat pens, chicken coops, etc... and the wood rots in less than a year.
So, just be aware, while pallet wood can be free or low cost, it is not treated. If you use it, you will need to seal and paint each piece prior to building with it.
Also, using treated wood has a lot of its own pros and cons. You'll need to do your own research and filter through the extreme opinions and decide what's good for you.
Catherine
Sister #76 (2005)
One of the best compliments from one of my daughters: "Moma, you smell good...like dirt.
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cajungal
True Blue Farmgirl
2348 Posts
Catherine Farmgirl Sister #76
Houston Area
Texas
2348 Posts |
Posted - Nov 19 2015 : 09:04:50 AM
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I feel like I'm bugging you now.
Here's a pic of a purchased metal animal pen that I use for various applications. Sometimes, I put my rabbits in it so they can get grass. I'll isolate or quarantine a sick animal in it. Currently, I'm using it to finish out some roosters for butchering.
It's light weight. Easy to assemble. Sturdy enough for me to drag over to fresh grass. It has a door with a latch and a little 'window' for access without opening the door. The tarp can be flipped over for white or brown. It's so hot down here that I opt for the white side. I purchased it at Tractor Supply for around $140. Although, I think it can be ordered online from other sites and be shipped.
It would definitely work for your home flock of the size you stated. You can open the door in the day for them to walk around and then they'll return at night and you can close the door. The wire is sturdy enough that you could hang a roost bar if you wanted to.
In the picture, you can see the 'crop circles' on the ground from the previous places the pen was.
Catherine
Sister #76 (2005)
One of the best compliments from one of my daughters: "Moma, you smell good...like dirt.
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Kristine
Farmgirl in Training
15 Posts
California
USA
15 Posts |
Posted - Feb 17 2016 : 3:39:05 PM
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I thought about purchasing a small plastic coop for my chickens; but, my husband built me the most beautiful coop! Bless his heart!!! The photo doesn't do it justice! |
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stephaniesmith
True Blue Farmgirl
58 Posts
Stephanie
Independence
MO
USA
58 Posts |
Posted - Feb 17 2016 : 3:50:25 PM
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| Thank you for all the wonderful advice, and the pictures! Hubby ended up buying a coop as a Christmas present, so we will see how that goes. I love the idea of the animal pens, and I may use that. We will be getting our chicks in the next couple weeks. I'll keep you all updated! :) |
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Melina
True Blue Farmgirl
435 Posts
Melina
USA
435 Posts |
Posted - Feb 19 2016 : 08:23:05 AM
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We built off the backyard shed. We fenced off an end of the 16x20 shed, cut a small door in the side for access. We then used chain link kennel panels (cheap on Craigslist) to fashion an outside run with a roof of the same material. They have been safe and out of the weather for 4 years, with no loss to predators.
The morning breeze has secrets to tell you. Do not go back to sleep.
Rumi |
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levisgrammy
True Blue Farmgirl
9245 Posts
Denise
Beavercreek
Ohio
USA
9245 Posts |
Posted - Feb 19 2016 : 08:54:22 AM
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We built ours. It is actually our second one. The first was more like a lean to off the back off the garage. When we decided to renew the flock a bit I asked my husband if we could buy a shed from the Amish place near us. He went and looked at them, came home, figured out what and how much stuff was needed and he and my son went and purchased the materials and built one. We love it and so do the girls. At least they seem to be happy and healthy there. We let them free range. They do have a yard but only when there is the possibility of or we have seen predators around. The nest boxes are built on the outside so we only have to lift the top and collect the eggs. Keeps things much tidier inside. We are planning to hinge the lower part of the back wall so it can be lifted and everything can be cleaned out by just raking everything out the back into a compost.
We heat the coop in the winter \with a lamp and also keep their water heated to prevent ice issues.So far they are doing much better than when we had the old coop. Easier to keep clean and more cost efficient. Looks nice in the backyard, which can be seen from the driveway. Hope you have fun with yours!
~Denise~
Farmgirl Sister #43
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
http://www.torisgram.etsy.com |
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Kangaroo Kate
True Blue Farmgirl
253 Posts
Teresa
Red Oak
Texas
USA
253 Posts |
Posted - Feb 20 2016 : 10:11:51 PM
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we are redoing wallaby barn my hen girls are not happy == they lost their roost spot. I have a old bird cage - its real big I'm about to remodel it for them. has a high pointy top got to figure a roof for It. sallie is not happy lost her egg layin corner too. they don't appreciate change right now. 
Teresa
sister
Dance Like No One Is
Watching. |
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SlowQueen
True Blue Farmgirl
59 Posts
Gina
West Palm Beach
Florida
USA
59 Posts |
Posted - Mar 30 2016 : 5:05:10 PM
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My husband and I have six hens and when we were doing our coop research we decided to go with an eglu Cube by Omlet. It is a pressed plastic coop which means, hose it off and you are good to go, it is super quick and easy to clean. Since hubby and I both work full-time we wanted something that would stand up well over time and be easy to clean, let me tell you, this coop is a dream! It did not come cheap but we have had it going on two years now and it has been worth every penny. If you'd like more info you can find it here: https://www.omlet.us/shop/chicken_keeping/
Hope that helps. :)
"If you think you're too small to make a difference in the world, try spending a night in a tent with a mosquito."
Farmgirl Sister #6227 |
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Peg Graham
True Blue Farmgirl
281 Posts
Peg
Chesapeake
Virginia
USA
281 Posts |
Posted - Mar 09 2017 : 10:42:17 AM
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We built our own and the run after owning a store bought one that was too small. We used a Shed as the coop and added cubbies with plastic buckets from the dollar store as nesting boxes. Hubby built perches on the cubbies, 2 roosting ladders, and used a doggie door for the entrance into the run. The run is awesome. I will have to take a few more photos to show you later.
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Big Hugs!
~Peg Graham
My Blog:
http://whatsbrewin-peggraham.blogspot.com/
Pinterest:
http://pinterest.com/peg_a_graham/ |
Edited by - Peg Graham on Mar 09 2017 11:48:24 AM |
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texdane
Farmgirl Legend Chapter Leader Chapter Guru
4658 Posts
Nicole
Sandy Hook
CT
USA
4658 Posts |
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A Farm of My Own: Chicken coops |
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Chicken coops
