May I have opinions on these Tractor Supply coops?

[Marycrazylady]

Our local TS has these two coops in stock. As we have two weeks to be ready for our 4 little pullets, we are considering buying instead of making a coop. Could I get your opinions please?

We're in SW Missouri. Heat will be a bigger problem than cold for our chickens. I'm a bit worried about predators as we live in the country, though we haven't actually seen any.

Thanks so much!!!

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/petmate-superior-construction-chicken-coop-70401d#

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/producers-pride-mini-defender-coop-mdc001

We built all 3 of our coos from pallets they are free only paid for screws

 

[Lilion]

View attachment 3213784
We could not have afforded this chicken house but it was a gift from a friend who had passed away. This works good to house chickens in but they are free range every day. My husband made a yard on the front and covered it on the days it snows, there stuck in that small area. I have no idea where he bought this but it does not have the ventilation. I wonder how hard it would be to put ventilation in a prefab house.

Thats super cute! I love the little cupalo!

 

[Ron Boys]

We're only getting 4 birds. I would think the larger would be plenty big, wouldn't it? I mean 4x4 is 16 sqare feet. It seems that large. I guess i could be wrong.

Get the biggest you can afford! You will definitely thank yourself at the end of the day. yes! Bigger is better all those precious chicks - soon to be chickens - will love you for the space and you will be satisfied in yourself, the more room the better. Make sure the build is comfortable for you to stand upright In and move easily - you will regret later if you don't.

 

[melissadennis0]

Our local TS has these two coops in stock. As we have two weeks to be ready for our 4 little pullets, we are considering buying instead of making a coop. Could I get your opinions please?

We're in SW Missouri. Heat will be a bigger problem than cold for our chickens. I'm a bit worried about predators as we live in the country, though we haven't actually seen any.

Thanks so much!!!

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/petmate-superior-construction-chicken-coop-70401d#

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/producers-pride-mini-defender-coop-mdc001

We own the second TSC coop that you linked above. I believe it is supposed to hold 6. Not even close. 3 is pushing it. The roosting bar is useless because there is not enough head clearance inside to use it. It’s not easy to assemble because it isn’t made well so the pieces do not line up. Easy for predators to get in. I wouldn’t recommend it. We bought it to use while the baby chics get large enough to be mixed with the rest of the flock but stopped using it quickly.

 

[Jbdg]

Building is better. Bought a very good coop from TS but wood started rotting on bottom a couple years in. If you put cheap pavers all along bottom to prevent wood from standing water it will help. If time is a problem just put up a very temporary run with step in fence post and plastic fencing. It's reusable. I put up temp runs with this all the time but you need to monitor the flock.

 

[Rancher by day]

Our local TS has these two coops in stock. As we have two weeks to be ready for our 4 little pullets, we are considering buying instead of making a coop. Could I get your opinions please?

We're in SW Missouri. Heat will be a bigger problem than cold for our chickens. I'm a bit worried about predators as we live in the country, though we haven't actually seen any.

Thanks so much!!!

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/petmate-superior-construction-chicken-coop-70401d#

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/producers-pride-mini-defender-coop-mdc001

Waste of money. Both are extremely small.

They appear to be large in pictures but they are not anywhere near the size they appear to be in their pictures.

My hoop coops hold up way better than store bought coops. I can enter & clean with long handle garden tools in the hoop coop. You'll invest in material but way better. Just search to find how to do it. If you ever decide to not have chickens you then can convert to a green house.

 

[Hip Hillbilly Acres]

If you are construction impaired or severely time limited, recommend looking into hoop coops. Quick and easy to asemble, moderate expense.

That's what we are doing. Hubby building it now: hoop/tractor style.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

That's what we are doing. Hubby building it now: hoop/tractor style.

I believe you will be happier that way.

 

[Pampered chicken girl]

I have 2 prefab coops/runs and built a bigger run and attached them to it

 

[Waggle]

I bought one of them for 4 chickens. I had to buy more hardware cloth the fully reinforce what they had built. The nesting box bottom needs to be reinforced, it's very flimsy. Just as a precaution I reinforced the littler pan. Changed all the latches, added chain to the nesting box door so it didnt fall all the way down. And after I was done, didn't feel it was enough space l, I built a bigger run. In my opinion...go with an Amish made one.