Bit if a dilemma here

[Logar]

We had originally got an eglu cube for our chicks but have come to realize just how much space a chicken requires. But the issue comes with this- my mom refuses to let me build a proper coop because “premade stuff is better” . She refuses to budge even though I have tried to tell her that she is putting looks over wellfair. My dad is on my side so that is a plus. I have tried multiple times to get her to join here but she refuses to because the first thing that pops up on google is always right apparently. We are hoping to at least get her to let us sell the omlet coop and replace it with a proper sized one. A sort of compromise if you will- we get a premade coop but it is the correct size. But that is where I need help. I don’t currently know exactly what is the best option to go with. I am not quite sure what my dad would be willing to spend but I am thinking under $2000 but maybe a tiny bit more if it is truly the best option. So I am looking for an around 4x6 coop that will last and is a safe, proper home for my chicks. These are the options I have come up with so far:

OverEZ-
pros: is slightly larger than what we need which isn’t a bad thing as 3 (maybe 4 depending on what the mystery chick is) of our birds are giants while the remaining 3 (or 2) are large. It also can be found locally and is a larger production coop so I don’t have to worry about getting it in the next 4-5 weeks.

Cons: because it is bigger it takes away from the run space, that we can’t increase do to local laws, meaning more chances of boredom. It also seems to be a hit or miss with the quality. It is also right at the top of what I am thinking the budget is.


The next option I am thinking is this coop
http://lancasterchickencoops.com/a-frame-a46-coop.php (http://lancasterchickencoops.com/a-frame-a46-coop.php)-

Pros: it is inside the budget and still is the size I am aiming for. It seems to be a nice, high quality product as well. It also is better looking than the overEZ.

Cons: I don’t know much about the company and I don’t see anywhere for people to add reviews. The wait time also could end up being and issue.

And the last option is this
http://chickenhuggers.com/products/gambrel-barn-coop?Size=4x6 (http://chickenhuggers.com/products/gambrel-barn-coop?Size=4x6)-
This has pretty much the same pros and cons as the one above.

 

[LTAY1946]

Can you just buy a very attractive shed and convert to a coop?

 

[puddle_drinker]

Why not build a coop with your dad and keep the eglu coop as a quarantine pen in case you have a sick bird?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Is there an issue if the nest boxes are that high? Sorry if it is a stupid question

See below

the nests are up much higher than the roosts (like, super high) which means a greater likelihood of chickens opting to sleep in the nests

Now, they do say "Customization is Welcome." but I don't know if that would cost extra. If they can do some customization for a small fee I'd ask for a fixed floor (no pull out tray, no pull out door) and to drop the nests to the floor directly below where they're currently shown.

 

[Sefirothe]

Since you are in western PA you should be able to get a shed from Steel City Sheds in Ohio. I’m in NEPA and jumped on one of their free delivery specials. I got an 8x12 coop shed delivered for $2200. That’s with tax and a window added to the back wall opposite the door which I recommend, it lets in a decent amount of light and adds ventilation.

We built the run on to the pop door side. We still have plans to add more ventilation as with summer coming on it will get hotter inside.

The only thing is maybe make sure they place the nest box lower. I think they misunderstood my request to have the nest box placed mid right side. I meant mid between front and back….not floor to roof!

 

[Acre4Me]

Some general climate info will be helpful. I’m in Ohio, so I deal with wind, heavy rain, and can get very cold here-and pretty hot in summer. So, coop is placed where it and run are fully in shade by 2 or 3 pm, behind the barn for some wind protection, etc. you don’t have to give exact location or state, but knowing what you are dealing with over the course of a year will be helpful.

 

[rosemarythyme]

The first and third are underventilated so plan on adding some ventilation up high (the second does have a window that opens up, but doesn't appear to have hardware cloth protecting it). Interior wise, the Lancaster one is rather oddly designed: the nests are up much higher than the roosts (like, super high) which means a greater likelihood of chickens opting to sleep in the nests, and a 4x6 pull out tray is likely so unwieldy that it'll never get pulled out.

 

[Logar]

The first and third are underventilated so plan on adding some ventilation up high (the second does have a window that opens up, but doesn't appear to have hardware cloth protecting it). Interior wise, the Lancaster one is rather oddly designed: the nests are up much higher than the roosts (like, super high) which means a greater likelihood of chickens opting to sleep in the nests, and a 4x6 pull out tray is likely so unwieldy that it'll never get pulled out.

So the 2nd one is the one I am pretty sure is going to be the pick just because it seems like the style my family likes. As for the window, there is an add on to get it covered with hardware cloth. The same applies to the pull out tray. Is there an issue if the nest boxes are that high? Sorry if it is a stupid question

 

[rosemarythyme]

does sleeping in the nest box cause issues?

Dirty eggs, or constantly needing to clean out the nests so you don't have dirty eggs.

Would it be easier to just ask them to raise the roosting bar instead?

What breeds do you have? Not all breeds can make it to a high roost without help, and you also need to consider landing space. If a roost is 48" high for example, they need more than 48" of landing space in front of the bar to land or they'll crash into the wall.

Raising the roost would also place it really close to level with the window which might be great on a hot summer day, but could be problematic in colder winter temperatures, when ventilation to prevent frostbite is still needed. It really depends on your wind direction and how the coop is oriented in comparison.

I just noticed they have extra ventilation pricing there as well. I'd opt for the ridge vent and maybe 1 gable vent?

 

[Logar]

There are no stupid questions here. How else will you learn? Chickens like to roost on the highest available surface. So you want your roosts high, nests low. Chickens poop at night so obvi you don't want them sleeping in the nests if you want clean eggs. Which you do!

Ok thanks! I was pretty sure that was why but I wasn’t sure so that bit of reassurance is super helpful.

I am a total reptile nerd so all this is just so strange with how different everything is. This community has been super helpful and I really appreciate it. I can’t wait to stick around for many more years and hopefully eventually be able to help someone new here like you guys are now. Thank you so much!

Now Back to the topic, I have been adding it all up and I think it is going to come out to around $3000 in total . Maybe I need to go back to the nice looking shed idea lol. If you know of any, I would love to know about them. Just for ummm… research