Any have an OverEZ coop?

[Khalpers]

Hi! Has anyone had an OverEZ coop? They're Amish built and sold at Tractor Supply. They look extremely sturdy and have excellent reviews (rare for pre-fab!), but I haven't had much luck with pre-fab coops in the past. We had some storm damage on our current coop, which we planned to replace in the fall. (No chickens were harmed in the storm.) We just don't have the time to build one now with all the other yard repairs. Any experience with these coops would be appreciated! Thanks!
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/overez-chicken-coop-medium

 

[AKATom]

Yes we have the large one. Very well made and easy to assemble.

Even the large one isn't all that large. How many chickens do you plan on housing?

They are pricey but for our small flock we decided to go for it. We also purchased their automatic door opener, ouch it was expensive to!

 

[AKATom]

Here's a picture of the inside right after assembly with our grandson checking the quality ha.

 

[Khalpers]

Here's a picture of the inside right after assembly with our grandson checking the quality ha.

Looks great and what a cutie. Thank you! I have five hens and am thinking about the medium coop. I'd make it open out into their large, secured run (like their current coop does). Thing is, they have a roosting bar that's outside the current coop (a pre-fab model with a run attached) that three love to roost on in the summer. But maybe they're just doing that to have more space?

 

[IamRainey]

Sturdy materials are expensive. If you've found something made to last then good for you!

My only suggestion would be to get the biggest thing you can afford and have space for.

Will you build an enclosure around it? Make sure you don't miss a bet to make it predator proof!

 

[aart]

I have five hens and am thinking about the medium coop.

The medium is about 4' x 4'(that may include the nests) might be a tad tight for 5 birds,
unless your run is weather proof.

 

[Khalpers]

Sturdy materials are expensive. If you've found something made to last then good for you!

My only suggestion would be to get the biggest thing you can afford and have space for.

Will you build an enclosure around it? Make sure you don't miss a bet to make it predator proof!

I think we’ll raise it up a bit on cinderblocks or something else so that it’s not on the ground. That should make it harder for predators, right? I want to discourage rot so it will last a long time. Thank you!

 

[Khalpers]

The medium is about 4' x 4'(that may include the nests) might be a tad tight for 5 birds,
unless your run is weather proof.

Hi! Yes, it wil give them access to the run, which is covered and quite indestructible even the tree that fell did not break it! Thank you.

 

[aart]

I think we’ll raise it up a bit on cinderblocks or something else so that it’s not on the ground. That should make it harder for predators, right? I want to discourage rot so it will last a long time.

I like a raised coop, can make for great shade under there...but make sure you can get under there to retrieve eggs or an ill bird.
Whether it's more predator proof depends on how you protect it.

 

[IamRainey]

I think we’ll raise it up a bit on cinderblocks or something else so that it’s not on the ground. That should make it harder for predators, right? I want to discourage rot so it will last a long time. Thank you!

Sure, if you're starting with something constructed of genuinely sturdy materials -- such as the one you indicated above -- you could raise it up to a comfortable working height. That will save your back! But predators come in all types: climbing ones like raccoons, ones that will come from above like hawks, strong ones like bears who simply throw what they want opened, chewing ones like rats. It's important to know what's in your area and prepare for it.

I'd recommend building a well-dug in and completely covered run around the whole thing. You may be planning to free range your flock. I'm not ready for the attrition rate of free ranging so generous and safe enclosures are my jam.

Don't forget to check all the latches and reinforce them with carabiner clips or padlocks if you have raccoons. They can get through most latches to simply open the doors and help themselves. Nasty buggers!