Are there any good pre-fab coops?

[McChooky]

Dog kennels make good temporary runs for a couple hens if you plan on free ranging them some. This video shows how to build a basic coop for around $100.The coop needs a few modifications like adding a chicken door, elevating the coop off the ground and adding ventilation at the top then covering it with a tarp or tin

 

[McChooky]

Because your chicks are 3 weeks old already you might want to make one of these.It won't break the bank and will get your chicks out of the house soon.Good luck!

 

[aart]

but it would take me about 15 years to break even on cost vs buying eggs.

Sorry, but that will never happen anyway.

Really, keeping chickens is not cheaper than buying eggs.
Especially when you include the cost of housing.
Too bad you didn't learn that before buying birds.
Bears are going to require hot wire to keep them away.

 

[briansol]

I know, i'm not in it for the money. but i'm also not looking to invest $thousands of dollars to have a half dozen birds. There's a certain level of cost/benefit that needs to be taken into account.

 

[McChooky]

I know, i'm not in it for the money. but i'm also not looking to invest $thousands of dollars to have a half dozen birds. There's a certain level of cost/benefit that needs to be taken into account.

Chickens need ventilation, shelter them from the elements and a safe place to sleep at night so predators can't eat them .It can be done for $200 but if it has to be pretty add a couple hundred more dollars

 

[McChooky]

I know, i'm not in it for the money. but i'm also not looking to invest $thousands of dollars to have a half dozen birds. There's a certain level of cost/benefit that needs to be taken into account.

If you have any new construction sites near you these guys throw scraps of plywood,boards and 2 x 4's all day long.I built a big coop and run and covered it in hardware cloth for less than $500 but truthfully its an eye sore.You get what you pay for

 

[Perris]

I know, i'm not in it for the money. but i'm also not looking to invest $thousands of dollars to have a half dozen birds. There's a certain level of cost/benefit that needs to be taken into account.

Is this in your budget, if it appeals?
https://www.backyardchickens.com/reviews/nestera-chicken-coop.12115/

We don't have bears, but this type is still serving us well after 8 years (no fox, rat etc. has even attempted to get in), and has needed no maintenance beyond washing in all that time. It really is tough as old boots, and all my chickens (20 hens, 7 roos) prefer the Nesteras over the wooden coop I have, which they never choose to use, and is slowly leaking and rotting away.

I do not have the type with wheels nor run, which sounds like the type bought by the latest commentator. Mine move by simply lifting (handles built in to the roof overhangs): that's a two person job (one at each end) but couldn't be easier. But like that commentator I have changed some of the clips for lynch pins, as they are much easier to do and undo for dis/assembly and cleaning.

 

[Toothpick]

Any pre-fab coop you buy for $200-$300 is going to be crap. As mentioned you might be able to build one for around that price. A big MIGHT. If you can find a place that is giving away pallets you will have a good start.

Most the good pre-built coops you can buy around here cost $2,000+

Don't waste your money on the Temu, WayFair, or TSC coops if you plan to keep anymore than 2 chickens.

I got a $1500 storage shed from Lowes back in 2017. 8x10 I think. Converted it in to a coop.

This next time around I'll be building my own.

 

[McChooky]

Used dog kennel.Pvc arch top .Cover with wire and a tarp.

 

[LaceyJune]

Have you ever heard of the Eglu coop?
Their in the $800-2000 price range, and they recently came out with a larger size one, coming with a secure wire skirt around the whole coop and connected run, also being easy to rinse down and easily accessible for you to get to your birds. Then, if your looking for an affordable run, I recommend looking on Amazon, on metal aluminum tubed runs. Although, I only would put hard wire cloth for maximum security for your chickens rather than the flimsy hexagon shaped wire it comes with. I hope this helps and best of luck!

Link for Omlet Coops;
https://www.omlet.us/eglu-pro-chicken-coop/