Are there any good pre-fab coops?

[paintedChix]

so true.

Have you all seen the new business called Rent a Coop? It includes a tiny coop with tiny attached run, 2 or 3 laying hens, and feed - cost - a whopping $500 for six months! I did the math - it's cheaper to stick with store bought eggs. Nor do they address any issues, i.e.,, sicknesses, proper care, nutritional supplements, etc. This guy is making a killing. It's been all over the local news - national as well. I wonder where he's getting his chickens from.

There is another homesteader woman who does this, too. Not sure if subscribed to her channel. I think North East?

Wow, looks like "Renting chickens" has become big business. I'm not finding the homesteader woman i wanted to find, but LOTS of others!

 

[Molpet]

Rabbit wire is hardware cloth. Bur we've always called it rabbit wire for decades

I think of the fence to keep rabbits out of the garden as rabbit wire

 

[newchickmomma83]

I just got my first 5 chicks, about 3 weeks old now inside and growing fast. I need to get going on the outdoor plans.
I am not very handy and don't have time to build, so i'm looking for a pre-fab unit.

They all seem to have very poor reviews.

Does anyone know of a GOOD brand? i'm not looking to spend a ton, but i don't want to waste $200 on crap either. Appreciate any brand names or suggestions.

We do have a lot of predadtors here (coyotes, fox, hawks, bears? etc) so it needs to be pretty secure.

So...I'm curious as it's been a little while since you've posted (and I may have missed it I think I only got to page 6 of your responses haha) but what did you end up with? I have a prefab coop that is working for us, but again like everyone I'm addicted and want more chickens already! I live somewhat in town so I am limited. (and before the attackers start yes I am allowed I've already checked, and no I'm not getting into the chickens for the selling of eggs as I currently am not getting enough eggs to keep up with my family hahaha, they are pets)

That being said...I am also looking for another prefab chicken home, but one that will comfortably hold 5-6 chickens. I have found that if they say 8-10 chickens on the box, that really means 4-5. I also know that you are going to have to weather proof just about every one as well as add some extra brackets. That being said I'm still on the hunt !

 

[TooCheep]

I also know that you are going to have to weather proof just about every one as well as add some extra brackets. That being said I'm still on the hunt !

I did this with my first coop. I added a couple of extra coats of paint beyond what it started with, added brackets to firm up the structure and added additional reinforcement to hold the hardware cloth in place. That coop is now 7 years old, but is definitely wearing out and I'll be removing it after my new coop is ready in a month.

Because of their flimsy construction and ridiculous capacity numbers, I'll never recommend a commercial pre-fab coop, but at least there are ways to extend their life for those who made that initial mistake.

 

[newchickmomma83]

I did this with my first coop. I added a couple of extra coats of paint beyond what it started with, added brackets to firm up the structure and added additional reinforcement to hold the hardware cloth in place. That coop is now 7 years old, but is definitely wearing out and I'll be removing it after my new coop is ready in a month.

Because of their flimsy construction and ridiculous capacity numbers, I'll never recommend a commercial pre-fab coop, but at least there are ways to extend their life for those who made that initial mistake.

I can agree with that statement. And I very much agree the numbers they say are way way too crowded! I can't get my husband to make me one yet! So this is going to have to do for a few years.

 

[BDutch]

I can agree with that statement. And I very much agree the numbers they say are way way too crowded! I can't get my husband to make me one yet! So this is going to have to do for a few years.

If you make a new larger roof on top of the old roof it can last many more years if the weathers and predators are not extreme.

My old prefab is about 13 yo now. : new roof after 3 year , new lid on the nestboxes, natural paint with linseed oil.

These prefab coops are not all flimsy and the better ones are okay for a tiny flock, a couple of bantams , to quarantine new chickens or can be used as broody coop.

 

[paintedChix]

So...

That being said...I am also looking for another prefab chicken home, but one that will comfortably hold 5-6 chickens. I have found that if they say 8-10 chickens on the box, that really means 4-5. I also know that you are going to have to weather proof just about every one as well as add some extra brackets. That being said I'm still on the hunt !

A 6x10' dog kennel would probably be easier/better than a prefab coop. Might be able to find a used one, that would be less pricey.

Or a single CP (50" X 16') hooped to either the standard 8' or raised off the ground 2' on each side allows spreading to 10' wide. Front & back can be built in a wide variety of ways, as can roofing.

Adding more dog kennel panels can allow for a larger run. Adding more CP hoops can also.

 

[newchickmomma83]

A 6x10' dog kennel would probably be easier/better than a prefab coop. Might be able to find a used one, that would be less pricey.

Or a single CP (50" X 16') hooped to either the standard 8' or raised off the ground 2' on each side allows spreading to 10' wide. Front & back can be built in a wide variety of ways, as can roofing.

Adding more dog kennel panels can allow for a larger run. Adding more CP hoops can also.

Yes thank you! I'm trying to talk my husband into building me something! I'm going to have to look into the hoops though I never have before! Thank you for the advice and help!

 

[paintedChix]

Did you find hoop info? I wasn't sure if someone else posted links or not. I can now - i have a list...

 

[newchickmomma83]

There is another homesteader woman who does this, too. Not sure if subscribed to her channel. I think North East?

Wow, looks like "Renting chickens" has become big business. I'm not finding the homesteader woman i wanted to find, but LOTS of others!

That's hilarious I cannot believe that's an actual thing .