Tractor Supply Walk-In Prairie House Chicken Coop

[nminusyplusm]

That ones alright, I guess...
But after some searching I really like this one:https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/coops-feathers-walk-in-hen-coop?cm_vc=IOPDP1

That one's much smaller and not as well built. If you aren't able to build/improve a coop and don't have tools, I suggest you get the best coop you can afford from the start.

 

[nminusyplusm]

My sister said she doesn't like that one the Soontobechoxmom posted. She likes the Prarire one, and the Coop and Feathers one.

Why? Can you ask her what it is about those other coops she's responding to? Paint job or... what?

 

[Cluckcluck1215]

That one's much smaller and not as well built. If you aren't able to build/improve a coop and don't have tools, I suggest you get the best coop you can afford from the start.

Then what is the best prefab coop????
I just....I don't know what to do. My sister isn't cooperating.

 

[Cluckcluck1215]

Why? Can you ask her what it is about those other coops she's responding to? Paint job or... what?

The Prarire House coop is the look and color. The Coop and Feathers, she just said she likes it, she Didnt really give much of a explanation

 

[WthrLady]

GARBAGE GARBAGE GARBAGE the wood is the cheapest stuff on earth. Hinges go within months, as does the wood. Shingles crack in the cold, and the ventilation stinks!

I wish they, and other stores, would quit selling the junk that makes new keepers regret purchases and make keeping harder and more $$$.

 

[nminusyplusm]

The Prarire House coop is the look and color. The Coop and Feathers, she just said she likes it, she Didnt really give much of a explanation

I really hate all the prefab coops I've seen in person, and I just saw the Prairie House coop at my local TSC. It is really bad. I can't believe anyone would buy that thing if they had a chance to inspect how badly designed, cheaply made and flimsy it is, it looks like it wouldn't last more than 6 months.

At least the "Ranch" has a metal roof, ventilation, coop height (compared to other prefabs) and size going for it. If you painted it like the other one, or however your sister preferred, I doubt she'd know the difference. No offense, but this doesn't sound like a decision best made by her if all she's going by is the look of the coop.

 

[kissezmychicken]

All the prefab coops fall apart immediately. Often the day you get it..the latches are awful. For that money you should get a used good coop..

 

[Cryss]

I'm going to get this coop, I think.
I am going to take a large tarp, and put a cover over it using some posts, that way rain will stay off it, and it might last longer, good idea, yes or no?

A tarp is not a bad idea depending on how you plan to use it. You don' want to wrap the coop up so the ventilation is blocked. Hanging it over like a large roof to cover it from elements is better BUT rain, and especially snow or freezing rain/snow, the tarp will sag and collapse. It will need both a strong support under all of it (not just corners) and it will need to be slanted so everything runs off.
I do agree that a few of these newer models suggested here are much better than that one. Show them to your sister and explain their benefits over the one she is set on. She might just fall in love with one. I know, it's the excitement of getting up and running quickly that can overshadow reality. Your chickens will be so much happier for waiting for delivery. TS can order the one you want if it isn't in their store. No matter which one you get take all the advice here about predator proofing or you will have a tragedy. Also, know the difference between draft and ventilation. I almost made this mistake. A draft is any crack between door hinges, wall boards, etc. that allows breezes to hit the birds as the roost, nest, or walk about. Close all doors and widows and peek inside from one of the doors. If you see light around dors or getween wall slats you need to close seal them. Also look trough another door so you can check the door you first looked through.
Ventilation is the open (covered in hardware cloth only) area well above the birds heads when roosting that allows moist warm air to rise up and out preventing condensation which causes frostbite on your chickens.
Lots of good, knowlegable people here that are willing to help. We all started out with the same excitemnt. So we get it.
You've come to the right place.

 

[nminusyplusm]

Where is your sister located? If you want I can do a CL search for her area and see if there's something good that might even save her some money.

 

[aart]

Where is your sister located? If you want I can do a CL search for her area and see if there's something good that might even save her some money.

Wondered what the sibling situation is here, feel there may be much more at play than the typical adult siblings getting into chickens