Where should I buy a chicken coop from?

[Knobby]

I haven't had chickens since I was a little girl. Live in town now, but can have some chickens, so would like to get a few (10 or less). I was thinking of getting the polish ones or maybe even silkie bantams (unsure at this time). Started looking at chicken coops and just not really sure where to start. Are there any coops yall recommend? I checked out amazon (seems very limited and sketchy choices) and am considering buying from the Chicken Coop Company. Just wanted to ask around first and see if anyone has any experiences/ideas they'd like to share. Thank you in advance!

I built my first coop using pallet wood and it's served its purpose up to this day. I've also purchased a prefab coop, that retailed for $600 at TSC, off Facebook Marketplace for a $100. I reinforced areas of it that I thought needed it. I then bought the same prefab coop at TSC, when one got returned because of a broken door..which I easily fixed once I got it home...cost me $200. I then purchased a Suncoast plastic shed from Costco and converted it to a coop.

Bottom line, there are many options to take when you're looking for a coop.

 

[Bawkbok]

The Hobbit henhouse!

 

[thistlewick]

If you have the space and can afford it, convert a shed. Being able to walk inside to clean/manage everything is... *the best thing there is*

I bought 2!!!! tractors that were well made from local tractor builders that were advertised for more chickens than they could actually hold and ventilation was well done but at the level of the roosts.

I spent 3 grand on those before really recognizing what I wanted and needed for my flock.

Ugh, if I could go back and bonk myself on the head I would. But it is what it is.

Sheds are expensive but you cannot beat how predator proof you can make one, and that peace of mind is worth it to me.

Then you get people who will put saving and scrimping $ as THE most important thing ever imaginable and will give you advice based on that worldview.

So you really need to figure out your own personal priorities (which are valid for you) your goals with keeping a flock and then sort out which kind of coop/run will work for you.

I also would say 10 square foot per bird minimum in the run, not 8. The more space you give these birds to sort themselves out, the better happier flock you will have. Squeeze them in, and you just get more problems.

 

[Acre4Me]

Depends on your space, environment for your coop. You are looking at smaller birds anyway, so this ids good. Also these breeds don’t usually get a bad rap for being aggressive, another plus.

My neighbor used a very typical/basic coop from TSC for a few years, placing an old piece of OSB hanging above it as a sort of canopy, after about a year. He only had a 3 or 4’ fence around the area. We border a farm field, and coyotes and bobcats have been seen in the area, but the bigger problem are raccoons here. His flock was eventually slaughtered by a family of coons that had taken up residence next to his little “barn” which was close to chicken setup. But, he got a good 4 - 5 years out of the coop and chickens (and remember, the chicken area was super easy for a raccoon to enter). No, it isn’t the best long term solution, but this kind of coop can get you through a couple of years until you decide what works best for you, your environment.

The exact same coop my neighbor used was also used by a local farmer. My kid had a 4H meeting to go to and it was in their large barn, an old and large timber frame structure. They had farm equipment and pigs in there. Mostly dirt floor I recall, but a large concrete area on one side. The chicken coop was on the concrete with shavings. It got sun from the open doors. The coop was in great condition bc it was inside and dry. Fresh eggs for the family. Cheap, simple coop, but worked great for them.

We elevated our coop -an amazing decision as it turns out. Harder for rodents to access, stays drier, chickens have shade underneath (it was built about 2.5’ above ground).

I’ve seen many Amish built ones that look pretty good. Some are on skids so it can be moved. But, they usually look pretty nice, and could be worth the 1-2k price tag when in a neighborhood.

 

[Sono]

I haven't had chickens since I was a little girl. Live in town now, but can have some chickens, so would like to get a few (10 or less). I was thinking of getting the polish ones or maybe even silkie bantams (unsure at this time). Started looking at chicken coops and just not really sure where to start. Are there any coops yall recommend? I checked out amazon (seems very limited and sketchy choices) and am considering buying from the Chicken Coop Company. Just wanted to ask around first and see if anyone has any experiences/ideas they'd like to share. Thank you in advance!

Do Not Buy those little flimsy Farm store coops, Have one built by amish or do it yourself, They will last forever.... trust me I know. The farm store kits are lucky to last a year.