Best Chicken Coop

[jonesy]

Hi,

Ive been reading numerous member posts on here about raising chickens.

I would like to know which are the best chicken coops that you can purchase ready-made.


Thanks

[NSB]

Most come flat packed but Im sure you can get them assembled but really expensive.

[RedThorn]

Sorry jonesy... was typing a response in mine. I'm not the fastest typer( all 2 fingers)

[lynda66]

try ebay, there are some bargains

[kirsty b]

Hi jonesy, when searching for a new house for my girls, I looked at ready made, but they were way out of my price range. Bought a second hand shed and converted it.
Best deals probably on ebay or your local ad traders I reckon.

[Glutton4...]

Hi Jonesy, and welcome to the nut house .

I bought a flat-pack one on eBay, got it at a good price, but it was still expensive for what it was, and not as robust as they advertise. I then got more Chooks and got a shed for less than the coop. My dad added a nest-box and some perches, and I much prefer it. I'm going to make the top half into a storage area for bedding, mucking out tools mite spray etc, as it's just wasted space.

If you're only getting a few, you could even use a rabbit hutch like my ex-neighbour used to, it's up to you, but as you've probably heard this chicken love is addictive, so if there's any chance you'll expand, think bigger!

We want pics when you get them too!

[MaureenHall]

I've got a "proper" one that I bought on Ebay last year, since then I've also had a converted rabbit hutch and now a small shed. My daughter's first coop was a converted dog kennel. Really it depends on how many chickens you're wanting to keep (then double it!), how much money you want to spend, and how much space you've got available etc. The chooks aren't bothered what the coop looks like as long as it's safe, secure, comfortable enough to lay eggs in (nest boxes) and has perches for sleeping on.

By the way, welcome to the vine

[Snadger]

Mines a garden shed with a pophole cut in it!

[Bephlam]

Mine was custom built - couldn't face the price of them all on ebay etc. I love our coup and run, but the girls couldn't care less about how it looks - they trash it daily, and enjoy every minute of it!

If I could offer one tip it would be think of how many chickens you would like ideally, then triple it...because it's addictive!!!

[Noodle]

Pets for pads have some good ones as well as flyte of fancy. They both have some really solid houses that I've heard people compliment. But it's not a cheap option as others have said!

[Birdie Wife]

If you have the money, look at an eglu - the runs are a bit cramped for the number of birds they are supposed to house but I think they can be extended. Omlet are the maker and they have a high rate of customer satisfaction. They have an excellent website with lots of brilliant info aabout chickens and keeping them.

[Suechooks]

I had both of mine from Shropshire Manufacturing Co. in Whitchurch Shropshire. They are really good and solid. He is on ebay as Shromanco.

[Noodle]

If you have the money, look at an eglu - the runs are a bit cramped for the number of birds they are supposed to house but I think they can be extended. Omlet are the maker and they have a high rate of customer satisfaction. They have an excellent website with lots of brilliant info aabout chickens and keeping them.

I like the cubes and think they work best if in a self made walk in run! Although you have to be able to get to all 4 sides, which I think would be a bit of a pain as you can't put it against a wall or in a corner!

[Pumpkin Becki]

I'm going to invest in a Forsham Cotage Arks 'Lenham 503 or 4' for my Buff Orpingtons coming in March. They are pricey, but they work so well. I did work for Forsham for a while, and it taught me a lot about good and bad chook housing.

Whatever you go for, make sure it has adequate over-head ventilation, otherwise you could end up with respiritory disease and red mite running rife in the coop.

[Ashbylife]

We've got a Forsham Ark (think it is the 503). It wasnt cheap - though it is worth trying to barter if getting it from a local shop, my friend got a bit off hers as it was their last one at the end of last 'season'. Really pleased with ours, only thing that I'd say with pretty much all arks is that they give very little space if the chooks are going to be in them all day - we leave the end of ours open now and the girls free range the garden during the day.