chicken coop help

[Veg newbie]

I am at the thinking stages of getting some chickens for the back garden and came across a couple of coops on amazon.

I was wondering if they would house 4 chickens. The chickens will be ex battery or barn, I have a charity quite near me that rescue quite often so will get them from there.

option 1

option 2

I know they say they can handle the 4 birds but I also know what they say and the reality can be different.

My DIY skills are poor and I had a look at the designs in the sticky only to be confused by them so buying flat pack might be my best option unless anyone knows a plastic option about that price.

I got the Haynes manual for chicken keeping so will probably come back with more questions like keeping them in winter and snow.

Thanks

[chris]

Those runs are far too small for 4 birds.

If you're unable to let them out of that, then I'd suggest not getting that many, as really, it's not enough room for 1 bird to be in there permanently.

Coop wise, it'll probably be alright, but making a coop is quite simple - a box. Cut a hole for them to get in and out of, maybe a hinged side so you can clean. Nestbox wise, another box with a hole cut in it, and the coop for them to get in and out of.

Not sure how much the omlet houses are - they're plastic, but again you'd need to sort a run out for them.

[chris]

Have you has a look at this thread? - http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...tos_62713.html

I explain in it how I made my own - but there's some cracking coops in there.

[frias]

They usually only go in the actual coop to sleep so that would be big enough. As Chris says, the run would not be big enough. Even if they get to free range every day they will still need a fox proof run for when your not about and it would need to be a lot bigger than that. How about a small shed and an electric fence for the run? One of the problems with a bought coop is they are not usually built very well and chicken keeping is very addictive and you'll probably want more than 4 once you start.