Do you guys feel like predators can squeeze through the roof rafters ? My husband bought me this one and I love it but I’m concerned about snakes coming in minks coming in through the roofline
Just saw you over on Kevin's channel and had to subscribe. You made a wise decision with this beginner coop. It's small enough and manageable to relocate. I also thought 2 of my chickens were possible roos as well, but now I know that's not the case since they all lay. A little over a year into rearing them and so many of my anxieties and worries have disappeared. Best of Luck!
A 2x 4 to separate the nesting boxes from the rest of the coop would work best. Also would give a barrier for the deep litter method. Also small chips probably work better than the larger ones as it would break down and soak up better. I know the prefab market is enticing but also a little frustrating...for the price of this coop...I would think it would be better but maybe I just have higher expectations. I know price wise it makes sense to some but if you're going to mass manufacture something....small quality control measures would be more advantageous. I liked the review and felt it was a very honest review. It was definitely helpful.
lol sorry for that little awkward silence moment in the beginning where I didn’t cut it properly 😂😅 Also, peep the chickens in the back trying to steal the show jumping to eat the sunflower 😂
I was new to chickens last March as well and bought a prefab from TSC as well. After almost 6 mos , I did decide to built a permanent, more solid coop and run with covered roof. I also went with sand in the run after not having it in the first coop! I completely agree, it is a bit rewarding to see the eggs and know your chickens are humanely treated and the source of your food! Great video! 😊
@@meggrowsplants The coop didn’t fall apart, but I had so many places where there were gaps on the side panels and roof. Chickens grow fast and I needed a coop for them since I also have a backyard flock. But after a little spring rain made me realized it wasn’t going to cut it for when winter came along. So I decided to make them a more sturdy coop and run, because I love my chickens that much. Never would have pictured myself being a chicken owner a few years ago.
Your chickens are so cute!! Unfortunately your fluffy black chicken is a rooster. He is a silkie. They are not very loud but do crow. If he is acting protective it tells you he is a roo. Not sure about the black/white one. You will have to see if he gets big tail feathers. Loved the coop!! Loved the video and your pros/cons about the coop.
I love the variety, so fun! We have two breeds and it’s so interesting seeing the difference in their personalities. We use sand too and I think it’s great!
Yes! When I decided to get chickens I had no idea if you had to get all of the same breed or if they’d be fine mixed and the breeder I got them from helped me decide based on egg color! So hopefully each one will lay a different colored egg and it’ll be so fun, I can’t wait! I’m happy to hear that you love the sand too. It’s just so so easy to clean!
I’m new also to chicken keeping. I bought the Producer’s Pride Guardian. It also says for up to 14 chickens. Hahaha! I got it for the 8 I thought I had. Well, minus 3 roosters, I have 5. Perfect size! I just assembled it today with my daughter. Tomorrow I’ll be putting the 1st of 2 coats of rubberized roofing coating on the coop floor. It should hold up to power washing much better than the plywood floor. I love hearing/reading about other peoples experiences, it’s very helpful.
With the cost of pasture raised organic eggs, your coop would pay itself off in 2 to 3 years, depending on how many eggs two people will eat in a week and how many eggs your chickens lay. If you ever wanted to sell it locally, then after a few years, you made a profit. If it contributes to your compost pile, then you saved money there or with the savings it will help pay for chicken feed costs.
Love your setup. We built our own coop and run. We used construction sand for the run and fine hemp bedding for the coop. We use 2x2 for the roosting bars and our girls really like that. It’s laid flat. Enjoy your girls. They’re so fun to raise.
They market every coop to hold more than it should actually hold. I started with a TSC coop, as well. They are good for starters. Now, I have a 8 x 8 shed turned coop.
I want to tell you how I fixed my roosting bar issue. I have a producers pride coop but I am not sure if you have the same size bar as mine. I shaved off the edges of the square so when I wrapped 1” rope around it and glued it with Gorilla hot glue it the corners would it be an issue, it wasn’t at all. I used a 1” hemp rope , I think it was labeled twisted Manila rope. It took me a while to glue down 1” rope, so that adds 2” full inches to the bars and their feet are flat and their toes curl around at the last joint on their toes, their bodies fully cover their toes when the settle. They have no issue with slipping. I read that they add rope over the bars when healing bumblefoot so I think this is a just as god as a natural tree limb which I used when I had our self made coop. I have 5 hens and I used 6:19 two bars and this is the first winter coming on the cold day I pulled one bar out so they can cuddle together I have a Villa coop that says it hold 12 chickens and there is room for at least 6-7 more hens. You said it was inhumane but I think you meant outside right? Because chicken like being squished I had to force them in the summer to spread out so they wouldn’t be so darn hot. 😂 I hope you decide to try to roosting bar, you can see photos of them on the bar and their feet if you want just ask. ❤ Oh the ramp. I got a few dowels and nailed down some extra rungs, they seem way more secure than the shingles I tried first. I have a blind hen though so maybe that is a factor
My coop was built to attach to a steel cage, also from TSC. I believe the materials was 500 or more, I can't say its cheaper unless you use the thin poultry wire because hardware cloth is also expensive for large rolls.. I bought 16 strait run chicks and the rooster content was 70% (9) with (5) hens, One perished and one is missing. Also picked up four hens from TSC and now have eighteen chickens. The boys and girls were separated and every morning run out of their protected pen into their extended run.. I'm building multiple pens to raise meat chickens and all the chicken squat waste will be used in a vegetable garden. The chickens feast on bugs, slugs and other natural forage. The rooster flock follow me around lol.. The pre-fab stuff is not made to last, but your cage will last many years.
Loved seeing your chicken setup! I hope your roo suspicions are incorrect, but if it does happen, I’m about 45 minutes west of Charlotte and my husband and I were talking about possibly getting a roo for our gals. I’ll be crossing fingers though!
Thank you for this great review. The dimensions show 128” long, we are working with limited space and would love to know how much extra space is needed to open the nesting box. I assume the 128” does not include this measurement. Thank you!
I’m coming in late to this video but the roosting bars should be round and a larger diameter. The last thing you want is a chicken with a scrape that causes a foot infection (bumble foot). You and your chickens will be much happier if you clean out the coop every 2 weeks. It will compost down quickly in the compost bin. Again, I’m sure you have figured this out already.
Aww, the chickens are so cute!! This was super fun to watch, I'd love to keep chickens but we have a lot of foxes where I live so I don't think it'd be super safe for them :/
They’re the cutest I love them so much!! (: you could maybe keep them as long as you have a larger run and just make sure it’s really predator proofed!
I’m holding out hope until they either crow or lay an egg 🤞🏼 they both are kinda showing rooster behavior though. But hopefully they’re just sassy hens 😂
I dont think you will wanna go with 4 inch flat. I find round to be more natural and they don't get poop on them . I go 3 inch round could go 4 inch round. Real branch is good cause of the thick ribbed bark is grippy for their claws and they kinda flatten off the top anyways. Those nest boxes could have a peice of wood to step over but really I think they should be raised a few inches oh well . With chickens its hard to be perfect you will understand this.
I would love to see you do another update soon! Now that you’ve had them for longer!
Switching out the twist locks with more secure hardware is smart. Thanks for the honest remarks on the coop. 🐔
I thought so too! I figured a 3 year old could probably twist those easily 😂 even if they can’t, I feel better knowing it’s more secure!
Do you guys feel like predators can squeeze through the roof rafters ? My husband bought me this one and I love it but I’m concerned about snakes coming in minks coming in through the roofline
Yes I love the chickens keep us updated!
I will :)
Just saw you over on Kevin's channel and had to subscribe. You made a wise decision with this beginner coop. It's small enough and manageable to relocate. I also thought 2 of my chickens were possible roos as well, but now I know that's not the case since they all lay. A little over a year into rearing them and so many of my anxieties and worries have disappeared. Best of Luck!
A 2x 4 to separate the nesting boxes from the rest of the coop would work best. Also would give a barrier for the deep litter method. Also small chips probably work better than the larger ones as it would break down and soak up better. I know the prefab market is enticing but also a little frustrating...for the price of this coop...I would think it would be better but maybe I just have higher expectations. I know price wise it makes sense to some but if you're going to mass manufacture something....small quality control measures would be more advantageous. I liked the review and felt it was a very honest review. It was definitely helpful.
LOVE the chicken content! I would love to see more! They are SO cute & your coup is adorbs!
Thank you!! I’m so in love with them. I totally understand chicken math now and how people end up with so many birds 😂
lol sorry for that little awkward silence moment in the beginning where I didn’t cut it properly 😂😅
Also, peep the chickens in the back trying to steal the show jumping to eat the sunflower 😂
I love the jumps! So sweet love to see them playing in the background!
I was new to chickens last March as well and bought a prefab from TSC as well. After almost 6 mos , I did decide to built a permanent, more solid coop and run with covered roof. I also went with sand in the run after not having it in the first coop! I completely agree, it is a bit rewarding to see the eggs and know your chickens are humanely treated and the source of your food! Great video! 😊
Thank you so much! Did your coop from TSC fall apart after 6 months or you just wanted to upgrade? Also- love the sand so much. It’s a game changer!
@@meggrowsplants The coop didn’t fall apart, but I had so many places where there were gaps on the side panels and roof. Chickens grow fast and I needed a coop for them since I also have a backyard flock. But after a little spring rain made me realized it wasn’t going to cut it for when winter came along. So I decided to make them a more sturdy coop and run, because I love my chickens that much. Never would have pictured myself being a chicken owner a few years ago.
Your chickens are so cute!! Unfortunately your fluffy black chicken is a rooster. He is a silkie. They are not very loud but do crow. If he is acting protective it tells you he is a roo. Not sure about the black/white one. You will have to see if he gets big tail feathers. Loved the coop!! Loved the video and your pros/cons about the coop.
I love the variety, so fun! We have two breeds and it’s so interesting seeing the difference in their personalities. We use sand too and I think it’s great!
Yes! When I decided to get chickens I had no idea if you had to get all of the same breed or if they’d be fine mixed and the breeder I got them from helped me decide based on egg color! So hopefully each one will lay a different colored egg and it’ll be so fun, I can’t wait! I’m happy to hear that you love the sand too. It’s just so so easy to clean!
I’m new also to chicken keeping. I bought the Producer’s Pride Guardian. It also says for up to 14 chickens. Hahaha! I got it for the 8 I thought I had. Well, minus 3 roosters, I have 5. Perfect size! I just assembled it today with my daughter. Tomorrow I’ll be putting the 1st of 2 coats of rubberized roofing coating on the coop floor. It should hold up to power washing much better than the plywood floor. I love hearing/reading about other peoples experiences, it’s very helpful.
With the cost of pasture raised organic eggs, your coop would pay itself off in 2 to 3 years, depending on how many eggs two people will eat in a week and how many eggs your chickens lay. If you ever wanted to sell it locally, then after a few years, you made a profit. If it contributes to your compost pile, then you saved money there or with the savings it will help pay for chicken feed costs.
Love your setup. We built our own coop and run. We used construction sand for the run and fine hemp bedding for the coop. We use 2x2 for the roosting bars and our girls really like that. It’s laid flat. Enjoy your girls. They’re so fun to raise.
They market every coop to hold more than it should actually hold. I started with a TSC coop, as well. They are good for starters. Now, I have a 8 x 8 shed turned coop.
Great video! I am gonna get some more chickens this Spring, and can't wait!!
Thank you so much! I also may be getting some chicks this spring. Shhh 🤫
I just purchased this same coop for $600. I'm beyond happy.
I want to tell you how I fixed my roosting bar issue. I have a producers pride coop but I am not sure if you have the same size bar as mine.
I shaved off the edges of the square so when I wrapped 1” rope around it and glued it with Gorilla hot glue it the corners would it be an issue, it wasn’t at all. I used a 1” hemp rope , I think it was labeled twisted Manila rope. It took me a while to glue down 1” rope, so that adds 2” full inches to the bars and their feet are flat and their toes curl around at the last joint on their toes, their bodies fully cover their toes when the settle. They have no issue with slipping. I read that they add rope over the bars when healing bumblefoot so I think this is a just as god as a natural tree limb which I used when I had our self made coop.
I have 5 hens and I used 6:19 two bars and this is the first winter coming on the cold day I pulled one bar out so they can cuddle together I have a Villa coop that says it hold 12 chickens and there is room for at least 6-7 more hens. You said it was inhumane but I think you meant outside right? Because chicken like being squished I had to force them in the summer to spread out so they wouldn’t be so darn hot. 😂
I hope you decide to try to roosting bar, you can see photos of them on the bar and their feet if you want just ask. ❤
Oh the ramp. I got a few dowels and nailed down some extra rungs, they seem way more secure than the shingles I tried first. I have a blind hen though so maybe that is a factor
My coop was built to attach to a steel cage, also from TSC. I believe the materials was 500 or more, I can't say its cheaper unless you use the thin poultry wire because hardware cloth is also expensive for large rolls.. I bought 16 strait run chicks and the rooster content was 70% (9) with (5) hens, One perished and one is missing. Also picked up four hens from TSC and now have eighteen chickens. The boys and girls were separated and every morning run out of their protected pen into their extended run.. I'm building multiple pens to raise meat chickens and all the chicken squat waste will be used in a vegetable garden. The chickens feast on bugs, slugs and other natural forage. The rooster flock follow me around lol.. The pre-fab stuff is not made to last, but your cage will last many years.
Loved seeing your chicken setup! I hope your roo suspicions are incorrect, but if it does happen, I’m about 45 minutes west of Charlotte and my husband and I were talking about possibly getting a roo for our gals. I’ll be crossing fingers though!
Thank you!! And ooo I will keep that in mind!!! Send me a message on insta so I’ll know where to contact you!
Thank you for this great review. The dimensions show 128” long, we are working with limited space and would love to know how much extra space is needed to open the nesting box. I assume the 128” does not include this measurement. Thank you!
Looks like a solid beginners build 👍
I’m coming in late to this video but the roosting bars should be round and a larger diameter. The last thing you want is a chicken with a scrape that causes a foot infection (bumble foot).
You and your chickens will be much happier if you clean out the coop every 2 weeks. It will compost down quickly in the compost bin.
Again, I’m sure you have figured this out already.
Thanks for the intro to chicken coops!
Aww, the chickens are so cute!! This was super fun to watch, I'd love to keep chickens but we have a lot of foxes where I live so I don't think it'd be super safe for them :/
They’re the cutest I love them so much!! (: you could maybe keep them as long as you have a larger run and just make sure it’s really predator proofed!
I would like to know where did you purchase your chicken pooper scooper? I like the long handle on it.
They're so so cute!!! Fingers crossed that they're all hens!
I’m holding out hope until they either crow or lay an egg 🤞🏼 they both are kinda showing rooster behavior though. But hopefully they’re just sassy hens 😂
Greaat video, I love your set up!
So helpful! How old were they when you got them?
My left ear has left the chat lol
Can you give me the exact dimensions of this coop? Tractor supply gives a range so I am a bit confused and want to make sure this fits!
Just screw a 2x4 on top of the existing roosting bar
Yes, I think that’s what I’m going to do! I think they’d like that a lot better
This is what we did with this coop
I would switch out the roosts to be 2 by 4s , especially because you have a dark brahmas. The bars that come with your coop is going to be too small.
My goodness. Your beautiful
your chickens are so cute!!
Mine didn’t hold up well one year later.
I dont think you will wanna go with 4 inch flat. I find round to be more natural and they don't get poop on them . I go 3 inch round could go 4 inch round. Real branch is good cause of the thick ribbed bark is grippy for their claws and they kinda flatten off the top anyways.
Those nest boxes could have a peice of wood to step over but really I think they should be raised a few inches oh well . With chickens its hard to be perfect you will understand this.