Ok. I should’ve known better. But I was willing to believe the reviews for a relatively affordable coop. I didn’t want to build from scratch and wanted an easy option. That backfired!
The pros All the parts were received, and it was pretty easy to put together - a second pair of hands and slow review of the directions really helped. It’s nice that it’s possible to walk in through the door, but unless you’re quite small you will be ducking. It does look like the photos. If you’re putting it inside of a fully roofed run or barn it’s probably fine. It is cute and looks nice. If where you live has a mild climate and few predators, it’s probably ok.
The cons This needs a lot of modification to be a secure and safe coop. It’s very flimsy and absolutely not winter-ready. I wish there had been interior photos, if you want your hens to roost inside of the coop itself you’ll need to add your own roosts and they’ll be crowded and pooping onto nesting boxes. The floors of the two nesting box sections are slatted with wide gaps.
I wish I had just built a coop from scratch. But I’m keeping this so here’s what I had to add to make it functional safe
- paint or clear coat - I did clear coat (the paint is thin and looks like primer)
- reinforce the wire mesh (it’s thin lightly stapled) in most sections I’m just doubling it and anchoring with screws washers. It’ll also need a mesh skirt for digging predators.
- add a 2x4 base so the thin wood feet don’t rot out in a season.
- additional locks and latches for all windows and doors (any raccoon could open what comes with)
- I took out the nesting dividers on one side so I can make a roost, it’ll still be snug (for 4 hens) but at least they’ll be inside.
- add a linoleum floor or any solid floor over the slats for easier cleaning and fewer drafts.
- add a door to the roost box so they’re more secure at night.
- replacing the roof panels, they’re floppy plastic and will def not keep out predators or weather well.
- because my girls won’t be free ranging, I’m also adding an attached run bc as-is this coop would not provide enough space at all.
For winter I’ll need to add sheet insulation and greenhouse panels - the roost box isn’t tall enough to realistically use the deep litter method so I’ll probably need to add a heating source even though I’m in a mild climate.
All in all, this coop will cost about 3x what I paid for it, but hopefully these additions mean the hens will survive.