I am getting 3 bantam hens in june and need to make a small coop and run for them. Does anyone have any ideas or links? Thanks in advance

-- kevin dwyer (dwyerkg@yahoo.com), May 02, 2002

Answers

In my experience, it is best to use old 2x4"s and make a frame like a two dimesional squre then staple the poultry wire on it. I then nail the four squares that I made together and then staple wire on top for a owl proof lid. Barrels and 5 gallon buckets are great for shelter and egg laying.

-- julie (jbritt@ceva.net), May 02, 2002.

How about just a couple of wire cages on the ground and move them daily and cover at night. Even an old dog house or the barrels with wire around them would work until you could build a better chicken coop. ( Is that like building a better mouse trap LOL) Chickens aren't fussy. I think it is us that want a fancy coop. Could even keep them in your barn or garage in a cage until you are ready for them in the coop. Good Luck !!

-- Helena, (windyacs@npacc.net), May 02, 2002.

I used woven wire and pvc pipe until I could get a shelter up. When it rained I put an old sheet of plywood on top and toward the windward side.

-- Terri (hooperterri@prodigy.net), May 02, 2002.

Not sure what you have in mind for a coop? Something mobile or stationary? The movable pen is a great idea, especially for warmer climates or summer. Depending on the size of the bantams one of the larger wire rabbit cages would work with the small (bottom) side up so they can peck through the larger holes. You could easily wire up shelter (plywood, metal roofing etc) on part of the top and sides.

What we do is use welded wire (we have a lot around anyway) and cut four pieces and the tie a tarp over the top and down one side. The one draw back is they need to be weighted because if the wind comes up they lift off like a giant kite LOL.

Good luck.

-- Trisha-MN (coldguinea@netscape.net), May 02, 2002.

Ask around for a dog house someone is giving away. My chicken coop is a kids playhouse 8'x8' on legs that was given to me.

-- Emil in TN (eprisco@usit.net), May 02, 2002.

If really out of pocket change, talk to the animal shelter. They sometimes have cages and houses that you could have or borrow. 3 bantams take very little space. A rabbit cage will work for a little while, though not for the long haul.

-- Bonnie in indiana (queqid@att.net), May 02, 2002.

You could always stack a few hay bales and put a roof over it; you'd be amazed at how long it will stand on it's own without protection, and it's superb insulation!

-- Cj (sheep@katahdins.net), May 02, 2002.