[dub dub]

There seem to be so many to choose from, i'm not really sure what to get, any help would be appreciated. I don't really want to spend more than £200 for the house and ideally it would have a little run under it, I think.

Then I will build a larger cage over the top of it which I can walk into, so they will have more space in the day, until they are shut away at night.

I would like to set up with 3 chickens initially but progress to 6 or 8 within a year.


Any recommendations would be appreciated?

Ta

[Sassy]

You will not be able to buy a house that will last longer than 12-18months for 6-8chooks for £200. You could buy a garden shed and adapt it for that though. Or try to re-home a shed from Freecycle, even more cost effective.

[joyfull]

also do you want wooden or plastic?
If you want plastic then look on ebay, pre-loved etc.

[nerdle]

Chickens need lots of space.  Wooden coops are vulnerable to redmite and will need regular chemical protection. Keeping chickens is expensive to set up properly. You'll need to be fox proof as well (meldmesh 6' high and tunnel proof).

[barley]

I made my own from scrap boarding and off cuts , just paid for roofing material and tounge and groove to make  outside look tidy - cost hardly anything 

[grinling]

my wooden house is from ebay, but as it stays in a waterproof run it has had no probs even at 6 years old.
Run is made with wood stakes and chicken wire, metal roof came with the original chooks. base is concrete due to mole!!
Build the run area well as undoing it is a pain if an upgrade is required.

[dub dub]

Thanks for the replies

I'm  still torn between buying one, or making one.

I think I may buy one in the short term and build something more substantial over the summer, as we found some for sale today and are keen to get them.

 

[grinling]

make sure you have a secure run for them. secure to stop them getting out and fox/rat getting in before buying livestock.
Be sure about where you buy hens from as they might well have an illness which shows at home.