Reviews – TBN Ranch Chicken Keeping Resources

Seriously? Let’s Look at the Spendy AI Smart Coop by HatchingTime

First of all, I have no experience with this “Smart Coop,” so take that however you want. But I just left the website for this coop, and right off the bat I see issues. On top of the already SHOCKING price tag, be prepared to dig even deeper into your pockets if you think this coop is suitable for a new chicken keeper. I say “new” because any seasoned chicken keeper is laughing at this setup. Maybe as an extra coop, for quarantine, sick, or injured birds, but at that price? No.
Let’s Get to the Root of the Issues…
Unless it has a floor, which it isn’t described as having, it’s not at all predator or rodent proof, so plan on an additional expense there because predators don’t just exist at night, they are a threat at all times. The wire spacing is also too large, small predators can easily squeeze through it. And the size of this coop? The square footage is only really suitable for about 4 standard birds, or 5 bantams, and I’m being generous. The manufacturer claims 8 birds, that is true, but expect drama, bullying, and unhappy birds due to overcrowding.
If you can still see the possibilities in this coop, and for some people it might be a fit, that’s fair. But are you 100 percent comfortable trusting technology, especially AI in its early stages, to handle something as important as feeding, watering, safety, and relying on solar?
That’s a NO for me.
We all have our own opinions on the best way to enjoy our flocks, so if your interested, here’s the website for the AI Smart Coop by HatchingTime, because to be honest, only you know what fits your needs best. 🙂

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Perfect Sand Sifter for Chicken Coop Cleaning

If you use sand in your coop, here’s the best sifter on the market!

The Sand Dipper (Mid-Adjustable Model) has a long handle that can be adjusted from 34″ to 64″, making it easy to clean the coop. It’s lightweight, has a comfortable cork-rubber handle, and a stainless steel basket. The holes in the basket are the perfect size to let sand, including quarter-minus gravel fall through.
I have a couple of tiny Mille Fleur chickens among the flock, and this sifter works great for cleaning up their small droppings too. I couldn’t be happier with this purchase.
🙂 You’ll find the Sand Dipper on Amazon.

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Wow! TBN Ranch New Chicken Coop

After 15 years of raising chickens in numerous different coops, I finally went all out and had San Tan Valley Coops of Arizona build the chicken coop of my dreams.

2×4 Construction, 1/2 inch black hardware cloth. Builders: **San Tan Valley Coops**

Every chicken enthusiast understands that maintaining a chicken coop is an ongoing endeavor of constant upgrades. There’s always room for improvement, particularly when it comes to size, as coops never seem spacious enough to accommodate our flock that somehow keeps getting bigger. Concern about the safety from predators is always a concern, and aesthetically, there’s a never-ending desire to make a coop better. Owning and raising birds is only half the enjoyment; the other half lies in having a coop that is not only functional but also a comfortable place for us to do chicken chores.
The transformation of this build is by San Tan Valley Coops and without a doubt, it showcases impeccable craftsmanship. I must admit, maybe I indulged a bit this time, but I have no regrets. As the saying goes, “You get what you pay for,” and without a doubt, San Tan Valley Coops delivered pure quality.

Before & After

The Completed Coop
With Shade Cloth Installed for Protection from the Sun

The frame is 2×4 construction, heavy-grade 1/2-inch black hardware cloth, and two doors to make coop access easy. Door latches are high quality, and I’m confident the entire build is predator-proof. Coyotes, bobcats, and hawks are my problem here, but good luck, guys; getting into this coop is definitely not going to be worth the challenge. The building’s foundation is set on railroad ties secured in concrete and railroad spikes.
I have a 10×10 interior coop for the night, where there is a little more protection from the summer monsoons and infrequent seasonal wind. It doesn’t get cold here in the winter; temps seldom drop below 40. Although it hardly ever rains here, the barn roof is waterproof and has an ample overhang.
And, because I’m not crazy enough… I put cameras in the coop so I can check on my girls from the house. 🙂