Tag: San Tan Valley Coops

What Beginners Should Know Before Buying A Chicken Coop

Learn From My Mistakes, Don’t Cut Corners

Let’s get into the honest, practical nitty-gritty of the biggest mistake I made when I started a backyard flock, and that’s the actual coop setup. Most of us (including me) start with something affordable and minimal, trusting the manufacturer’s idea of what “proper housing” is for six chickens. But here’s the honest truth: those coops are always way too small, cheaply built, and a nightmare to keep clean. I learned this the hard way, through multiple costly upgrades and the hassle of modifying existing set-ups.
So what is the right coop? This is an example of a good start for 6 chickens, and if your flock grows it can easily be modified by attaching a covered run.

Let’s get real, six chickens almost never stay six. That’s just a fact. So either buy bigger than you think you need, or choose something you can modify as your flock grows. A covered, enclosed, predator-proof outdoor space isn’t just a luxury, it’s essential for the safety of your flock and to keep harmony among the flock.
Crowded housing is a recipe for trouble. I didn’t understand the pecking order at first, and I quickly learned how harsh it can be for timid hens at the bottom.
Tip: What really helped reduce social bullying was providing multiple drinkers, feeders, and nest boxes so everyone had equal access.
Another option for choosing the right coop is researching companies that build coops to your exact specifications. That’s what I eventually did, and although a bit spendy, it was absolutely worth it. Of course, if you’re handy, building your own coop can be a fun and rewarding project.
There’s no hurry, take your time, be creative, and most importantly, enjoy the process. Half the fun of keeping chickens is enjoying the entire experience, start to finish. Don’t be delusional, there is no finish, chicken keeping is an endless work in progress! But it’s the fun kind.

Collection of Coop Designs

To help you choose a chicken coop, I’ve put together a Pinterest collection of Coop Designs and Set-up Ideas so you can research what works best for you.


About Custom Coop Builders

This is my custom chicken coop. It was originally covered pens for 3 horses, but I had it fully enclosed with 2×4 framework, hardware cloth, and shade cloth added to the east and west sides. The project was done by San Tan Valley Coops, and although they’re based in Arizona, they also work outside the state. You can contact them for more information about shipping. They can build any coop, in any size, exactly the way you want it.

TBN Ranch

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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

Side View

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. 🙂

San Tan Valley Coops
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