Chicken coop setup in Exeter
Professional chicken coop setup services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£160-£260
Typical Duration
3-5 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Chicken coop assembled from flat-pack, positioned properly, run secured and fox-proofed. Everything ready before your hens arrive.
Because that flat-pack isn't going to build itself
You've decided to keep chickens - brilliant. Fresh eggs, garden pest control, surprisingly good pets. But that coop arrived in a box with instructions that look like they were translated from Chinese by a robot, and you've got better things to do than spend your whole weekend swearing at allen keys.
I'll come and build it properly, position it sensibly, make sure it's fox-proof, and have everything ready for when your hens arrive.
What proper coop setup involves:
| 🏠 Coop Assembly | 🔒 Security | 📍 Positioning |
|---|---|---|
| Build from flat-pack instructions | Fox-proof mesh on run | Level base (slabs or frame) |
| Reinforce weak points | Buried dig barriers | Good drainage location |
| Seal gaps and weatherproof | Secure door latches | Morning sun, afternoon shade |
| Fit roosts and nest boxes | Check for squeeze gaps | Easy access for cleaning |
Typical chicken coop jobs
| Coop Type | What's Involved | Typical Time |
|---|---|---|
| Small ark (2-4 hens) | Assemble, position on slabs, basic security | 3 hrs |
| Medium coop with run (6-8 hens) | Full assembly, mesh securing, dig barriers | 4 hrs |
| Large walk-in coop | Complex assembly, extensive run work, base | 5 hrs |
Pricing Guide
| Setup Complexity | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Small ark or simple coop | 3 hrs | £160 |
| Medium coop with attached run | 4 hrs | £210 |
| Large walk-in coop or extensive run work | 5 hrs | £260 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Additional materials (slabs, mesh, timber base) quoted separately if needed.
💡 Pro tip: Book this before you collect your hens, not after they arrive. Trying to build coops while chickens wander about or keeping them in a cardboard box while I work isn't ideal. Also means I can advise on bedding, feeders, and setup before they're there.
Why Choose Us for Chicken coop setup in Exeter?
Complete assembly from flat-pack
Positioned level and secure
Run made fox-proof and escape-proof
Ready before your chickens arrive
What to Expect
Step 1: Site assessment and prep
I'll check where you want the coop positioned, make sure drainage is okay, and see if we need a base (slabs or timber frame). If the ground's boggy or very uneven, I'll advise the best approach before starting assembly.
Step 2: Assembly and security
Coop gets built following the instructions (and my experience of where they're usually wrong). I'll reinforce any weak points, fit proper weld mesh if the supplied stuff's inadequate, bury barriers around the run to stop foxes digging under, and make sure all latches are secure.
Step 3: Final setup and walkthrough
Everything gets checked - coop's weathertight, doors open smoothly, nest boxes are accessible, feeders are positioned sensibly. I'll show you how everything works, where to watch for wear, and how to fox-proof any extras you add later.
🔧 DIY Tips
Building your own coop:
Tools you'll need:
- Drill with screwdriver bits
- Spirit level
- Tape measure
- Saw (for cutting timber base if needed)
- Hammer
- Wire cutters (for mesh)
- Staple gun (for securing mesh)
Steps:
- Prepare base first - level paving slabs or build timber frame
- Lay out all coop parts and check against instructions
- Build in stages - base, walls, roof, then extras
- Don't fully tighten screws until each section's square
- Add extra screws to any joints that feel wobbly
- Secure run mesh properly, burying edges 12" down
- Test all doors and latches before adding hens
Common mistakes:
- Building on uneven ground - coop doors won't close properly
- Trusting the supplied fixings - always buy extra screws
- Not reinforcing weak points - they'll fail within weeks
- Using chicken wire instead of weld mesh - foxes tear through it
- Not burying mesh deep enough - foxes dig under
- Positioning in full sun all day - hens overheat
Pro tricks:
- Build the coop near where it'll sit, then move it - easier than building in situ
- Put mesh under the run as well as around it if foxes are about
- Add extra roofing felt to cheap coops - they leak
- Latches should be bolt-style, not just hooks - foxes can lift hooks
- Slope the coop slightly forwards so rain runs away from door
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
Multi-job discount: Often people want coops set up plus garden fox-proofing, fence repairs, or shed clearance to make room. I'll knock a bit off when combining jobs.
Old Devon gardens: Many properties around Exeter have uneven, sloping gardens and heavy clay soil that gets boggy. I'm used to working around this and can advise on positioning and drainage.
Fox reality check: Devon foxes are bold, clever, and persistent. Half-measures don't work. I'll make your setup properly secure, but if you're in a very rural area, expect foxes to test it regularly. Secure latches are essential.
Ongoing advice: Once your hens arrive, you might realize you need extras - additional perches, better ventilation, a pop hole with automatic door. I'm happy to come back and modify the setup as you learn what works.
Rescue hens: If you're taking battery rescue hens, they often need slightly different setups (low perches, easy access). Let me know when booking and I'll tailor the assembly accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's included in the chicken coop setup?
I'll assemble your flat-pack coop, position it on level ground (using paving slabs or timber base if needed), secure the run properly, make it fox-proof with proper mesh and dig barriers, fit any extras like feeders or perches, and make sure everything's weathertight and ready for hens.
My coop arrived in a massive flat-pack - are they hard to build?
The instructions are usually terrible and the fixings never quite match the diagrams. Plus they're heavy and awkward - definitely a two-person job. I've built enough of them to know the tricks and which bits to reinforce because the manufacturers skimped on screws.
How do you make it fox-proof?
Proper weld mesh (not chicken wire - foxes rip through it), buried barriers around the run perimeter to stop digging under, secure latches on all doors (foxes can open simple hooks), and checking for any gaps they could squeeze through. Devon foxes are bold and clever - half-measures don't work.
Where should I position my chicken coop?
Somewhere with morning sun but afternoon shade, good drainage (not a boggy patch), easy access for you to clean and collect eggs, and away from close neighbours if possible. I'll advise on the best spot in your garden based on what I see.
Do I need to provide a base or do you sort that too?
Tell me what surface you've got. If it's level paving or concrete, we're fine. If it's grass or mud, I'll recommend either paving slabs underneath or a timber base frame to keep it level and stop it rotting. I can supply and fit bases if needed.
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