Ware Economy Dog House

Comments about Ware Economy Dog House:

I've had this for 21/2 years (in the largest size) and I use it as a chicken coop. I've recently ordered a second one to stack under the first one to expand the space. It works well as a coop with a few modifications. I cut out holes in the front and sides and attached nest boxes, cut a hole in the other side that leads out to the run (I use a large chain-link dog kennel/run), and made a door for the front that I can use to access the coop. I put roost bars in and painted the outside in pretty colors. The chickens seem very happy with their coop.

Drawbacks would be that the wood tends to warp if exposed to the elements. I've had mine under my porch roof so that has been minimal for me. The screws need to be tightened periodically and one corner of mine has inexplicably become unfastened where it's supposed to be nailed together (by the manufacturer) but I'll just re-hammer this and shore it up so it's refastened. Luckily, my coop purposely sports a very distressed look so it won't matter if I have to put some dings in the paint job to do this.

All in all, it makes a great chicken coop for the following reasons.

* it has a sloping roof to shed off water/snow

* it is affordable - good as a permanent structure if given some protection from the elements or a temporary starter coop until you can afford a larger more complex structure. It would also work nicely as a brooder or a home to isolate a sick bird from the rest of the flock.

* it is sturdy and will protect your flock from predators when all the openings are properly covered with doors or hardware cloth

* it is small enough to set on a utility table so the coop is chest height and the chickens feel safe as though they are up high in a tree

I would say the largest size of this doghouse comfortably accommodates 4 standard-size chickens and 6-7 bantams. Make sure to use predator-proof locks on the doors - raccoons are very clever and will figure out how to open your fastenings if they aren't sturdy/complex enough.

Comments about Ware Economy Dog House:

This dog house isn't even worth the amount it costs. It truly is worthless and I am probably going to ask for a refund. It is a truly horribly shotty product. Perhaps it would work for a warm, dry climate, but anything outside of Arizona wouldn't be suitable for it

Comments about Ware Economy Dog House:

I have two very large bunnies. They live outside in a large, fenced covered area. I wanted a place for them to go inside and stay warm and draft free. This house has been perfect. It was easy to build and it is easy to clean. I bought a medium size one and it is very roomy. I expect it would be a very nice dog house as well.

Comments about Ware Economy Dog House:

I like that it does not sit directly on the ground. The pricing was economical.

Comments about Ware Economy Dog House:

These houses are LARGER/roomier than the measurements make them sound. Had to return one -- way too large for one dog or the other -- and kept the medium/large, since BOTH dogs fit in it. Very easy to assemble. Both dogs went inside immediately. Seems solid enough, although it hasn't gone through a downpour yet. I do plan to apply weather-resistant stain, just to make sure. Very nice looking design, and the dogs like to lie on the slant roof. The wood has been patched in places, and a corner was split when it arrived, but I have no problem with that; it's just right for these rugged dogs.