After eight years, Luke Laha's homemade chicken coop was falling apart. Water had warped the scrap wood boards, and a broken automatic door left his Silkie chickens vulnerable to predators.

The Kansas farmer documented his rebuild on his YouTube channel, 5 Acre Farm, sourcing most supplies from Temu. He found predator-proofing materials, automated feeders and a jungle gym with swings — equipment that wasn't readily available in rural Kansas.

"I wish I had started with what I'm building today," he said.

Finding Affordable Equipment Online

A search for "chicken coop" on Temu showed dozens of options, from complete Paw Hut coop kits starting at $100 to individual accessories. The lower prices let Laha add automated systems he couldn't otherwise afford.

Security came first. He wrapped the entire run in hardware cloth and installed motion-activated solar lights on all sides to deter nighttime predators.

Automating Daily Maintenance

An automatic waterer with a float valve connects directly to a nearby hydrant, eliminating daily refills. A 60-pound Little Giant gravity feeder holds enough feed for two weeks.

For easier cleaning, Laha added a pull-out tray beneath the roosting bars and installed sliding windows with hardware cloth for ventilation.

Health and Extras

Separate dispensers supply grit for digestion and oyster shell calcium for stronger eggshells.

Laha also installed a "Fluffy Butt Hut" sign outside and a chicken jungle gym complete with swings. As he noted in the video, not everything in farming has to be practical — it's okay to be a little extra.