Restoring our 1930's coop

After getting some great ideas looking at the coops posted on Backyard chickens, I started restoring my Gradfathers 1930's 5x10 Chicken coop that was rotting into the ground. I decided to put it up on an old trailer we had to make it into a portable Chicken Tractor. Best part yet to follow the spirt of how it was built during the Depression, I have been using almost all second hand lumber and materials that were laying around or left over from other projects. " I did break down and buy three sheets of OSB for the roof for $30, culled lumber at Lowe's for the deck for $12, and the siding on Craigslist for a $100. I think that the trim for the siding was my biggest expense setting me back about $200, but I think this restoration will last my family another lifetime or two.

I plan on using an old 8x16 dog kennel as an attached run but will I have to add chicken wire to the page fencing to make it more secure?

Looks good! Should make some happy chickens ... Is your Grandfather still around to appreciate your desire to continue what he started?

I'm not quite sure what you mean by:

Quote:
Chicken wire is not really ever gonna be secure ... welded wire is better, heavy duty hardware cloth if you got small critters like weasels or rats ...

My Grandfather passed away many years ago, but is still in my thoughts, fortunately I was able to buy the property and keep it in the family.

My question is for a daytime run is using an old dog kennel "page fence" with a roof secure enough for the chickens ?

Cityredneck said:

My Grandfather passed away many years ago, but is still in my thoughts, fortunately I was able to buy the property and keep it in the family.

My question is for a daytime run is using an old dog kennel "page fence" with a roof secure enough for the chickens ?

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Not sure what you mean by page fence? But, It's a good start. I would fortify it a bit further. Think about digging, climbing and flying predator deterrents. For example, on my run I will have either 1/2" or 1" or 1" x 2" (price and availability factors) welded wire buried 24" deep around outside of fence and extending 24" up the cyclone fence for the diggers. Then I will add electric wire low and high to keep the climbers off. Finally I am planning on covering the most vulnerable parts of the run with poultry wire or some other hawk, owl and eagle repelling cover. I'll add extensions to the cyclone fence to keep the deer out too.

Hope this gives you some ideas....the predators ARE there, and as soon as they see the CHICKEN BUFFET HERE signs and sounds, you WILL start having problems. Having experienced that heartbreak before, I don't wish it on anyone. Please consider these extra safeguards. Take a look at the "predators and pests" forums for a sampling of how fast things can go wrong if you're not prepared. Especially from Raccoons. I. hate. Raccoons. Yes, they are cute.....and just about the most vicious creature you'll find in nearly every back yard in this country. Lower 48 anyway.....

Nice coop rebuild. That is so cool that it was your grandfathers. Neat you were able to buy the property. I was able to buy the property next door to my grandparents farm. It makes it very special.

Edited to add I loved how you put the coop on wheels! Super!

Thanks for the advise, and the page fence is another name for chain link / I am planning on digging down at least 12" but maybe I'll go 24" if I can

Looks beautiful. Tell me you're gonna put an old style door like the original on it. I so love the look of an old door. They make me imagine they might be portals to a simpler (and better) time.

Cityredneck said:

Thanks for the advise, and the page fence is another name for chain link / I am planning on digging down at least 12" but maybe I'll go 24" if I can

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Going out 18-24" along the ground, or just an inch or so under it, is more effective and way easier than burying 12-24".
It's called an 'apron'.
Corner mesh is out of scale in this graphic, but don't forget the corners.

I know those are silhouettes of dogs, but every time you post that graphic I think it's black panthers trying to break into the chicken run.

TalkALittle said:

I know those are silhouettes of dogs, but every time you post that graphic I think it's black panthers trying to break into the chicken run.

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RRrrraaaooooWWRRRRR!!

aart said:

Going out 18-24" along the ground, or just an inch or so under it, is more effective and way easier than burying 12-24". It's called an 'apron'. Corner mesh is out of scale in this graphic, but don't forget the corners.

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Yes, sometimes it IS easier, but not always. It really depends on the specific location.