For the coop part, to start, you might want to consider making some changes to what you currently have so that the entire structure functions as a coop, not a mini coop + mini run.Here's my situation and my procrastination excuse: I am very short on money right now and there is the possibility I will move within a year (taking the ladies with me!). I won't be able to build my dream $1,000+ fortress with run that I've dreamed of, but I think anything is better than what they have now. I want to expand the flock, but since I might be moving I am putting it off, though I am unsure if I should plan for additions with what I build.
I have three goals:
- A coop that is spacious and easy to clean for the ladies
- A coop/updated run that is as inexpensive as possible
- A covered run where I could leave them for a few days unattended, as by necessity, I am away a lot and currently pay a twice-daily chicken sitter (I've had issues with my automatic door) when I am away. I fixed the door this morning!
The good news is, I am handy and somewhat experienced in building/woodwork. I also have a fair amount of wood from a job-build I just finished and tons of hardware cloth.
This is a general copy/paste of suggestions, and your coop isn't quite the same as the type that I'd normally suggest this for (because the coop portion sits higher than the run portion), however if you have some wood working skills maybe it'll give you a few ideas on how to incorporate some of these ideas into your set up?
To turn it from 2 small "boxes" (tiny coop above tiny run) into 1 bigger "box" you'll want to remove as much of the inside coop wall as possible, plus the floor. Take out the old roosts too.
Nests might be able to stay as is, or may need to be relocated elsewhere or replaced - depends on the structure of the coop and how things inside stack up once done.
Run a new roost(s) lengthwise or widthwise across the newly open space, depending on how much roost is needed. Ideally you’d like 12” per bird but 10” can suffice in many cases.
Board up some of the external wire walls so that the roost area is protected from winds and rain. Do NOT fully cover up all the wire, you need ventilation and natural light, so at the very least a few inches under the roofline should remain open. If your climate allows for it, you can leave entire walls open with just the mesh, or make it convertible for the season by covering up open walls for winter, and then uncovering for summer.
Example of a modified prefab: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/my-renovated-prefab-coop.1440258/