We're building our first coop here in Texas! Our main concern is ventilation. So when it's finished DH has allowed for quite a few vents on the coop. It's an 8'x8' coop and an 8'x24' run. We used the 1'x1' stones all the way around as the base of the frame for several purposes. First, the stones was an easy way for us to make everything the size we wanted it to be; secondly, it gives the girls somewhere to scratch their talons on so they can keep them trimmed; thirdly, we don't really have to worry about predators because our dog, Elvis, is a great protector against predators and he's already used to the chicks! Our plan is to plant some vines and shrubs that are suitable for chickens to munch on on the outside of the run to help with shade and to make the coop/run esthetically pretty in the yard and give the girls some stuff to munch on through the fencing of the run.
