Salutations
So I am picking up my three baby chicks on Monday (I am in Florida). A Buff Orpington, a Black Australorp and an Easter Egger
Super excited and have everything lined up for the brooder! Now I am diving deep into coop plans!
Maybe I am a bit paranoid about predators, but, I came up with an idea. We just purchased a property that already has a large open wire coop. The wire is not dug into the ground (which I may have to do, or at least set it on top of the ground and surround by plants, etc. Where all the edges meet at the wood frame, I am going to 'pretty up' by painting and adding exterior borders.
Here are some photos of the existing coop. It has a wooden deck floor. I guess that would also aid in keeping predators out? I am thinking of putting another one piece base on top of it, and having the edges go a bit higher around the perimeter so that floor material doesn't escape. Thinking about a sand base in at least part of it. And of course will add some kind of roof....




Now for my idea. I am thinking about getting this, painting it to my desired colours, and assembling it INSIDE the original coop

I'll have to do it in a way which looks right of course. We'll see if I have to make any modifications, but, I think it will be ok
I may also have to add more ventilation options for the Florida summers....perhaps cut a part out of the side of it and add the wire, and then keep the cut out to use as a door to close over during colder nights....
Not only may this work out as double protection against predators, but it would also allow me to not worry about leaving the coop door open at night or have me waking up too early every morning (I can be a night owl and am not so good in the mornings, ha ha!) as they can just walk out on their own into the mini run until I get up and let them into the main part. Yes I am that paranoid of predators! LOL!
So I kinda have to play around with the idea....not sure about how the wood part of the coop will look within the main wire area. I'm sure I'll figure it out when the time comes. If anyone has seen any photos of something similar or if you have any suggestions, let me know!
Also, for days when I am out in the yard (a lot of the time!) I am probably going to get something like this on wheels so that I can move it around

Anyhoo, will update as things progress. Photos to come up in the next couple of weeks
Cheers!

So I am picking up my three baby chicks on Monday (I am in Florida). A Buff Orpington, a Black Australorp and an Easter Egger

Maybe I am a bit paranoid about predators, but, I came up with an idea. We just purchased a property that already has a large open wire coop. The wire is not dug into the ground (which I may have to do, or at least set it on top of the ground and surround by plants, etc. Where all the edges meet at the wood frame, I am going to 'pretty up' by painting and adding exterior borders.
Here are some photos of the existing coop. It has a wooden deck floor. I guess that would also aid in keeping predators out? I am thinking of putting another one piece base on top of it, and having the edges go a bit higher around the perimeter so that floor material doesn't escape. Thinking about a sand base in at least part of it. And of course will add some kind of roof....
Now for my idea. I am thinking about getting this, painting it to my desired colours, and assembling it INSIDE the original coop
I'll have to do it in a way which looks right of course. We'll see if I have to make any modifications, but, I think it will be ok

Not only may this work out as double protection against predators, but it would also allow me to not worry about leaving the coop door open at night or have me waking up too early every morning (I can be a night owl and am not so good in the mornings, ha ha!) as they can just walk out on their own into the mini run until I get up and let them into the main part. Yes I am that paranoid of predators! LOL!
So I kinda have to play around with the idea....not sure about how the wood part of the coop will look within the main wire area. I'm sure I'll figure it out when the time comes. If anyone has seen any photos of something similar or if you have any suggestions, let me know!
Also, for days when I am out in the yard (a lot of the time!) I am probably going to get something like this on wheels so that I can move it around

Anyhoo, will update as things progress. Photos to come up in the next couple of weeks

Cheers!