Any advice on my coop? - in progress

[FeatheredFamily6]

Hi!

My 6 chicks go out this upcoming my weekend, finishing up the coop by Wednesday!

In the photo I built a chicken run attachment to my existing extra shed. It’s 12 feet by 8 feet I have 1/2 inch hardwire cloth surrounding the whole run than I will have 1/4 inch at the bottom and top of the run. I have PVC roofing I am attaching this week and a door which will also have 1/2 inch hardwire cloth. I still need to do the door to the run with a ramp. Plus roosting bars inside.

Couple of questions I have is:
- I haven’t done the nesting boxes yet. Do they need that right away at 7/8 weeks when they go in or can that be later?
- Where I live we have an issue with fisher cats and behind my property is conservation land so lots of animals. Any other recommendations on how to keep my coop predator proof?

Some of the photos don’t show all the hardwire cloth up and the last photo of the shed is from fall but wanted to show what the full shed looks like, incase people have any advice there.

Thank you!!!

 

[ChickyCh00k]

The shed is a nice big space!

You won't need the nest boxes accessible for another few weeks.

How big is the run? The shed is big enough for chicken math, but the run might not be. Suggested minimum run space is 10 sq. ft. per bird (more is always better, especially if they're going to be confined to that space with no free range time).

Looks like the shed could use more windows and ventilation. Is the window on the front the only one?

You'll probably want to consider burying hardware cloth 12" - 18" into the ground (or make a hardware cloth "skirt" that extends out from the bottom) around the outside perimeter of the run to deter any digging predators.

 

[FeatheredFamily6]

The shed is a nice big space!

You won't need the nest boxes accessible for another few weeks.

How big is the run? The shed is big enough for chicken math, but the run might not be. Suggested minimum run space is 10 sq. ft. per bird (more is always better, especially if they're going to be confined to that space with no free range time).

Looks like the shed could use more windows and ventilation. Is the window on the front the only one?

You'll probably want to consider burying hardware cloth 12" - 18" into the ground (or make a hardware cloth "skirt" that extends out from the bottom) around the outside perimeter of the run to deter any digging predators.

Okay great!

The run is 12ft by 8ft so 96 square feet.

For the shed that is the only window but there are three vents with hardwire cloth - you can see one of them in the photos. Maybe I should make another window?

Okay awesome! I was going to try and make a skirt but not sure how I should attach hardwire cloth together?

Thank you!!!

 

[Auntiejessi3]

For the shed that is the only window but there are three vents with hardwire cloth - you can see one of them in the photos. Maybe I should make another window?

You will definitely need more ventilation, maybe you can open up the eves and cover them with hardware cloth.

Okay awesome! I was going to try and make a skirt but not sure how I should attach hardwire cloth together?

Screws with washers will make fastening the 2 pieces together easy. Screw it to the bottom board of your run, then either go out "18 or straight down in the ground with it.

 

[aart]

You will definitely need more ventilation, maybe you can open up the eves and cover them with hardware cloth.

Ditto Dat!!

Where I live

The roof on the run look flat, no slope?
Will you add a solid roof?

Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[rosemarythyme]

I agree it would be better to apron the HWC out and not have it under the run, as chickens love to dig and can hurt themselves on the wire unless it's very well buried.

Nest boxes can go in later, like 14-15 weeks or so, so no rush on that.

Yes to more ventilation, depending on your climate you want to aim for around 1 sq ft per bird in moderate climates, upwards of 2-3 sq ft per in hot climates.

 

[FeatheredFamily6]

You will definitely need more ventilation, maybe you can open up the eves and cover them with hardware cloth.

Screws with washers will make fastening the 2 pieces together easy. Screw it to the bottom board of your run, then either go out "18 or straight down in the ground with it.

Great ideas! Awesome thank you!

 

[FeatheredFamily6]

Ditto Dat!!


The roof on the run look flat, no slope?
Will you add a solid roof?

Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!
View attachment 3865270

When building the structure I forgot to have one side higher so there would be a slope. So I picked up some more wood and going to add a couple pieces to one side so one side I’ll be higher than the other. Do you think that is fine?

Thank you I didn’t know I could add my location, all set!

 

[FeatheredFamily6]

I agree it would be better to apron the HWC out and not have it under the run, as chickens love to dig and can hurt themselves on the wire unless it's very well buried.

Nest boxes can go in later, like 14-15 weeks or so, so no rush on that.

Yes to more ventilation, depending on your climate you want to aim for around 1 sq ft per bird in moderate climates, upwards of 2-3 sq ft per in hot climates.

Good point! Can’t believe I didn’t think about the chickens digging! Is an apron better or vertically under ground wrapped around?

I am in Massachusetts. It gets pretty cold here in winters so just worried about that.

Thank you!

 

[aart]

When building the structure I forgot to have one side higher so there would be a slope. So I picked up some more wood and going to add a couple pieces to one side so one side I’ll be higher than the other. Do you think that is fine?

Thank you I didn’t know I could add my location, all set!

Just make sure the framing under the roof sheathing is good and strong so the snow load won't collapse.

Are the soffit's on the roof overhang open?