Best coop designs for Dallas area weather/ predators

[Elmcnam]

We’ve lived in Oregon for the past five years, but my husband recently was offered a position in the Plano area. Having grown up in NE Texas, I’m somewhat familiar with the area. So just this past evening I’ve gone through a bout of insomnia, and one of my minds many tangents of anxiety went to coop design and predators. We haven’t bought yet, but we’re hoping to get an acre or two with a close commute for my hubby to work and DFW. I hope to keep a flock of around twenty to thirty. Knowing the Texas heat, I’m guessing this coop will need to be airy and shaded, but then what’s the best way to keep out all the various predators? How bout nest boxes? Three wall design for actual coop roost area? I’ll probably have a run attached of some sort. Here’s my current coop:

 

[Shadrach]

Hello Elmcnam.
Welcome to BYC.
Check out the coop pages in the article section.

 

[Melky]

Agreed lots of fun in coop pages for ideas.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/

 

[igorsMistress]

Hello and Welcome to BYC.

Good luck with your search for property! Not sure what predators would be in that area. Hawks, owls and coyotes to be sure. Do you have any knowledge of what else might be out there?

I like the 3 walled design myself. We live in Phoenix so heat is an issue here, hawks and owls our primary predators but opossums and raccoons are possible. Our coop is walled with 1/2" hwc on the front. We have the option of closing off the front with wood panels when it's cold, but can leave them off most of the year.

 

[Elmcnam]

Hello and Welcome to BYC.

Good luck with your search for property! Not sure what predators would be in that area. Hawks, owls and coyotes to be sure. Do you have any knowledge of what else might be out there?

I like the 3 walled design myself. We live in Phoenix so heat is an issue here, hawks and owls our primary predators but opossums and raccoons are possible. Our coop is walled with 1/2" hwc on the front. We have the option of closing off the front with wood panels when it's cold, but can leave them off most of the year.

I like the idea of being able to close off in cold weather. Owls, hawks, coyotes, coons for sure.

 

[OhZark Biddies]

These pics come from a recent discussion ( see link below) but I think something like this open air concept could work for that area

Maybe with some sliding barn doors to close it off if needed:

Source:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/openish-coop-in-a-mild-climate.1290698/