Best protection from small predators

[Diane2018]

Thank you will check it out

 

[jthornton]

Ditto what @Folly's place Mary said, return that doll house and build one. That is much too small for a chicken coop.

JT

 

[Latestarter]

First, Greetings and welcome to BYC! So glad you joined us. There's a wealth of info, knowledge and experience shared in the multitude of threads. Browse around and see what interesting stuff you can find. By all means post away when the desire strikes you, especially if you have questions (provide as much detail/info as possible and pictures truly help)... With all the great folks here, generally someone will respond in no time at all. Please make yourself at home!

I'm sorry, but I have to agree with @Folly's place as well. It could be even worse depending on how many birds you are getting. The site advertises that it will hold 5-7 birds. This is utter nonsense. Look at the picture they display. They only have 4 birds in there and if they were all on the ground, it would be very crowded! Inside those 4 would be packed like sardines.

According to the dimensions provided on their site (~71.36" x ~41" OUTSIDE measure) the actual inside coop portion would measure ~ 8.25 square feet (~3'deep by 2.8' wide). Since a LF bird requires 4 square feet per bird, the most birds this coop should hold would be 2, 3 MAX (bantams). Less if you'll have food/water, etc inside taking up floor space. And since they have multiple roost bars (not required), and nest boxes internal, you lose even more space.

In addition, a LF bird should really have 10 square feet per bird of run space. This entire coop/run set up has ~16.5 square feet (3' deep by 5.5' wide) so the run would only be adequate for 1.6 or 2 birds. That doesn't consider food and water containers if you have those in the run vice inside the coop portion. You said you were getting the run extension, so that would add an additional 10.02 square feet of run space or 1 more bird. So the entire run would be satisfactory for 3 birds.

If you have the ability, please cancel your order of this cage and consider buying a garden shed (8'x10' or so) and convert it into a chicken coop for your birds.Here's just one example and you can get many ideas from the coops section here on site.

Outsunny Metal 8.5 'x 5' Outdoor Garden Storage Shed with Firewood Storage
Sale$488.69
Today: $542.99
https://www.overstock.com/Home-Gard...O6XJSYPNE6A&searchidx=0&keywords=&refinement=
With over 40 square feet, this would be comfortable for up to 10 birds. You could add a large vent area up under the overhang and put a pop door down at the bottom. You could then connect your run around that overhang and give your birds a nice large "yard area" to play in, inside a fenced enclosure.

 

[CannedMonster]

We’re ordering the Starplate Building System from Stromberg’s HAtchery.
It’s a geodesic dome shaped structure and depending on the size of boards you use (no larger than 9 feet) you can build a structure up to 140 square feet.
The instructions show how to make different sizes depending on your needs.
We’re going to do the 110 sq. ft. one but there’s many different variations that can be achieved with this system.

 

[CannedMonster]

 

[Diane2018]

Ditto what @Folly's place Mary said, return that doll house and build one. That is much too small for a chicken coop.

JT

Thank you for you information

 

[Chullicken]

These small rodents are more of an issue in regard to spreading disease and parasites vs. physical danger. Its a lot easier to not get rodents opposed to what to do once you do get them. As mentioned above 1/2" minimum hardware cloth is your first step, second would be to elevate your brooder and even coop. Lastly for the major aspects, manage your feed storage and waste. A lot of people think of mice, rats, chipmunks etc..the elusive mole/shrew is usually forgotten in most conversations I read on here. They are attracted to spilt feed and treats under ground and dig up into your run. If you are not familiar with them, a sure tell sign is you'll look in your run and see a series of pilot holes every few inches apart through out. So a solid, consistent maintenance program really plays well into this. To include a set up so you can minimize food waste. Its good hygiene and will save you money in the long run. Raising chicks is so rewarding and they'll just keep you wanting more and more.

As for the coop..A lot of pre fab structures around with differentiating price tags which would be a great option for you starting out if you are not planning on building one. If you do build one, a very simple shed roof/salt box structure is an easy peasy way to create a nice coop for about the same money as a prefab coop kit. There is a lot of cheerleaders for the Wood's open-air coop designs on here, they're neat and work for a lot of people. Just having a chunk of wood for a building doesn't really appeal to me so I like to design my own. Windows, doors etc. can be challenging. Really if you are using recycled material for anything the irritation and complicity to make things 'work' can be con-fuddling. The real cost comes in the form of hardware cloth which isn't cheap..I almost find it down right overly priced for really what it is. But, it works and keeps things out and importantly keeps things in. Also a lot of hidden cost with hardware like hinges, washers, etc. I can say I took building them as a hobby and I had a few years of carpentry experience, it brings a lot of satisfaction when completed and I feel really makes you enjoy the hobby a lot more. I'm also fortunate in my area to have a few woodchucks that build solid wood coops to order or base models. The price can give you a little midnight heartburn, but you know it will probably be around longer than any of us on this forum. Good luck with everything!

 

[Diane2018]

These small rodents are more of an issue in regard to spreading disease and parasites vs. physical danger. Its a lot easier to not get rodents opposed to what to do once you do get them. As mentioned above 1/2" minimum hardware cloth is your first step, second would be to elevate your brooder and even coop. Lastly for the major aspects, manage your feed storage and waste. A lot of people think of mice, rats, chipmunks etc..the elusive mole/shrew is usually forgotten in most conversations I read on here. They are attracted to spilt feed and treats under ground and dig up into your run. If you are not familiar with them, a sure tell sign is you'll look in your run and see a series of pilot holes every few inches apart through out. So a solid, consistent maintenance program really plays well into this. To include a set up so you can minimize food waste. Its good hygiene and will save you money in the long run. Raising chicks is so rewarding and they'll just keep you wanting more and more.

As for the coop..A lot of pre fab structures around with differentiating price tags which would be a great option for you starting out if you are not planning on building one. If you do build one, a very simple shed roof/salt box structure is an easy peasy way to create a nice coop for about the same money as a prefab coop kit. There is a lot of cheerleaders for the Wood's open-air coop designs on here, they're neat and work for a lot of people. Just having a chunk of wood for a building doesn't really appeal to me so I like to design my own. Windows, doors etc. can be challenging. Really if you are using recycled material for anything the irritation and complicity to make things 'work' can be con-fuddling. The real cost comes in the form of hardware cloth which isn't cheap..I almost find it down right overly priced for really what it is. But, it works and keeps things out and importantly keeps things in. Also a lot of hidden cost with hardware like hinges, washers, etc. I can say I took building them as a hobby and I had a few years of carpentry experience, it brings a lot of satisfaction when completed and I feel really makes you enjoy the hobby a lot more. I'm also fortunate in my area to have a few woodchucks that build solid wood coops to order or base models. The price can give you a little midnight heartburn, but you know it will probably be around longer than any of us on this forum. Good luck with everything!

Thank you for all the information it helps

 

[Chullicken]

Thank you for all the information it helps

Issue is you get a bunch of chicken people talking and we don't cluck up! =)

 

[Diane2018]

Issue is you get a bunch of chicken people talking and we don't cluck up! =)

Cute