Building coop with hardware mesh floor

[ajscuba]

Started my coop and I am using a shipping crate we had around the office. Basically cut out the bottom sections and will cover all openings with hardware mesh. Question is: will the girls be able to 'scratch' with the hardware mesh directly on the ground. I am guessing this is how the tractor coops are done and it is not a problem but I wanted to throw it out there.

Coop will be on the ground, not on the pallet shown.

Here are a few pics. More to come once finished.

 

[fiberart57]

I love the idea of using found materials, but the crate may be a bit too small.

More experienced builders can chime in, but you need more ventilation at the top section of the coop.

How many chickens are you planning to have?

Perhaps it's the pictures, but that's not much room for scratching around.

I tend to prefer more room for the birds, not the minimum.

Good luck, Mary

 

[ajscuba]

Crate is 52" long by 36" wide by 52" tall. Will be 30" under and 24" inside for roost and nest boxes (2). This will be for 3 hens. I will also be doing a 30"x30"x8' run attached to the coop. We are going to try to 'free range' in the yard during the day.

 

[ajscuba]

I forgot to mention I would be cutting holes for ventilation. Gets really hot here in Austin !-)