Can't afford hardware cloth!! What do we do?

[Scott H]

Something like this maybe? http://thecitychicken.com/newhenhouse2.jpg Our shed isn't exactly like this one but it's one that just uses a shed & no run.
or this? http://www.motherearthnews.com/~/me...ver Shed-to-Coop Conversion/backyard coop.jpg

You're in Alabama so the second conversion would be ideal. Easy too! Just remove the siding from two sides and replace with hardware cloth. Fixing up a building is almost always cheaper than starting from scratch. Maybe if you posted a picture of it so we can see what you're working with?
Not sure why you need to "keep an eye on them". So no baby monitor needed.

 

[Scott H]

This is really nice.....except for the chicken wire.

 

[ClovisMan]

Go check your local Lowe's hardware today. Some stores are deeply discounting their hardware cloth. Like 3 bucks for 10 foot rolls. That would be 30 dollars for 100 feet if they have any left. It's not every store but it doesn't hurt to look. Good luck!

 

[FDaniels]

Here are some pictures:

**If we don't go with the shed, this is where we originally planned on putting the coop & run; right up against our dog pen**

**another shot of right next to the dog pen**

**front of the shed**

**inside the shed: ceiling where it's destroyed from the back to the middle of the shed**

**floor: is collapsed from the back to the middle of the shed**

**shot of the outside of the shed where it's raised off the ground**

Do you think this shed is worth fixing or if we could fix it within our budget & still be able to implement what the chickens need? I measured the shed & it's about 10x10. We'd have to replace the roof, floor, back wall (noticed it when I was in there), the door and lay down some sort of vinyl tile or other/cheap floor to make it easier to clean. Or should we just knock out the back wall & replace it with hardware cloth/cheaper but strong wire? But if we did that I don't know how we'd keep the rain & wind from blowing into it? What do you guys think? Spend the $ on this or start from scratch & build something w/ osb, lumber and wire from scratch by the dog pen?

 

[Trefoil]

I would go with fixing up the shed. Make it secure and if you lock your birds in at night you won't have to worry quite so much about the run being 100% secure. Once you get the shed secure, you can add on the run and extras as you can afford them.

 

[Scott H]

+1.....See what happens when press board gets wet? Maybe just strip the roof and just use metal or plastic roofing sheets. Plywood floor and make a new door like the one I posted above. Cut some windows and cover with hardware cloth and it's a chicken coop! Well, a roost and nesting boxes, etc....

 

[FDaniels]

The shed is what we're thinking would be best. Would it be bad if it was a couple of wks or so before we could add a run? What do we do about them not being able to sratch and forage for bugs? Until we get a run built could we just toss some scratch down on the floor of the shed for them? To avoid the rest of the roof caving in we'll probably just replace the whole roof. But I think (3) 4x8 sheets of 7/16 osb should do it? as well as the floor & the back wall? What exactly would be the best way to add ventilation other than a couple of small windows? Should we cover the door with something to keep the rain from blowing in? Or could we sort of run a tarp off the roof of the building stretching out in front of the door and anchored to the ground w/ stakes? Sort of like a wind/rain protector? Like this: http://shelter-systems.com/gripclips/images/tarp-tent1.jpg but just picture it running from the roof down to the ground right in front of the door & only if it's raining/storming?

 

[Scott H]

Did you read my post?

 

[FDaniels]

No I have. I think I overlooked it. If we did remove two sides (which 2 do you think would be best?) how would we protect it from rain & wind? Especially rain? It would blow right in & that concerns me. Also I noticed a couple of ticks on me after walking through there so should I coat the area down in sevin dust?

 

[FDaniels]

Meant to say "now I have" not "no I have." Forgot the W