I have to run to the hardware store and look for strong metal. The neighbor came by to tell me she has a mama coon with 2 kits treed in her yard. I have 6 chickies in a (supposed to be temporary) hoop coop. I am thinking a mama coon could get in there if she was so inclined.
Heavy wire and some plywood for the end should do the trick.
I was not looking to keep the thing so I did not make it super sturdy. The surplus chickens were supposed to get sold at a bird swap but no one was buying.
That is why I am waiting on the shade. I too suffer from the heat beyond reason. It can be 75 degrees and I am miserable. Heat is one thing I will not play with. One place I worked thought it was a good idea to put roof mount swamp coolers inside and close the place up to keep dust out. It would be 9 am and 105 degrees with 90% or more humidity. I got very sick from it.