Convert this to run?

[WildTurkeyDoctors]

I’ve got a new flock of seven 5 week old pullets that are in a 32 sq ft temporary tractor mobile coop / run now and need to figure out permanent set up fast. I’d like to convert this area off my garage to a run with a built in coop. It’s open to the East, South and West - metal roof. It’s 11x17, big enough for a car to park under, but would need to sink a couple posts next to garage I figure to avoid damaging the siding of garage I guess. Thoughts? If I close this off should it be adequate for a flock of seven and get enough sun light you think with metal roof? It’s filter shaded on the west side by some cedar trees. Never had chickens before....

 

[Bigbluefrog]

That should be adequate for 7 chickens.
I have an 8 feet by 12 run and 6 by 7 foot coop. I used hardware cloth with heavy duty metal 1/2 inch opening and very strong.

 

[WildTurkeyDoctors]

That should be adequate for 7 chickens.
I have an 8 feet by 12 run and 6 by 7 foot coop. I used hardware cloth with heavy duty metal 1/2 inch opening and very strong.

Thanks! It has some kind of fabricated board for flooring that the previous owner put there. I figure I can leave there and just add sand and or some kind of mulch/ organic compost on top for run? Like I said....new to this!

 

[rosemarythyme]

What's under that flooring, do you know? I'd only be concerned if the litter on top started breaking down those boards, without knowing what they're made of.

Otherwise it's a decent space to work with.

 

[WildTurkeyDoctors]

Hmm. Will inspect closer. They look pretty indestructible. Thanks.

 

[SteveE]

Unsolicited roofing comment... Maybe you know all about that area where the two roofs connect, but if you're new to the place.... I'd watch for leaf dams or piled snow allowing water damage under the shingles and fascia.

 

[WildTurkeyDoctors]

Unsolicited roofing comment... Maybe you know all about that area where the two roofs connect, but if you're new to the place.... I'd watch for leaf dams or piled snow allowing water damage under the shingles and fascia.

I’ll take all the advise I can get! We’re in Austin, Texas so no snow here! There’s some kind of flashing that extends into and under the garage shingles from the top of this metal roof. I figure I will preserve the integrity of what’s already built here and just add what I can later subtract like if we were going to sell.

 

[WildTurkeyDoctors]

What's under that flooring, do you know? I'd only be concerned if the litter on top started breaking down those boards, without knowing what they're made of.

Otherwise it's a decent space to work with.

Whatever this is! Whatever it is under these boards, it’s not concrete. No idea. Lol

 

[aart]

View attachment 2118751Whatever this is! Whatever it is under these boards, it’s not concrete. No idea. Lol

That's plastic lumber, made from recycled milk jugs(maybe).
Not concrete under the ends of boards?
I'd go all around the edge of that 'deck', look for any signs that something might have dug underneath.

 

[Bigbluefrog]

Yes, I buried hard wire cloth under all the perimeters. So nothing can dig inside. And enclosed all gaps with wood or wire. Even the door is snug.