Coop from deck boards?

[lazy gardener]

How many birds? If I was building a coop, the absolute minimum size I'd build would be walk in, 4 x 8. That way, you can repurpose the building to a potting or tool shed if you ever decide that chickens are not your bag.

I would not use PT wood to close in the building.

 

[aart]

I think I would do hardware cloth around the bottom and for the door and for open bits on the coop.

Weasels and rats can climb, so...no, not so much.
IMO no openings larger than 1/2" on coop itself is the way to go.

14ga 1x2 cage mesh should be available at any decent farm store.
Amazon is the best(cheapest) place to get hardware cloth.

 

[Itcus]

How many birds? If I was building a coop, the absolute minimum size I'd build would be walk in, 4 x 8. That way, you can repurpose the building to a potting or tool shed if you ever decide that chickens are not your bag.

I would not use PT wood to close in the building.

4 chickens. A good idea to be able to repurpose, I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you.

 

[Itcus]

Weasels and rats can climb, so...no, not so much.
IMO no openings larger than 1/2" on coop itself is the way to go.

14ga 1x2 cage mesh should be available at any decent farm store.
Amazon is the best(cheapest) place to get hardware cloth.

I really want 1”x1” but have yet to find it. I did notice that amazon is best for the hardware cloth. The only predators that I have seen (we are in a neighborhood) are possum, raccoon, hawks and coyotes. We do have a fully fenced in backyard with 6ft privacy. But my dogs keep winding up with possums in their mouths from the back yard hence the fully covered chicken run plan!

 

[aart]

The only predators that I have seen (we are in a neighborhood) are possum, raccoon, hawks and coyotes.

Yeah, well, chicken feed can bring rodents around.

Would be good to add your location to your profile:

 

[Itcus]

Yeah, well, chicken feed can bring rodents around.

Would be good to add your location to your profile:
View attachment 1378337

Thanks for showing me how!

All my kitties are good at any rodents around but they won’t be able to get in the coop so I will definitely keep that in mind. Thank you.

 

[Michael Propst]

I really want 1”x1” but have yet to find it. I did notice that amazon is best for the hardware cloth. The only predators that I have seen (we are in a neighborhood) are possum, raccoon, hawks and coyotes. We do have a fully fenced in backyard with 6ft privacy. But my dogs keep winding up with possums in their mouths from the back yard hence the fully covered chicken run plan!

If you are getting the predators in the backyard that probably means they are digging under the fence if they are doing that they will most definitely dig under your run. Make sure you install a predator apron around your run. You can find many examples from YouTube