Coop questions

[tasymo]

Hello Folks!
I'm new to this forum and not yet a chicken owner, but I'm working on it! Here is a pic of the structure I am converting to a chicken coop. It's a 4'x4' childrens playhouse, all wood construction and very sturdy. I want to use deep litter, so will build a 4 to 6 inch deep "tray/base" for it to sit on (it doesn't have a floor). I will have lot's of questions as this project progresses, but to start with I'm wondering how to have a coop with good ventilation, but no drafts? I live in Michigan and have COLD winters. There is a 3/4" gap under the eaves, where the walls meet the roof. Should this be sealed or covered with hardware cloth? The window in the door will be covered with plexiglass, and one side window will have the nesting box(es) in front of it, with a flap door on the outside for easy access. The other window will be screened with wire and have another flap door. I'm really hoping to get lots of feedback and ideas for my little coop! Thanks! Kathy

 

[Robin L]

Welcome Kathy! Ive seen many of these types of coops here and believe they work great. I can not answer your questions but Im sure someone will.

 

[pepper1]

Be careful with open eves. Can predators like rats or mice get in? If so, they will devour your chicken food. Minks are predators and can get in very small spaces, too.

Your coop is very cute - and looks like it has plenty of ventilation. I suggest you close up your eves - and screen your windows with hardware cloth - then you'll be safe from predators and have plenty of ventilation. You can put up your glass windows in the winter for warmth.

Good luck to you

 

[sugarbush]

I just looked at that exact playhouse at lowes today and thought it would be a great chicken coop. It was on sale for $149.99. I build custom coops so am always looking for ideas when I am out and about.

I would hardware cloth the gap in the eve, even in cold weather the birds need to breath.

 

[dixiechick]

This is cool...gives me brainstorm...my kids have just about "graduated" from an old fort-swing/slide contraption. I might be able to put that on my "Honey-Do" list for conversion...still won't look as sweet as the converted playhouse!

Great idea!!