Coop/run build questions

[Chickiechickieboomboom]

I'm researching and planning for a larger coop in the fall, and I'm in need of building advice! I'm in Massachusetts, currently have 4 hens but want to expand my flock. I had wanted 12 but I'm thinking of going with 8 instead. My current building plan is a 32 sq ft coop with 96 sq ft of attached run. It would all be enclosed with hardware cloth so they have access to the run at all times.

My current idea is to build a 4x8 elevated coop, about 3' high, surrounded by hardware cloth on the bottom as a shady run. This will be attached to a 4x16 full height run, which will be 8' high along the back 16', and 6' high along the front 16', with a sloped polycarbonate roof. There will be a 1' roof overhang on both back and front.

Question - I don't want to dig footings. How can I build this/anchor it so it won't fly away in a wind storm? It's in a pretty wind-sheltered area (kind of a cove). I've lived here 10 years and there hasn't been a major wind event, although it can get pretty windy in a storm (I've seen people's trampolines fly away with the right gust).

My plan was just to frame the run walls like I'm building a shed, but instead of walls, it'll have hardware cloth. I may add siding to the front 16' for snow/rain protection.

Also, can anything penetrate 1/2" hardware cloth (if I properly attach it with screws and washers, not staples)? I was going to do the floor with hardware cloth as well, instead of doing a skirt around the run, it seems easier to just run hardware cloth along the entire floor and attach it to the base.

Rough photo of my idea (the red part is the coop, blue is the run. but instead of putting the coop in the middle, I think I'll put it on the left so the run is all one area).

 

[aart]

4x8 elevated coop, about 3' high,

Even tho you are using the common 4/10 'rule of thumb',
that's tight space for 8 birds and especially for integrating.
Go bigger and taller.
For those nasty storm days and for better winter ventilation up high.

hardware cloth along the entire floor

Not a good idea, IMO. The skirt should be fine.
Good examples of anti-dig apron installation.
If rodents are prolific, burying the apron ~12" would be good.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/wire-around-coop.1110498/#post-17093528
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481208

Are you sure you want the coop and run so close to that deck?
Smell, dust, and noise could be issues.
Tho attaching it to deck would hold it in place, but not a great idea and might be difficult.
Having coop in middle would make it easier to a split coop and run for integration of new birds. Just some thoughts.

 

[ColoradoPip]

How can I build this/anchor it so it won't fly away in a wind storm?

- attach to your current posts and weight the heck out of the other end, also use stakes to attach it to the ground
- dig a whole and pour a caisson with bolts sticking up to attach posts ("easy" to replace posts)
- dig post hole (best option)

Also, can anything penetrate 1/2" hardware cloth (if I properly attach it with screws and washers, not staples)?

Mice, otherwise it works well, thought see aart's post.

 

[Chickiechickieboomboom]

Mice, otherwise it works well, thought see aart's post

Can mice get through 1/4" hardware cloth if I used that instead?

 

[Chickiechickieboomboom]

Not a good idea, IMO. The skirt should be fine.

I was wondering, why is it preferable to do a skirt of hardware cloth versus putting it on the whole floor of the run? I was planning on bringing in a truckload of wood chips for the run bedding, so they wouldn't be walking on the hardware cloth.

 

[Ted Brown]

I was wondering, why is it preferable to do a skirt of hardware cloth versus putting it on the whole floor of the run? I was planning on bringing in a truckload of wood chips for the run bedding, so they wouldn't be walking on the hardware cloth.

I believe the answer is that chickens will scratch and dig through whatever you put on top. Damage to feet may result. Not a problem if you use aprons, also less expense.

 

[aart]

I was wondering, why is it preferable to do a skirt of hardware cloth versus putting it on the whole floor of the run? I was planning on bringing in a truckload of wood chips for the run bedding, so they wouldn't be walking on the hardware cloth.

But they can dig down a good 8" or more.

I believe the answer is that chickens will scratch and dig through whatever you put on top. Damage to feet may result. Not a problem if you use aprons, also less expense.

Ditto Dat!!

 

[rosemarythyme]

I'm researching and planning for a larger coop in the fall, and I'm in need of building advice! I'm in Massachusetts, currently have 4 hens but want to expand my flock. I had wanted 12 but I'm thinking of going with 8 instead. My current building plan is a 32 sq ft coop with 96 sq ft of attached run. It would all be enclosed with hardware cloth so they have access to the run at all times.

If you have the budget for it, I'd build for 12. No reason to build smaller and then in a couple of years, have to rebuild to accommodate the bigger flock you wished you had. And aim above minimum recommended space - integration takes space, and the more space you can provide, the less likely you'll have aggression issues at integration and beyond that.

I'd also suggest going deeper than 4' wide. If you do have bullying or pecking order issues, that's too narrow for chickens to pass by one another without the lower ranked bird getting into the personal space of the higher ranked bird.

Even if you never end up with 12, the birds you do have will be happier and healthier with that extra space.

Also, can anything penetrate 1/2" hardware cloth (if I properly attach it with screws and washers, not staples)?

Can mice get through 1/4" hardware cloth if I used that instead?

Mice should be deterred by 1/4". However most 1/4" HWC is thinner wire, so that's a tradeoff.

Not to nitpick, but there's no fence that is 100% predator proof - very determined dogs can get through HWC and welded wire and even wood, bears can get through anything short of solid metal. However 1/2" HWC is "good enough" in most cases. Consider what predators/pests you're most likely to face, and build according to that.