coop started! with pics - UPDATED.. IT'S DONE@!!!!!

[buddymc]

Questions about the run. The coop is pretty much done.

Getting ready to build the run. I plan on 1 x2 or 1 x 1 welded wire for the side and buried in the ground. I also plan on 1/2 hardware cloth for the bottom 3 ft. I have tons of hawks, so know the top will need protecting. Can I use something cheaper like Tenax of deer netting or will racoons / opossum climb up the wire and break thru the top? Do racoons / opossum climb or just try and get thru the "walls" of the run??

 

[OregonChickie]

I've heard that you can use deer netting for the top, that if an animal can't climb on it, they won't for fear of falling. We have a very different design since we have lots of rainy and cold days here, our entire run is covered with clear fiberglass roofing panels. Under those, we stapled hardware cloth across the top to keep out the predators. Your coop is amazing by the way! I've been thinking I need to add some ladders to the roosting bars and like how you did yours.

 

[bobbi-j]

Awesome job!

 

[foxyk91]

Wow...Great job!!!

I'm sure your girls will love there new home.

 

[schellie69]

great job. Love the use of recycled materials.

 

[perchie.girl]

Quote:
Both racoons and opossums climb. And can chew through chicken wire. Id say anything plastic would be pretty easy to get through. The welded wire on top would keep them out... Or a solid roof. But if you lock your chickens in at night the deer net should be fine.

 

[tkvance]

beautiful job. looks great!

 

[minimezzo]

Gorgeous!

 

[buddymc]

Well - it's been a long exhausting month and a half, but the coop is done and now the run!! Now I can sit back and enjoy watching them. I wanted to say a big THANK YOU to everyone at BYC for all the advice, pictures of their coops, etc.

It's my first time raising chicks, building anything and I couldn't have done it without everyone on BYC!!

I still need to paint the outside of the coop, but I'm taking the summer to just enjoy it. Maybe I'll get around to it in the fall.. or who knows.. maybe next weekend!

I spent WAY MORE than I planned but I wanted it to look good, but I also saved money from recycling as much from an old shed. The 2 x 4 for all the interior framing, the tin for all the roof and more.

And now... drum roll please..... <drrrr...............>

My first coop and run!

 

[youngjedi32002]

I just love your coop and run! Brilliant and beautiful! It has given me great ideas for my next project! I love that you raised it high enough to have a walk-in run! I am just amazed!!!