Does a coop/run need to have solid walls?

[Cheekygreek]

We have a dog kennel that's covered that we want to use for chickens. My question is do we need to build a little house in it or can we just put the roost and nesting boxes right in there? We live in a mild climate, but it does get hot in summer. Very rarely freezes or snows. Substantial amount of rain. The top is completely covered with a roof but we will cover any openings with more fencing to keep predators out.I tried to upload a picture but it didn't work.

 

[dheltzel]

Solid walls server to stop drafts and rain, and also to block predators. As long as you've got that covered with your roof, fencing and mild climate, I don't see why solid walls would be needed.

I might buy some tarps to put up if you know a bad storm is coming.

 

[patti17340]

My first coop was a 6x8 dog kennel with 4 chickens. We took the back and built a box 4ft tall 18 inches wide and hinged lid. Cut a little door in it and put a trap 2ft high on the side of the pen to cut down wind. . Our kennel had a roof . I fell in love with chickens and got 20 more so they all got moved to bigger living quarters the next spring.

 

[RonC]

I've seen several where the coop was completely open on the south side. Mine has all four walls but thought about opening the south wall in the summer as it is hinged for cleaning the coop out anyways. Raised pigeons as a kid and their coop was open on one side. .