ASD Dad
Chirping
Hello - we're in the process of finishing off converting part of a new garden shed into a coop. First time chicken owners...
They will have 40 sq feet for 6 birds with large double doors opening out into an enclosed run. Run is simply cattle panels for walls with chicken wire attached to keep smaller critters out. The coop back wall that separates it from the rest of the shed is wood with 1/2" hardware cloth.
Wife had the idea of just using one of those magnetic screen doors for the main door out to the run. She said we can close off the double doors if we really need to keep them in but didnt think it would be necessary most of the time.
I personally think that is a bad idea. I think we need another framed wall where the doors are that would also be screened with 1/2" hardware cloth and have a simple door to get access into the coop that is also screened with same cloth. With both doors closed the only ventilation is a 12" x 12" window and a upper vent. I cant keep the second set of doors open since I keep my tools and mower in there.
I was thinking we can keep the coop outside solid doors open 90% of the time and just close them up in the winter or if a bad storm rolls in like today where rain is blowing sideways. Rest of the time they can stay open with the second screened door keeping them inside.
Main predator besides neighbors dog and maybe our dogs would be hawks. Very rarely see coyotes, havent seen a raccoon, possom or fox. We do have copperheads among other various non-venomous snakes but they are also rare. Lots of hawks though!
Her main reason for not having a full framed wall up front was simple cleaning. No bottom board means we can just sweep everything straight out the door with nothing in the way. She also likes to keep things very simple.
Thoughts?
They will have 40 sq feet for 6 birds with large double doors opening out into an enclosed run. Run is simply cattle panels for walls with chicken wire attached to keep smaller critters out. The coop back wall that separates it from the rest of the shed is wood with 1/2" hardware cloth.
Wife had the idea of just using one of those magnetic screen doors for the main door out to the run. She said we can close off the double doors if we really need to keep them in but didnt think it would be necessary most of the time.
I personally think that is a bad idea. I think we need another framed wall where the doors are that would also be screened with 1/2" hardware cloth and have a simple door to get access into the coop that is also screened with same cloth. With both doors closed the only ventilation is a 12" x 12" window and a upper vent. I cant keep the second set of doors open since I keep my tools and mower in there.
I was thinking we can keep the coop outside solid doors open 90% of the time and just close them up in the winter or if a bad storm rolls in like today where rain is blowing sideways. Rest of the time they can stay open with the second screened door keeping them inside.
Main predator besides neighbors dog and maybe our dogs would be hawks. Very rarely see coyotes, havent seen a raccoon, possom or fox. We do have copperheads among other various non-venomous snakes but they are also rare. Lots of hawks though!
Her main reason for not having a full framed wall up front was simple cleaning. No bottom board means we can just sweep everything straight out the door with nothing in the way. She also likes to keep things very simple.
Thoughts?