Does the Hen House need a front door?

[Jgrice]

I’m building a second small hen house for my enclosed and covered run, because my first isn’t big enough for six birds. Quick question: does the front of the hen house need to be enclosed, or can it be open? To clarify, it would have three walls and a roof and the front would be open.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Consider predators. How safe is it? I'd use a decent wire mesh.

How bad will rain blowing in affect it? What's the floor like? Will wet hurt it?

In Denton, you should be OK with it being open.

 

[Mamatomany123]

So, have it just opened up to the run? I've seen others do it. I would make sure the run is 1000% predator proof though. My run, to my knowledge, is predator proof but if anything were to ever get in at night I have the reassurance that my coop is definitely predator proof. I cant even break in without unscrewing things.

 

[aart]

Well, it needs a door so you can get in there

Here's a great new Texas coop:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/texas-coop-build-pic-heavy.1371038/#post-22557467
Don't need to go that big, but concept is good.

 

[Jgrice]

Well, it needs a door so you can get in there

Here's a great new Texas coop:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/texas-coop-build-pic-heavy.1371038/#post-22557467
Don't need to go that big, but concept is good.

That’s very similar to what I did! Just wayyy smaller. Like, 2.5 ft width by 3 ft length by 4 ft height. Just for a few hens.

 

[Jgrice]

Here is what I ended up. Would love anyone’s opinions!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Looks like it should work for your location.