Dog House

[nikijack]

Hello: I built a beautiful dog house, 300 pounds, 300 dollars. 4' by 4' by 4'. I'm having serious trouble keeping my hens alive in my big coop. Do you think I could house two hens in this dog house, night time only, with a good door with hardware cloth? JackView attachment 1829931 View attachment 1829932

 

[nikijack]

 

[kellyhubb]

Why are you having trouble keeping them alive? Here is good info on how to properly predator proof - http://www.poultrydvm.com/featured-infographic/tips-for-protecting-poultry-from-predators

 

[rosemarythyme]

Why are you having trouble keeping them alive?

I'm curious as to this as well. What are the hens dying from?

The dog house would need ventilation if you're planning to put chickens inside.

 

[nikijack]

Varmints, of course. I'm at my wit's end. How about a secure door, with hardware cloth? Is it too small?

 

[21hens-incharge]

Can you post a pic of your coop?
We might be able to brainstorm a fix for that.

The dog house is not to small but lacks ventilation and I am not convinced hardware cloth will keep out every predator.

What critter is killing your birds?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Varmints, of course. I'm at my wit's end. How about a secure door, with hardware cloth? Is it too small?

Well it's big enough for 2, but wondering why not figure out how to secure the existing coop, or is it too damaged to reinforce?

 

[nikijack]

Probably a different critter every time. The dog house has a front door. Do you think it needs windows? The current coop is a part of a large woodshed. I stupidly used chicken wire, and have to redo it with Hardware cloth. It would be hard to take pictures. I'll try, tomorrow. I've lost about 25 birds in 4 years.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Do you think it needs windows?

I would put in windows for both light and ventilation, or due to the fact that there's no roof overhang to speak of, maybe 2 12"x12" louvered vents across from each other, with hardware cloth underneath, as well as a solid glass or plexiglass window on a 3rd side. That would provide both light and air without compromising security.

 

[21hens-incharge]

It does not need Windows for night use.
It does need vents, that means cutting holes and securing with hardware cloth.
As to the door on the dog house I would keep that solid wood and make sure you can securely latch it.

Are you down to just 2 birds?