Finally done with my coop & run

[KawaiiTori]

Took me about 3 months to build on weekends (and working around PNW rainy weather) by myself. I still need to build the run door - but so close to being done! I used mostly recycled materials - minus the run lumber, roofing and hardware cloth. I have an 18” hardware cloth skirt under the pavers and I plan on putting a clear roof over the run before the winter rain hits. My girls (6 weeks old) are figuring out the ramp (I added wood chips to the run after the photo was taken). I based my coop in plans I found from Ana-white’s website for a William Sanoma knock-off coop, but I wanted to make it larger to fit up to 6 chickens. Overall I’m very happy with how it turned out, so far my girls are too!!

 

[littlecoopnextdoor]

Maybe you could add more hardware cloth to the predator apron so it extends out longer?

 

[KawaiiTori]

That's an awesome coop! What breeds are your girls?

Thank you! 2 barred, 2 EE - though I’m starting to think the white one might be a rooster, unfortunately.

 

[rosemarythyme]

The hardware cloth apron extends beyond the pavers about 6” and is a single length run on each side. The pavers are on top of the hardware cloth. The pavers are just keeping the wood from sitting against the ground and getting mud splashed up since it’s very rainy here near Seattle.

Oh I get keeping the wood out of the rain soaked ground (hence why my coop is elevated), but a paver + 6" apron won't offer the same type of predator protection as the full 18" without paver would. Sounds wacky I know. Any apron is still preferable than no apron of course.

 

[KawaiiTori]

Doors are done now! 3 doors added: tall door for cleanout, top door for feeding without letting the chicks out, and then the top and bottom door can open as one to let them out to free range when they get big enough. I'm very happy it turned out so well (and very happy it's finally done!)

 

[littlecoopnextdoor]

nice work!

 

[Ilovemychicks08]

Took me about 3 months to build on weekends (and working around PNW rainy weather) by myself. I still need to build the run door - but so close to being done! I used mostly recycled materials - minus the run lumber, roofing and hardware cloth. I have an 18” hardware cloth skirt under the pavers and I plan on putting a clear roof over the run before the winter rain hits. My girls (6 weeks old) are figuring out the ramp (I added wood chips to the run after the photo was taken). I based my coop in plans I found from Ana-white’s website for a William Sanoma knock-off coop, but I wanted to make it larger to fit up to 6 chickens. Overall I’m very happy with how it turned out, so far my girls are too!! View attachment 3076829View attachment 3076831

Maybe put hardware cloth around the bottom where the pavers are just to add extra predator protection. Your coop is really nice though. And your chicks ar super cute.

 

[KawaiiTori]

One recommendation: remove the pavers from the apron. Use landscape staples to secure it to the ground. By having pavers on them, you're shortening the effective width of coverage, as a digging predator/pest will back up to start digging at the paver, not at the edge of the run as intended.

Edit: I just realized, the pavers under the run edge? So they're not really removable then... hmm...

The hardware cloth apron extends beyond the pavers about 6” and is a single length run on each side. The pavers are on top of the hardware cloth. The pavers are just keeping the wood from sitting against the ground and getting mud splashed up since it’s very rainy here near Seattle.

 

[littlecoopnextdoor]

oooh that's the perfect door style for my run I'm building. thank you for sharing!

 

[KawaiiTori]

Nice job! I love DIY, recycled, creative coop builders! In 20years I've actually ordered one cheap pre-fab for a brooder inside my huge coop that started out the same size as yours in Maple Valley! The thing about chicken math, you'll likely double and triple the size as the years go by. But it's fun and right now you get to relax and enjoy your hard work, Congrats!

Thank you - I built for up to 6 because it’s all I’m allowed in the city. Eventually they’ll be allowed to free range my backyard, but I gotta fix a few spots in the fence first.