Finished with coop, any more suggestions?

[Wickedchicki]

We just about finished our coop this evening. We just have half the sand to go and we're done. The flock is spending their first night in the new coop and run. I was told I don't need a coop door if the run is predator proof? I have cloth all around... We also put a gutter on the back of the roof, and lead it to the water barrel, which is hooked up to their PVC pipe with the nipples. The gutter and barrel both have filters so I'm hoping that was a good idea. Am I missing anything or does anyone have any suggestions? Since we're thinking we have a roo and two hens, we might be getting one or two more pullets this weekend. Still thinking of rehoming the cockerel. Thanks for the advice!

 

[cavemanrich]

Beautiful facilities.. You sort of have a coop within a coop. Are you going to let your chickens free range ??? And you do have your run secured. Only question, are snakes a concern at your location ??? If so, then you may want to close up the inner coop at night, when snakes are most active. Snakes don't need a large opening.
WISHING YOU BEST AND

 

[Wickedchicki]

Beautiful facilities.. You sort of have a coop within a coop.    Are you going to let your chickens free range ???   And you do have your run secured.    Only question,   are snakes a concern at your location ???    If so, then you may want to close up the inner coop at night, when snakes are most active.  Snakes don't need a large opening.
 WISHING YOU BEST AND 

Thank you! I let them out in a pen I move around the backyard everyday when I get home. When they are bigger I think they can have the whole yard to roam. Yes snakes are a concern here. We've had a couple we had to get rid of. I was wondering about having a door for the coop even if they're already closed tight in the run. I might still do that though thank you!

 

[Alaskan]

I worked hard to make sure that my run was predator proof..... And I do NOT close up the coop.

 

[cavemanrich]

I worked hard to make sure that my run was predator proof..... And I do NOT close up the coop.

You probably don't have a snake concern.

 

[Alaskan]

Nope.... No snakes.... However we do have tiny skinny little weasel things that can smush themselves through the smallest holes and then tear out the necks of all of your poultry in a single night (i have a friend that had that happen twice... She said the blood bath in the coop was traumatic).

 

[cavemanrich]

Nope.... No snakes.... However we do have tiny skinny little weasel things that can smush themselves through the smallest holes and then tear out the necks of all of your poultry in a single night (i have a friend that had that happen twice... She said the blood bath in the coop was traumatic).

In our general area, although not in my specific location. we have the equivalent.... minks. And they are protected, so trapping or hunting is limited. I don't do ether so not sure of the specifics. ( season, or bag limits. ) As well as license.

 

[Alaskan]

Yep, those are nasty.