First Coop Build

[Deepinblue]

how deep does the wire mesh/hardware cloth go? do you have a floor or is it a dirt floor? unless the wire mesh goes down into the ground some predators and feed thieving scavengers will dig under it. I had rats dig under mine about 8 inches below the ground and steal feed/eggs.

Dirt floor wire doesn't go but afew inches in. If I drive wood spikes into the ground a foot deep and 8 or so inches a part would that stop digging?

 

[Compost King]

It might stop it. I am sure you will figure it out fine as long as you it can be issue. It costs a bit but next time I have a dirt floor coop I am using Hardware cloth/wire mesh as a floor I may even install it in my existing coops where I had the rat problems

 

[Compost King]

Oh yeah, I like the coop... vents up top on the A frames sides might be a good idea.

 

[Deepinblue]

It might stop it. I am sure you will figure it out fine as long as you it can be issue. It costs a bit but next time I have a dirt floor coop I am using Hardware cloth/wire mesh as a floor I may even install it in my existing coops where I had the rat problems

Hmmm making the floor wire mesh could easily be done on this coop. That might be the best option. Thanks for the idea.

 

[gimmie birdies]

Wow the forehead on that coop!

 

[Compost King]

It lets the worms for chickens to eat and keep the rats out. I tend to turn my dirt floor coops into compost heaps full of worms for chickens to find. But after Hurricane Florence flooded those coops I had a few issues that destroyed my set up.

 

[Chullicken]

Vents seem to be the number one concern I will be addressing. I do not have a mark up I literally went to lowes with something in mind and made it up. I didn't want to run off of drawings because I plan on making each coop unique on the property.

Very cool, really want to build this shape and style with a woodsy feel to it. Can't ever seem to find a simple drawing or plans for such an endeavor. Need to be able to attach a run to it though, I don't free range anymore just not worth the loss of chickens.

 

[cmom]

Cute. Beware of predators when free ranging. Likely your birds will be discovered. I have pens/runs for all of my coops. I do let them free range when I'm out working around the coops. I have had Bald Eagles, Hawks, Coyotes, Fox, Bobcat, Coons, Possums and Owls at one time or another. I now have electric wire around my coops and pens, concrete under the gates and heavy duty netting covering all of the pens. I have several game cameras around on my property and most nights I see at least one predator on a camera. Most of the predators here prowl around at night. Good luck and have fun...
A fox last night.

 

[cmom]

Coyotes

 

[cmom]

Coyote at the grow-out coop and pen.