First time: dog pen turned coop

[TheAlrightyGina]

Honestly I'd probably just wall off a section of the pen for their coop. You could anchor some plywood to the vertical supports on two of the walls and the corner, use 2x4's to create a frame for the inner corner, floor, and top, and just cut the door and ventilation windows wherever would work best for you and the chickens. Maybe something for access to the nest boxes. You could even put it on stilts so they have access to the entire floor with the pen being so tall.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Honestly I'd probably just wall off a section of the pen for their coop. You could anchor some plywood to the vertical supports on two of the walls and the corner, use 2x4's to create a frame for the inner corner, floor, and top, and just cut the door and ventilation windows wherever would work best for you and the chickens. Maybe something for access to the nest boxes. You could even put it on stilts so they have access to the entire floor with the pen being so tall.

That's a great idea

 

[SegiDream]

Well if you build the coop inside the run you have to enter the run to access the coop or figure out some ways to work around that like an automatic door for the pop door or a cutout in the wire to access the nesting boxes. You can also do a three sided shelter with a roof if you fully secure the run. Or build a secure coop on the outside with the pop door opening into the run area. Would love to see pictures when you're done whatever you decide!

 

[janiedoe]

I agree with using a section of the run to build your coop as part of the structure. You will need to cover the entire thing with 1/2" hardware cloth to keep snakes and rodents out. You'll also have to frame in the door so that they can't get in that way.
Good luck with your build!

 

[Percheron chick]

Living in Ga, don't bother with a coop. That dog pen is all you need with a little bit of work. It will be spacious for 4-6 hens. Because it's on a concrete slab, you don't need an apron. Nothing can get past the slab. I would run at least 2' of hardware cloth around the lower part. Fill in the area below the peak of the roof with more hardware cloth. The fabric roof will be a security weak point. Remove it and build a wood or metal panel roof. For the "coop" put up 3 walls open to the front and top for maximum air flow. 10x4x4. Enough for 2 nest boxes, a roost and some protection from the 5:00 downpour. Raccoon will be your biggest threat. Don't leave any gaps that they can grab a chicken and try to pull her through the fence. Secure all the latches.

 

[TheAlrightyGina]

I’ll remove the top and add a roof (need help deciding the best way to do that).

Are you needing help figuring out how to remove the fabric roof or add a roof back on?

It looks like it's just on there with tie downs, should be easy enough to cut off if you can't pull them off. If that support on top is metal and well attached to the rest of the structure you could use pipe straps to attach your roofing (or its sheathing) to it.

 

[Lydiaclackum]

Are you needing help figuring out how to remove the fabric roof or add a roof back on?

It looks like it's just on there with tie downs, should be easy enough to cut off if you can't pull them off. If that support on top is metal and well attached to the rest of the structure you could use pipe straps to attach your roofing (or its sheathing) to it.

Thanks! It’s more of figuring out how to securely attach a roof that were puzzled about. Want it to be strong and secure.

 

[3KillerBs]

I’m in Georgia, United States.

Living in Ga, don't bother with a coop. That dog pen is all you need with a little bit of work.

This.

Here in the steamy southeastern US, our chickens don't need a fully-enclosed structure, just shelter from rain and a barrier on the side of the prevailing winds.

Check out the Open Air Coop concept.

 

[Percheron chick]

The canopy frame looks like lightweight tubing. If you think it's sturdy enough for the weight of the roof, I would drill holes for 1x4 boards. 3-4 should work. Bolt the boards to the tubing to give yourself something to screw the roofing to.
Your other option would be to remove the frame. Build a sloping roof, higher in the front to shed water away. A 2x6 (on edge) for the front, 2x4 for the middle support and a 2x2 for the back. Someone else can fill in the blanks. I gotta run.

 

[TheAlrightyGina]

Thanks! It’s more of figuring out how to securely attach a roof that were puzzled about. Want it to be strong and secure.

Makes sense. If the tubing looks strong enough to support what you want, I'd use some heavy duty pipe straps if you can find them (not that I've ever had a problem with the thin steel ones, but I suppose the stronger the better where roofing is involved) or as someone else said, drill holes to bolt down your boards.