First time hen owner :)

[Dayrel]

Wow!!! Well yes apparently I should have researched better before doing all of that work. Geeesh. I really focused on the importance of the coop being secure and didn't pay enough attention to the run. It's on my list now to reinforce/replace. Thanks so much for the heads up.

Have a suggestion for you if you are up for it. Take a bunch of pictures of your coop and run, create a thread and invite suggestions. Unfortunately, it is harder to retro-fit a setup than to build it initially, but you will likely get multiple good ideas that you can use. My first setup has been pretty good, but I've definitely learned enough here that when it is time to rebuild, I will present the design here before building.

 

[aart]

So here I thought I made a great and secure pen, but I guess I need to reconsider it. Our run is fully framed out and screened, including the ceiling and the coop is wood and fully secure with a locking door and I have been locking them in at night. For now it will have to stay as is because we spent a ton of money and time building what we currently have. In the near future I will make it a point to rip out the fencing and redo it with something stronger. Thanks for the feedback.

You can just add some heavier mesh over the chicken wire if you want.