Fort Coop Knox!

[Johnhermes]

Well, new to backyard chickens , and this is my first post. My son wanted to get chickens, and we did that back in January. We built a coop, and incorporated that into a 20' x 20' shed that we had in the back of the property. We vastly underestimated the ferociousness of raccoons, and after 2 calm months in their coop/run, the raccoons finally got in and completely massacred our six chickens, looked liked a scene from dexter.

Anyhow, I am a graduate of the University of Florida School of Building Construction, and I will be ****** if I cannot build a coop that a coon cannot get in. We decided on an 8' x 8' walk in coop, inside the shed area. We also decided to dig and 8-10" trench all the way around the shed, and set the welded wire done into that trench. We then filled the trench full of concrete, just to make sure the coons could not dig under. We are started on construction, and things are moving along. We did just get 27 new chicks, so the heat is on. I got about a month to get this done.

 

[PBGGG]

Welcome to BYC, and congratulations on the new chickens! Hope the pen goes well for you!

 

[marktoo]

Welcome! Sorry about the first flock. Coop is looking good so far.

 

[Johnhermes]

We got lots of cleanup to do after we get the coop/run done, but until then, please excuse the mess. One thing my son found, was a 10 hole nesting box setup. After looking at it, and taking into account how much easier long term cleanup would be, and the fact I would not have to spend umpteen hours building a wood one, I went ahead and bought it. We can take this whole unit down, take it outside and hose it out.

 

[carl0209]

Wow!!! I think those coons are in trouble!.

 

[jetdog]

Boy what a great spot it will be super nice with such a big roof.

 

[petrel]

That is a great setup! Sorry to hear about your first flock.

I have no first hand knowledge of this, but I've read on this site that others have had determined predators tear through 1/2" mesh wire cloth. If yours is the heavy duty mail order stuff there may be no cause for concern. If it is the flimsy home center stuff, you may want to consider backing it up with heavier fence wire. I took that to heart and backed up my flimsy home center wire with heavy 2" X 4" mesh welded fencing.

Good luck with your build!

 

[Johnhermes]

The original setup was regular chicken wire, we learned our lesson there. The new setup is 1/2" heavy duty wire fabric. At the bottom, it is set in concrete to a depth of 8-10". I will have 2 lines of defense, the run is fully closed off, and then the coop inside the run will be all solid construction, frame and plywood. I will put ventilation in with the 1/2" wire fabric. I also plan on putting a "Poultry Butler" automatic coop door on the coop. I think will have a very secure setup.

 

[vehve]

For some reason i'm thinking of an Acme anvil, dynamite and the sound "Beep beep" when reading this... =)

 

[petrel]

The original setup was regular chicken wire, we learned our lesson there. The new setup is 1/2" heavy duty wire fabric. At the bottom, it is set in concrete to a depth of 6-8". I will have 2 lines of defense, the run is fully closed off, and then the coop inside the run will be all solid construction, frame and plywood. I will put ventilation in with the 1/2" wire fabric. I also plan on putting a "Poultry Butler" automatic coop door on the coop. I think will have a very secure setup.

Sounds Good.