Hardware cloth under the whole coop?

[ChevalierNoir]

Hi all! First post here, but I don't plan on it being the last!

We are building a 8'x12' coop with an attached 12'x20' run.

Here's a link to the plans I bought

It won't be this pretty - especially because the site isn't perfectly level so there will be gaps on the lower side - but this is what the plan designer has on her website.

I'm just getting started on building the foundation and floor of the coop. I have concrete blocks spaced about every 4 feet around the coop (still have a little leveling to do) with PT 4x4's around the perimeter to serve as the foundation. The floor will be built directly on those 4x4s.


Here's my question. I plan on running the skirt of hardware cloth around the perimeter of the coop and run, but should I also attach it to the bottom of the coop before I build the floor? Asking now because I am almost ready to start that part of the build.

We have a lot of moles in the yard so tunnels likely already exist. Also the coop will be about 25 feet from the house if that matters. We're in West Michigan.

I'll post photos of the current state today after we get some daylight!

 

[perkolator]

I have moles, gophers, and voles in the yard and rats were using their tunnels to get in/out of the old coop setup every night. That was one reason I made a new coop, and decided to do under the floor in addition to the skirt. Many people advised me not to do it, but I ignored them and did it anyway, in a way that felt right to me. Seems to be effective, as I've definitely seen evidence of something trying to burrow up from the bottom several times.

I showed what I did in my coop build under my username, but generally my terrain is sloped and I used a "stepped" cinder block perimeter for the structure to sit on. I excavated dirt before laying the HC down, then filled it back and added enough wood chips and shavings to have that HC be an average of around 8" deep as a start, since I was doing deep dry bedding and would keep adding bedding materials over time.

Haven't personally had any issues with the chickens digging down to it and hurting their feet, but could see the potential if chickens are always confined to this space and the HC isn't buried deep enough. My chickens have a 2nd run now and don't dig in this run very much anymore.

As to your question about attaching the HC to the walls - I would. If you want it absolutely secure, fill in those last few inches as it would be a waste of effort to not do it the right way.

I know the pic isn't your coop (looks very AI and fake), but I would advise NOT to add rocks around the perimeter like that if you ever plan to let the chickens out for free-ranging. I initially added gravel over the top of my skirt just like that - took them one day to ruin it and spread rocks all through the grass.

 

[StinkyAcres]

If there will be a solid floor on top of the hardware cloth I don't see any reason not to do it.

By the way, I don't see nearly enough ventilation in that coop. Aim for 1 square foot per bird of ventilation open year round, all day, high above the roosts.

 

[ChevalierNoir]

If there will be a solid floor on top of the hardware cloth I don't see any reason not to do it.

By the way, I don't see nearly enough ventilation in that coop. Aim for 1 square foot per bird of ventilation open year round, all day, high above the roosts.

Yes, there will be a solid floor. I think I will attach HC to the foundation below the floor, just for added security.

I’ve attached where I’m at in the build right now, so I definitely still have time. The floor joists on top aren’t attached to anything yet.

 

[ChevalierNoir]

If there will be a solid floor on top of the hardware cloth I don't see any reason not to do it.

By the way, I don't see nearly enough ventilation in that coop. Aim for 1 square foot per bird of ventilation open year round, all day, high above the roosts.

Also, I will be adding ventilation to the top of the front and back walls, windows that can open on the side with the nesting boxes, and keeping all eaves open with a ridge vent on top.

 

[StinkyAcres]

Also, I will be adding ventilation to the top of the front and back walls, windows that can open on the side with the nesting boxes, and keeping all eaves open with a ridge vent on top.

Perfect!

 

[aart]

Yes, there will be a solid floor. I think I will attach HC to the foundation below the floor, just for added security.

Good place, not touching the ground or the floor.

and keeping all eaves open

Large 12-18" overhangs with fascia and open soffits works great for west michigan winters.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/aarts-coop-page.65912/