Hardware for Plastic Playhouse Coop?

[scarlethand]

I am trying to convert plastic playhouse to coop. The walls are hollow. Do I screw from the interior with screws or should I go all the way through to the exterior with the screw? Or should I use bolts? Do screws hold into the plastic well? What have others done? Can raccoons push on the hardware cloth and push the screws out?

 

[nuthatched]

How many chickens are you thinking on keeping in here?
If you have a raccoon problem, I wouldn't keep chickens in that , personaly, I wouldn't keep chickens in it at all because the price and work that it would take making it secure and appropriate for chickens, you could build a nice coop.
but if you do, yes, use long screws that go all the way through with flat plates (those really long ones they sell next to the re bar and bars) and bolts.

 

[scarlethand]

How many chickens are you thinking on keeping in here?
If you have a raccoon problem, I wouldn't keep chickens in that , personaly, I wouldn't keep chickens in it at all because the price and work that it would take making it secure and appropriate for chickens, you could build a nice coop.
but if you do, yes, use long screws that go all the way through with flat plates (those really long ones they sell next to the re bar and bars) and bolts.

I have two right now. I am weary of building a wooden coop it rains here a lot at times and my last one rotted. I think i will use the long screws like you suggest

 

[nuthatched]

I have two right now. I am weary of building a wooden coop it rains here a lot at times and my last one rotted. I think i will use the long screws like you suggest

That makes sense.
Ok, wrap these bars with hardware cloth twice and then attach them with long bolts with washers or a small punched plate. a flat plate. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbil...-Flat-Bar-with-1-16-in-Thick-802077/204225774
A good rule of thumb is If a six year old can get in, a coon can get it also, if there's a gap you can get your fist in, they can likely get in. I'd put it up on blocks and drill some holes in the floor to combat the wet.

 

[scarlethand]

That makes sense.
Ok, wrap these bars with hardware cloth twice and then attach them with long bolts with washers or a small punched plate. a flat plate. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbil...-Flat-Bar-with-1-16-in-Thick-802077/204225774
A good rule of thumb is If a six year old can get in, a coon can get it also, if there's a gap you can get your fist in, they can likely get in. I'd put it up on blocks and drill some holes in the floor to combat the wet.

I like this idea with the bars. I think i will do what you suggest! Thanks!!! Very helpful!

 

[aart]

I am weary of building a wooden coop it rains here a lot at times and my last one rotted.

I doubt that playhouse will keep the birds dry.....no roof overhang.

Yes, a wooden coop without a proper roof for protection will rot.

 

[scarlethand]

I doubt that playhouse will keep the birds dry.....no roof overhang.

Yes, a wooden coop withtut a proper roof for protection will rot.

I am thinking of putting some sort of flashing to keep rain out

 

[ChickMama23]

I converted this $20 playhouse into coop for my 4 hens , I used what I already had , some chicken wire screwed from inside to close windows . I ripped off the wire from the front over a year ago to make it tighter and I never got around to replacing . Only predators here are hawks and owls so this has worked very well for us. Extremely easy to clean, I imagine with more than 4 hens it could get smelly but I find it’s extremely ventilated so it’s not an issue for me. Hope this helps . My nesting boxes are across the yard, a few empty chlorine buckets easy peasy

 

[scarlethand]

I converted this $20 playhouse into coop for my 4 hens , I used what I already had , some chicken wire screwed from inside to close windows . I ripped off the wire from the front over a year ago to make it tighter and I never got around to replacing . Only predators here are hawks and owls so this has worked very well for us. Extremely easy to clean, I imagine with more than 4 hens it could get smelly but I find it’s extremely ventilated so it’s not an issue for me. Hope this helps . My nesting boxes are across the yard, a few empty chlorine buckets easy peasyView attachment 2594993

That looks great! Does rain ever seem to be an iasue?

 

[ChickMama23]

That looks great! Does rain ever seem to be an iasue?

Thank you! I actually just spray painted it a few days ago

as far as rain, no, there is a little overhang I suppose. If it’s super windy, I simply lift the roof and slide a trash bag to block . The plastic house had water inside some of the hollow walls so we just drilled on the bottom and it comes right out .
Forgot to mention, I used screws with washers to hold chicken wire to plastic and did not drill thru both layers of plastic and has help up well for me. My toddlers push against the wire constantly.
Ventilation is so great, there’s virtually zero smell inside, the roosting bar is above a plastic table and it’s super easy for me to scrape off maybe once every few months .