Height of coop

[cliffoco]

Building a coop and for now it's only for meat birds. The birds will almost always be in the run as I have limited free ranging opportunities, my question is how high I should get my hardware cloth 24 inches or 36?
thanks for the help

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! You can't overbuild when it comes to predator protection! Hardware cloth all the way, and maybe cattle panels or woven wire over that on the bottom. Mary I've raised meat birds in a movable hoop coop, although I wouldn't try it for year-round living; not safe enough, can't stand upright in it, and can't be moved in snow! Mary

 

[cliffoco]

Thank you for the reply, I already have a dedicated brooder which is 4x8 which will be for the first 4 weeks (how many max do you think I could fit in here?) Currently no run attached but I do let them out while I sit there for an hour or so when I have time.
Then they will be moved to a place with out electricity, and I was thinking of going 8x10 with a 4x8 area that is open face but closed sides and roof...or should I close the front and have a small door? That would be a total of 80 Sq ft between closed area and open area. How many could I fit in there? I think my limiting factor would be the 4x8 covered area as if it rains they will want coverage although I am putting behind a barn that blocks most wind and rain.
then finally do I do the run 24 inches tall or 36 which will decide how high to get my hardware cloth. Also it will have a hardware cloth roof for keeping birds in and predators out
thanks! Sorry if there is mistakes typed it on my phone!

 

[Folly's place]

If your roofed coop area is 32 sq. ft', you will have room for six or seven big birds, because they will be under cover in bad weather. In a warm climate (not Michigan) you can use a three sided coop, otherwise plan on a wall with a door and big window there. Birds need ventilation and security; that's the major issue to deal with when building the coop and run. Mine is all eight feet tall, so we can walk in for cleaning, etc. The short rabbit hutch type facilities don't work out well, IMO. Mary

 

[cliffoco]

This one would have no ground so for cleaning was thinking just move it around...I am in Ottawa Ontario so even further north. There would be no chickens in it come fall so not worried about the cold just the rain.
Was wishing I could fit way more in there but that makes sense