Help with predator proofing and which type of feeder/waterer in coop

[cren21]

Hi! We are figuring out how to best predator proof our coop. It is off the ground about 8 inches on one side and more on the other b/c of sloping ground (it is level). We have 15 chicks. .
We plan to add hardware cloth to the windows and our pen will be surrounded by hardware cloth. Mostly trying to figure out the skirting around the coop. I also would like input on type of feeder and waterer in our feed room which is approx. 3 ft x 6 ft. Thanks!

 

[rosemarythyme]

You can use screws over wood trim or screws and fender washers to attach HWC to the base of the coop and just flare it out as you would an apron for the run (mine flares inward but it's more to keep chickens out from underneath, as my coop is completely inside the run).

I know this wasn't the question but is there more ventilation that we aren't seeing other than those windows and the ridge vent?

As far as the "feed room" is the question about storing feed in there? Or is there a reason you want to have a separate area for feed instead of having it in the coop or in the run?

 

[fowltemptress]

Will you be adding ventilation? I can't see any in the pictures. There's some good articles on here about the importance of ventilation and how to ventilate coops properly.

I use screws and washers to attach hardware cloth to the bottom of my coops and bend it outward along the ground about two feet and cover it with a light layer of dirt.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Agreed, you need open-able windows on the side opposite the ones you showed us or it wil be an oven in there. Louvres will help keep rain out, and hwc will keep critters out.

I don't know where you are or what your weather is like but it looks like you are about to make the same mistake I did. I just set my coop on the ground on a couple of blocks and it gets WET here. The blocks sank, leaving my coop listing like a slowly sinking ship. One corner is deeper than the rest of the building, leaving the whole thing cattywumpus. This means the door won't shut tight, a disaster during ice storms.

I urge you to reconsider. Level the ground and tamp it flat. Rent a machine, I forget what it's called. Jumping jack, maybe? Then hire someone if you have to, to pour a concrete base to set the thing on. It will be worth what it costs. My coop is about 15 years old and is going literally "to rack and ruin."

You have too nice a building to let this happen.

 

[Intuit]

Hi! We are figuring out how to best predator proof our coop. It is off the ground about 8 inches on one side and more on the other b/c of sloping ground (it is level)View attachment 4145661View attachment 4145661View attachment 4145661View attachment 4145662View attachment 4145663View attachment 4145664View attachment 4145665.
We plan to add hardware cloth to the windows and our pen will be surrounded by hardware cloth. Mostly trying to figure out the skirting around the coop. I also would like input on type of feeder and waterer in our feed room which is approx. 3 ft x 6 ft. Thanks!

I personally like the Little Giant metal feeders and waterers. Made in the USA and come in several sizes

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Chickens don't eat or drink at night so if you get out there early to let them out, you really don't need a feeder or waterer in the coop. Can be best to lock up feed in a safe place like a well house or garage so you don't get mice, rats, roaches, etc., in the coop. And water in the coop can elevate humidity, leading to possible frostbite in winter. Just some things to think about.

 

[cren21]

You can use screws over wood trim or screws and fender washers to attach HWC to the base of the coop and just flare it out as you would an apron for the run (mine flares inward but it's more to keep chickens out from underneath, as my coop is completely inside the run).

View attachment 4145677

I know this wasn't the question but is there more ventilation that we aren't seeing other than those windows and the ridge vent?

As far as the "feed room" is the question about storing feed in there? Or is there a reason you want to have a separate area for feed instead of having it in the coop or in the run?

Hi! We are adding some ventilation to the upper part of the coop...drilling some holes and then covering with hc. I plan to feed them in the feed room. We talked about storage, but I like the idea of them having more room in the main coop. They will have access to the food and water. We have some tough winters, so I'm thinking of the space they will have will be appreciated (?).

 

[rosemarythyme]

Hi! We are adding some ventilation to the upper part of the coop...drilling some holes and then covering with hc.

Depending on how the soffits are set up, opening those up might be a better solution, as it provides a lot more climate protected ventilation up high where you'd want it most in cold weather.

I plan to feed them in the feed room. We talked about storage, but I like the idea of them having more room in the main coop. They will have access to the food and water. We have some tough winters, so I'm thinking of the space they will have will be appreciated (?).

Will there be additional feeders/waterers, or is this going to be the only location? Depending on how many birds there are, my concern with having the feeder and waterer in a smaller confined space is it could lead to food guarding by more dominant birds.

 

[cren21]

Agreed, you need open-able windows on the side opposite the ones you showed us or it wil be an oven in there. Louvres will help keep rain out, and hwc will keep critters out.

I don't know where you are or what your weather is like but it looks like you are about to make the same mistake I did. I just set my coop on the ground on a couple of blocks and it gets WET here. The blocks sank, leaving my coop listing like a slowly sinking ship. One corner is deeper than the rest of the building, leaving the whole thing cattywumpus. This means the door won't shut tight, a disaster during ice storms.

I urge you to reconsider. Level the ground and tamp it flat. Rent a machine, I forget what it's called. Jumping jack, maybe? Then hire someone if you have to, to pour a concrete base to set the thing on. It will be worth what it costs. My coop is about 15 years old and is going literally "to rack and ruin."

You have too nice a building to let this happen.

Thanks! I agree about the blocks. We are checking it with a level for now. Our property stays pretty dry, even after lots of rain. I will take into consideration. We just need to get through this year and can make more adjustments next spring.

 

[cren21]

Depending on how the soffits are set up, opening those up might be a better solution, as it provides a lot more climate protected ventilation up high where you'd want it most in cold weather.

Will there be additional feeders/waterers, or is this going to be the only location? Depending on how many birds there are, my concern with having the feeder and waterer in a smaller confined space is it could lead to food guarding by more dominant birds.

Good point...I'm curious where to feed them during winter and rainy days? We plan to put food and water outside, as well. This is my first go-around, so I don't know what to expect...I just know our weather is junky a lot.