Hi folks from WLA!

[aliris]

Hey everyone! I'm finally dragging myself into your community. We have 4 year-plus hens, our second crop. The first were "rescue chickens" and in very poor health. They were sweet and possibly very old and died after a year or so ... we spent a year in mourning, then purchased four babies and have grown with them. However, what hasn't grown is the inherited house that came with the rescue chickens. It's just too small, they hate it and I must make them new digs. So here I am, poking around in all the good ideas y'all have to offer, with gratitude. TIA!

 

[416bigbore]

Hello and welcome to BYC, You found an Amazing Poultry Community to be a part of with many great knowledgeable members, who are more then willing to jump in and help you along your journey with any questions you may have.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens.. This is great place to explore

 

[aliris]

Thank you!
OK, here's the stupidest question of the day, no doubt: What is hardware cloth?? Is that the square-mesh material that's not chicken wire, 1/4 or so mesh of heavy metal? TIA!

 

[416bigbore]

Thank you!
OK, here's the stupidest question of the day, no doubt: What is hardware cloth?? Is that the square-mesh material that's not chicken wire, 1/4 or so mesh of heavy metal? TIA!

Not a stupid question, but yes that is correct.

 

[416bigbore]

The link below will help you also.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/coop-run-design-construction-maintenance.9/

 

[chrissynemetz]

Welcome to BYC! It's nice to meet you! Please make yourself at home!

 

[swampfox440]

Welcome to BYC! Nice to meet you and have fun .

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.

So should I be leaving that window open please? tia.

Yes. Is SoCal I would build an open air coop. I also do not recommend 1/4" hardware cloth. It is very weak. Use 1/2" galvanized HC. If you have a venomous snake problem you can cover the bottom 2 feet with 1/4" cloth to keep the baby snakes out. Also, install a predator apron that extends out 2' and securely attach it to the coop and pin the outer edges with heavy duty landscape pins.
You should consider converting a shed into a coop.

 

[Grammy60]

Hello and welcome to BYC