Illinois...

[cavemanrich]

I see you are going PRETTY BIG.
Would it be easier to get a Garden shed, and do the conversion??? Sometimes these can be found on Craig"s that peeps just want little ca$h for, just take away.
Nor sure of your budget, but consider one of the Vinyl Sheds. Sams sell an 8 X 10 for about $1000. Will last for long long long.
You would just need to redo interior and add some ventilation.

 

[WhyDoILikeChickens]

This is current coop. Neighbor bought carport and left one of the polls out for height so the sides are only 3' high. 8'x20'. Lots of security issues because its piece together.
I want to use more vertical space, no way to do that with current set up. And I am so tired of bending.

 

[WhyDoILikeChickens]

I see you are going PRETTY BIG.
Would it be easier to get a Garden shed, and do the conversion??? Sometimes these can be found on Craig"s that peeps just want little ca$h for, just take away.
Nor sure of your budget, but consider one of the Vinyl Sheds. Sams sell an 8 X 10 for about $1000. Will last for long long long.
You would just need to redo interior and add some ventilation.

I dont have a fenced yard so they only free range on weekends. I want to make sure they have enough space to not be stressed out.

 

[cavemanrich]

You have many possible options. Not sure how involved you want to get. Is the garden shed not that good of choice?? If you had a secure shed, and decided to get a New Carport 10 x 20 and attach to coop side. The height would be a comfortable 6 feet on side. $120 at Harbor. Get 2 x 4 welded wire to predator proof run. The tarp top would be good to keep rain and sun out of run. Of course the tarp is not a permanent lasting item I have the 9mil silver tarps covering my run area. I get about 3 years out of tarps, and then replace.

 

[Molpet]

You have many possible options. Not sure how involved you want to get. Is the garden shed not that good of choice?? If you had a secure shed, and decided to get a New Carport 10 x 20 and attach to coop side. The height would be a comfortable 6 feet on side. $120 at Harbor. Get 2 x 4 welded wire to predator proof run. The tarp top would be good to keep rain and sun out of run. Of course the tarp is not a permanent lasting item I have the 9mil silver tarps covering my run area. I get about 3 years out of tarps, and then replace.

I have possums that shift their shoulders and go through the 2x4, if their head fits they can get in. Coons can reach in if a bird is near. Weasels and mink zip right through any hole bigger than 1/2 inch. My cattle panel hoop coops have 1/2 in hardware cloth over it, with clear tarps

 

[WhyDoILikeChickens]

You have many possible options. Not sure how involved you want to get. Is the garden shed not that good of choice?? If you had a secure shed, and decided to get a New Carport 10 x 20 and attach to coop side. The height would be a comfortable 6 feet on side. $120 at Harbor. Get 2 x 4 welded wire to predator proof run. The tarp top would be good to keep rain and sun out of run. Of course the tarp is not a permanent lasting item I have the 9mil silver tarps covering my run area. I get about 3 years out of tarps, and then replace.

So right now I am only planning the run, not the coop. The coop will be something like 3'x6'xme tall. Coop will be only roosts and maybe nest box, or nest box outside( haven't decided).
After using a carport I'm not confident in their securability. I was think deck wood walls on top of RR ties wrapped with 1"x2" welded wire. Thin walls are too easy to dig under.

 

[cavemanrich]

I have possums that shift their shoulders and go through the 2x4, if their head fits they can get in. Coons can reach in if a bird is near. Weasels and mink zip right through any hole bigger than 1/2 inch. My cattle panel hoop coops have 1/2 in hardware cloth over it, with clear tarps

I agree,,, but each of us has different predator circumstances. The 2 x 4 welded wire run protection would generally keep chickens safe during the day. I did say to have a SECURE SHED/COOP for night time.
A opossum the fits thru 2 x 4 opening, is generally not a danger to ADULT CHICKENS, A weasel or mink of course is.

 

[WhyDoILikeChickens]

I have possums that shift their shoulders and go through the 2x4, if their head fits they can get in. Coons can reach in if a bird is near. Weasels and mink zip right through any hole bigger than 1/2 inch. My cattle panel hoop coops have 1/2 in hardware cloth over it, with clear tarps

 

[cavemanrich]

Do you know what predator did this??

 

[BReeder!]

Ok ok I'll clarify..... they are a cool breed, I do think the thai (I think) roosters are cool. They just aren't a personal interest I have. I want eggs! I eat 4-5 a day or more myself. I want to get some cornish cross and raise broilers but I might have a hard time. I even got tired of shooting possum I catch and let them go after a couple days.
The best chicken I ever had is a small place middle of nowhere MN. They serve fresh, never frozen best chicken you ever had. I do think it is a good life lesson (like in article by BReeder) and good skill to have.

I have a reader!
I'm not certain which article In put that in though... perhaps the one in my quail hutch?