Is my idea going to work? Coop/Run

[samandemsmommy]

This is a picture of my kids playhouse that we are turning into the hen house. I also attached a picture I got from pinterest to show you what I am aiming for in my design with enclosing it. So- if I am doing it like this- my coop would be ok during the day if I left their door open so they could be out in the fenced in area? I hope my question makes sense. At night- do I have to keep their door shut? I read somewhere as long as they are just going out in the fenced in area and it is secure, then I could leave their little door to it open...

 

[vehve]

That would be your basic coop and run construction (the run being the fenced in area). Some people like to close the coop for the night, as it's more secure against predators. In the attached picture, the netting used is chicken wire, which will contain your chickens, but not keep anything larger or more ferocious than a wee little bunny rabbit out. Hardware cloth is my recommendation. The playhouse looks like it will make a lovely coop.

Also, for some beautiful coop and run ideas, take a look at the "Coops" section up in the navigation menu. The learning center is also a good place to start your chickeneering career. You will surely get a reply stating all the things to remember when building your first chicken coop shortly as well.

 

[jetdog]

It would be fine doing it that way you should consider upgrading to hardware cloth not chicken wire, most people lock them in at night just for safety, if you can get electricity out there a great feature is an automatic door you won't have to get up early or worry about getting home at night to close them in. You have a great foundation to build something really nice, keep the pictures coming as you progress.

 

[samandemsmommy]

Thanks ya'll!!

 

[vehve]

Okay, since no one has posted any of the important things I promised they would, here are few things to consider, you should search the forums for more information on these.

-Ventilation
-Easy access to clean
-Bedding (be it sand, shavings, deep litter or something else)
-Egg nests
-Roosts
-Poop boards are worth looking into
-Someplace to store feed and cleaning supplies
-A compost near the coop to get rid of spent bedding
-Windows (for light and ventilation)
-Predator proofing (hardware cloth, also buried under the run or as a skirt around it, ventilation holes should be covered with net too)
-Rain cover for run (this depends on where you are, provides both shade and protection from the elements)
-Chicken math (plan for the biggest possible run you can imagine building for them, then double it's size. You will get more and more chickens)

 

[RonP]

You'll need to do a bit of research to see what chicken predators are in your area.

Secure your run, as well as your coop, to keep these predators out, and there will not be a need to lock up your chickens at night.

My run and coop were designed to keep a 200 pound dog out.

My chickens have access to their run 24/7.

 

[aart]

Biggest problem with that style roof is ventilation....I saw a neat modification where they changed it to a simple peaked roof by raising the sidewalls allowing for ridge and eave vents.

What is your location? You can put it in your profile, can help folks give better suggestions.

 

[CHIKENROOKIE]

My 2nd coop, note fenced area, hardware cloth and aviary netting on top. From experience, lock them up tight at night, I have lost an entire flock to predator in what I call " my stupid human moment. First time I didnt lock them up, next morning all were dead. I do allow free ranging during day, but supervised as we have a new puppy amd he is still in training.

 

[foothillsco]

Ok, here is what I would do.

Venting is important. I would cut two holes in the roof sides and place opposing vents. Like this one.

I would not add the auto door or lights until your other priorities are done. The lights/battery/solar cell/timer is actually pretty cheap and somewhat easy but not important until they are laying.

I think the chicken wire is just ok, not good but ok during the daytime. Your taking a calculated risk using it. Swapping out to hardware cloth is a few $100 though. As long as the birds go inside and the door is locked, your fine.

I use a 4-pack of padlocks on hasps. A key is on a carabiner which is on a hook next to a flashlight. A raccoon can figure out anything except placing a key inside a lock and turning it.

Your grass will soon be mud. Switch to ducks.

Door must shut. Must. If you don't have a door system, you could board up the current door, put in a new door closer to a wall, cut a slit in the wall and the door is simply a board you push in and out of a channel.

You will want to free range these about a month after getting them. Don't spend that much on the run.

 

[samandemsmommy]

I am getting chickens, not ducks- mud or no mud. I am not free ranging them because we also have dogs who quite enjoy a good murder- they've proved this with the rabbits they've killed as well as birds and I would prefer they are not totally free range- will they have time to roam the yard - yes, while we are out there with them for a bit- but they will not be totally free range. I do plan on cutting a small window to allow for better air flow, it just has yet to be done. Thanks everyone for your suggestions/ideas.