And always, us half inch hardwear cloth fencing on your coop. Better to go overboard on the security now than risk a varmint breaking in and killing your flock. Chicken wire can be easily shredded by any critter that would want to eat them in michigan. Hardwear cloth will stand up to raccoons, coyotes, and dogs. And the spaces are small enough that mice and weasles can't slip through it. Heck, I still, have a mouse carcass that got stuck in my coops hardwear cloth. I figure its a good warning for the others. And its been there for several years.Hi all and happy Wednesday...I’m a newbie to chickens and a SW Michigander. I’m glad I found this thread. I have 5 3 wk old chicks that I hope are all pullets...although I’m having my doubts. Coop is being built currently and they are chilling out in their digs in the dining room...rookie mistake! I’m looking forward to being a part of the community here in Michigan. Any tips for a new chick mama are appreciated. Cheers...looks like the sun is coming our way today!