Mini coop sleep box for run? Stuck on this until coop is completed . . .

[HensInTheForest]

Ok so we have the run done just getting the roof on next. Attaching pics so you can get an idea of space and what we can do here. The birds are 11 and 12 weeks old need to get out there.

We built 2 large roofed chicken tractors they go out into each day and they really enjoy them While we have been building.

Coop won’t be done for 2 weeks and need ideas of what to do at night in the run while it’s being built.

I thought about hubbie making a sleep box in the rear of the run with roost bars for them to go into to feel safer in than sleeping out in the run on the roost bars there. Maybe HC sides and top for good vent, then solid floor and walls around them with some kinda door. There are 20 of them was thinking 2 10 ft 2 x 4s might do it. Can do more for sure.

Even tho this run is a mini Alcatraz I don’t want predator drama or to tempt fate.

Maybe some would just let them sleep in the run for 2 weeks and it’s fine.

What would you do?

 

[HensInTheForest]

Photos are here.

HC is attached 2 ft down into the trenches, then we are also doing the apron.

I know the trenching may be overkill but have 2 teenage boys here who did it all in about 1.5 hours. Plus we have woodchuck.

What would u do for the girls at night in this?

Also can the apron just be 23 Guage? Run is obv 19G.

 

[rosemarythyme]

It's probably secure enough that they could just sleep in the run while coop is being finished.

If no rain or cold/windy weather on the horizon, you won't really need walls or a roof at this time. Worst case scenario, some large cardboard boxes or plastic bins on their side, weighed down in place with bricks, might be ok for very temporary use as shelter from the elements. Scrap wood roosts like this would suffice for short term as well:

Apron can be lighter gauge wire depending on what predators you're facing. Smaller critters like rodents shouldn't be able to break through 23 gauge.

 

[HensInTheForest]

Thank you super helpful.

Once the apron is down we will look to move them out there.

We can make a few roosts easily with scrap materials we have.