My New Coop!

[newpeepmama]

This is the coop my husband and i built..i actually did everything but the roof! I am new to chickens..ive had my babies for a month now..4 sex link...and im in love with them! Its so peaceful to set out and watch them pick at the ground..I spent about $125 on my coop and run..wish i would have made it bigger.would like at least 10--maybe we can build another one...this is also my first time posting pictures..so hope all goes well

 

[SterlingAcres]

Good work! I bet they love it!

 

[pullet2hen]

Very nice coop! Great job

 

[krcote]

I. LOVE. YOUR. FLOWER. BOX! i must have one of my own! Project for tomorrow!

 

[Chirpy]

Welcome to BYC! Fantastic job on the coop - Kudos for doing it mostly yourself. You should be proud.

I am wondering about predators in your area ... I see you used just chicken wire around the run area. Chicken wire is great for keeping chickens in ... it won't keep predators out. Raccoons, dogs and coyotes will go right through it. Just don't want you to lose any of your chickens.

 

[msrma7670]

Looks really great!

 

[newpeepmama]

this coop and run is sitting inside my fenced in backyard..i hope its safe--what should i do to make it safer!?!

 

[Chirpy]

You have a great backyard from the looks of that picture! It does look like you are in the country?

A chicken coop is only as 'safe' from predators as the weakest spot in the fencing. Looking at yours I'd say that since you've already invested in the chicken wire around the whole run area, I'd add 2x4 welded wire (or hardware cloth is even better if you can afford it) around the bottom three feet and bury it in the ground at least 15 inches.

Doors/gates leading into the run are a common place for predators to dig under. I actually poured cement under my door down about 15 inches deep.

You could also put some paving bricks outward, making a little path so that something couldn't dig under the gate.

After reading so many posts of people losing their chickens to predators I have tried to put the money in up front to make mine as safe as possible (there's still some things I'd like to do) because I don't want to go out some day and find my babies dead.

 

[swampducks]

Nice color! I'm going with a similar shade in mine. Love the coleus in the window box, too.

 

[BirdBoy88]

Love your Coop!