Well, it's been a month since I got the go ahead w/keeping chickens and we've hit a brick wall. Actually we were first going to use an old deer blind and convert it into a coop. My DH did cut a chicken door in the front and we got a piece of vinyl for the flooring. But, when we started thinking of ventilation, we got stuck. Then it was just too stressful with everything else going on around here, so I tried dropping it. But, just like BYC forums, it's addictive! I've been thinking that with the windows that are in the blind/coop all I have to do is add one of those roof vents you use through the roof for a water heater. That might work for the summer, but I'm not sure about winter ventilation. And then, there's the run! We have chain link fencing, 4' tall, just begging to be put to use. Plenty of it to make a run more than twice the size we really need for 4-6 hens. But, what and how do I cover it? And what is the best to use for predator proofing? Do I use hardware cloth and bury it in? We will have skunks, coyote, stray dogs, cacts, etc. And is it your opinion to raise the coop up off the ground? I'm in a slump here, but can't shake the chicken fever. :-( Send me photos of how you used chain link fence! I need help here! In the meantime I'm helpong DH with moving yard fence and putting up guttering on the new garage, finished the block patio yesterday...now it's time for one of my projects!