New coop, do I need to box in the bottom?

[rockhound]

Here is our new chicken coop mostly done.

Not sure if I did that right, anyway

Assuming I did, there will be a 12X12 run to the left side, I realize I need to box in the bottom side that is exposed to the run, but does the whole bottom need to be (hardware cloth, lattice, suggestions?

Thanks

 

[Guitartists]

I would do the whole thing just to be safe... you don;t want any little chicks getting under there either. You could just do the side by the run.... but then you'd still be getting little varmits living under your coop... best to do the whole thing

IMO Oh, I'd use Hardware cloth buried in an L shape to keep diggers out

 

[bills]

Nice looking coop. I love the flower box idea.

Guitarists has given you sage advice, I would follow it.

 

[LynneP]

There's no such thing as overbuilding when it comes to predators. At this stage, upgrades are so easy, so I'd do it! If you cover only the side on the run, it would give a rat or weasel the chance to go underneath, unobserved to get at your babies. Also, will you bury some of the hardware cloth underground? We trenched around our run 1-2' to discourage entry. Some people do even more! Also, look up. Is there any way a predator can access the eaves of your coop or enter the top of your run?

Nice start, very pretty!

 

[rockhound]

The plywood was cut out around the rafters so nothing can get in that way. The top of the run is going to be covered with chicken wire, completely enclosed. I have decided to bury the hardware cloth a foot down, where i can that far and staple to the bottom to the coop. We haven't put the corner trim up yet because we plan on stapling the chicken wire directly to the coop and then putting the trim over it, as apposed to digging the extra post holes. Where the coop is located was previously wooded with small popple trees so there are LOTS of roots to dig through. I think I'm going to run the rototiller around the perimeter of where the run will be to see if it makes the digging easier. Anyone know what section at home depot/lowes I should look to get vents?

 

[Jacky'sMamma]

MORE PICS!!!!

 

[rockhound]

I'll take some more pics as we progress, plan is to work on the interior and run this weekend, if it doesn't rain the whole time. To tide you over here is a pic of my babies (four weeks old now) enjoying their new coop with their pal Lurkey (who thinks he should be able to run outside everytime I open the people door)

 

[LynneP]

I'm smiling because I know you're working hard to protect the girls...

They appear very content.