New Coop have few questions?

[MckinneyTXBYC]

Just thought of another good idea in Autodesk 3dsmax, take the open bottom with the screen place boards across it with middle one drop down door.
Put wood across the front main door on the bottom leave top open since it is so hot in Texas.
Put Welded wire mesh around the bottom of the coop and run with Mesh Hardware cloth on top of that.
For the top will i need to use both is the question and have the run so i can detach it if i need so.

 

[Dukeofhawg]

That's cute

 

[MckinneyTXBYC]

I forgot we had a dog exercise pen i think they may work, may only need Mesh Hardware Cloth to cover it.
Just cut a small door on the back of the coop and maybe it could work.

 

[Alesia]

it could

 

[bj taylor]

i too live in north central Texas. i think maybe you could suspend tarp or some other shade material above the coop so it doesn't act like a blanket, but provides the shade. i agree that more ventilation along the sides is a good idea. maybe the top 6" on the sides can be replaced w/hardware cloth.

 

[MckinneyTXBYC]

The [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]dog exercise pen just isn't stable meaning very study as.
I am afraid a predator could just push the run as is now, does everyone think this exercise pen would be as strong as Welded Wire Mesh?[/FONT]
These are hard word floor that is pieced together making up this coop, so not sure what i would use to cut a door or a ventilation on the side.
So using Mesh Hardware Cloth on the top and side of this pen with nothing else should work fine against outside predators.
We plan on growing grapes all over the run to make it cool in the summer for good shade.

 

[rendezvous1838]

Can you flip the coop upside down so the door hinge is on the top? Or re-mount the hinges to the top of the opening. Then you could prop it open with a stick. It would be off the ground and out of the poop

 

[MckinneyTXBYC]

That is a great idea, Thanks i will try and move the latches up top for the door.
Also before i go and buy some Hard Ware Cloth this week, will i need to use it for the top of the run or will i just need it for the sides?
Also i do like the idea of a tarp on top, would getting a regular tarp at wal-mart or etc work?
If not that what else is good and cheap to but on top of the roof that is safe.
Would like to keep them dry when it rains and let them still be outside at the same time.

 

[rendezvous1838]

Also before i go and buy some Hard Ware Cloth this week, will i need to use it for the top of the run or will i just need it for the sides?
Also i do like the idea of a tarp on top, would getting a regular tarp at wal-mart or etc work?
If not that what else is good and cheap to but on top of the roof that is safe.
Would like to keep them dry when it rains and let them still be outside at the same time.

HC on the top would be bombproof! I like to say "When in doubt, build it stout." (not rainproof )
Maybe clear or smoke Lexan roof panels. It might need some wood structure under it though. Depends on your budget, blue tarp is sure used on alot of runs for sure. Beware it can fill with water if not angled for drainage.

 

[adgcountrygirl]

We used hardware cloth top to bottom and across the dirt floor. Haven't lost any to predators at night so far.