I was a lurker too before I joined. I don't free range anymore due to losses from predators in the past. My birds have nice large pens covered with good heavy duty netting due to aerial predators, electric wires around the coops and pens and concrete under the gates. Lessons learned the hard way. Good luck and have fun... http://www.poultrydvm.com/featured-infographic/tips-for-protecting-poultry-from-predators
Welcome to Backyard Chickens. Sorry for the belated welcome. My son got married Sunday. Then today my younger brother called to say he fell and hurt his leg and was in a hospital in his area - nowhere near me. Gosh try and get info from a man. Usually not gonna happen.
We are planning to build a Woods coop in a couple of weeks. We had decided to build the 6x10 version, but now I am thinking we should build the 8x12 version. I'm looking for information on what the size of the windows should be? And, should the windows on the side be open for air flow year round, or closed in the winter? We live in Minnesota. We're also wanting to add a run to the front of the coop with a roof and a covering on the west side, but I'm concerned that interfering with the air flow in the winter? Do you have any suggestions or input? I would really appreciate the help
Welcome. Great job on the build and especially the size. I don't free range either, but went crazy predator proofing my entire backyard, including complete netting for hawk protection. Before you can expand the run, you could make a chunnel. I did that for a while before expanding.