I would build a run. A run is basically a fenced in area around the coop. Depending on how many chickens you have means you need to make the run a certain size. The general rule of thumb is 4sqft per bird in the run. That means the run size for 6 standard chickens should be 24sqft or more. You can check out Chicken Coops page and look through what others have built.So we just rebuilt their coop with fencing and placed wire all over, top, bottom, and sides. It works great, nothing getting in and nothing getting out. But lately my son and I take turns letting them out or closing them in. Total failure in communication. I do not have a run for them. Are their simple instructions to build a run? Never had one before. So although we live in the city, we've had raccoons and possums and lately a new wave of cats. I believe Chocolate (in spanish) put up a grand fight. She is a black hen, I don't know what types I had. I just know I had Caramelo (caramel in color) and two blondes. Also had a gray and black one, and that one was attacked many years ago, beheaded by another animal. Thank you for taking the time to reply by the way. I greatly appreciate it.