NEWBIE needs help: Converting old Cabins into coops. Needing ideas on design, and outdoor run.

[mountainflock]

Hi, I am new here.

I will start off with my environment up here.
As you can also see, we are in the mountains of western Canada, lots of snow, and more rain.

Bears, Cougars, weasels, bobcat, coyotes. I need secure outdoor run ideas. (have been told to dig the fence 1' into the ground) , and to also use square fencing & chicken wire together!

Thinking metal roof will be best for this.

Sadly the chickens will not be able to run around my entire 4.5 acre property due to the wild animals, so I need a wonderful outdoor run.



We have 2 old cabins that I am wanting to convert into coops. Both are DRY, secure and insulated. Both cabins are 300 sqft.

The pic below without snow is going to be for my layers. My other cabin with snow is going to be for broilers.


I am just needing some ideas for the outdoor run, and inside.


Thinking of using Milk crates as nesting boxes.

how large of an "outdoor run' do you need per chicken? Is there a sq.footage requirement generally?

Very good drainage around here

thank you all in advance for advice and help,

 

[aoxa]

I would fence with electric fencing. That would be the best to keep predators at bay.

Premier 1 has free shipping on some products (fencing).

Otherwise a fence will not stop the predators you speak of, unless it's fully enclosed.. and that's going to be a lot of work.

Nice property!

 

[RavenWood]

Those are going to great chicken coops! agree with Aoxa and would go with electric to help keep predators out. Are they near enough to each other that you can save $ by creating one electric perimeter fence around both? Then you can set up separate pens for each, but then let them out into the perimeter fenced area for free ranging. Where in the mountains are you? I'm in Vanderhoof, BC (1 hr west of Prince George).