Newbie questions!

[aart]

We’re using chain link for the run (its a pretty big space) and are going to wrap around the bottom of it with another wire just as an extra precaution. We’re in the Memphis area

How 'big' in feet by feet?
Pics would help.

Good examples of apron installation, tho I'd not recommend 1/2" HC...go with 14ga 1x2 or 1x1, will hold up much longer and is easier to lay flat.
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1110498/wire-around-coop#post_17093528
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481208

You're going to want shade, the deeper the better, chicken are pretty susceptible to heat stress and stroke.
Adding your location to your profile is easy and most helpful:

 

[ChickChickHorray]

How 'big' in feet by feet?
Pics would help.

Good examples of apron installation, tho I'd not recommend 1/2" HC...go with 14ga 1x2 or 1x1, will hold up much longer and is easier to lay flat.
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1110498/wire-around-coop#post_17093528
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481208

You're going to want shade, the deeper the better, chicken are pretty susceptible to heat stress and stroke.
Adding your location to your profile is easy and most helpful:
View attachment 1364556

Thanks for the tips! I’ll get some pictures today and the measurements and update the location to my profile.

 

[cobra3073]

I, too, am in Memphis and am raising some Nankin Bantams. Here are a couple pictures of my coop and run.

 

[cobra3073]

In building the accommodations, I first dig up an 8 X 10 foot space down about 10 inches. I then covered that area with chicken wire. On top of this, I brought in a load of rocks which I layered in about 6 inches deep.

After framing the structure, I used 1/4 inch welded wire for the run, to include covering the top of the run and bringin this 1/4 inch wire alway down to outside the structure to form an “apron” all the way around it. It should be noted that I also used an additional PVC type cover over the wire on top of the primary Run. This provides additional shade and protection from our sometime heavy rains.

This was all done approximately 5 months before I got my Nankins. During that time, to test the structure against rodents and possible predators, I left “treats” in the enclosure...none were EVER disturbed.

Yes, you are correct in that Memphis (like most major cities today) has many predators that would love to dine on our birds. To me, it made sense to do EVERYTHING within my power to try and predator proof my Nankins living quarters.

BT

 

[cobra3073]

You may notice in one of the photographs, there is an additional “run” to the right and on the rear of the primary structure.

This is a 4 X 15 foot 1/4 inch welded wire enclosure that I intend to plant with some grazing plants for the Nankins.

While it to has a roughly 12 inch 1/4 inch welded wire apron, the ground was not dug up and covered with wire and rocks like the primary run.

This enclosure has a small chicken “door” leading to the main run that can be opened or closed as needed. This area will only be used when I can readily observed the Nankins duing certain daytime periods.

Yes, I admit it, I am definitely OCD about this “Journey.”

BT

 

[MROO]

WE HAVE BABIES!
Pepper is a Mama! When I went out just now to freshen up her water, I noticed that she was setting "funny." She had one wing out an inch or so from her body and was sitting rather awkwardly. Looking more closely, I saw the lump of "feathers" under her wing move ... and a tiny little eye looking back at me! I quietly called my daughter in to see, and by the time she got there, there were two curious little puffballs looking at us. I gave Pepper fresh water and moved her food closer ... and out popped a third! Since I'd only found four (maybe six - not very good at it, yet) viable eggs when I candled, I was thrilled to get even two chicks.
Pepper is a good Mama, so far, She won't venture far from her little stockpile, so we're hopeful that there may be one or two more babies on the way. There are still six unhatched eggs in the nest, so there may be more, but we're absolutely over the moon, right now! We'll give Pepper another day or two, then candle again, if she'll let us. But hey, even if she stops here, we're happy. Counting little Evie in the house brooder, that makes four more Nannykins in the world.
Welcome Little Ones!

 

[cobra3073]

Wow!!!

That is ABSOLUTELY Great news! That just goes to show you that even though she had a “false” start, she is now in her groove.

You probably need to prepare for one (or both) of the other two to make an attempt to start a family soon.

My SINCERE congratulations!

BT

 

[MROO]

Wow!!!

That is ABSOLUTELY Great news! That just goes to show you that even though she had a “false” start, she is now in her groove.

You probably need to prepare for one (or both) of the other two to make an attempt to start a family soon.

My SINCERE congratulations!

BT

Thanks! We're SO excited! I wasn't sure if I'd posted this in the right spot (still a relative newbie to BYC and social media in general!) so I posted it under the Nankin thread, as well ... I think. And THAT post has pictures!

 

[TK421]

Your roof can be the same as your biggest openings elsewhere. No need to predator proof the top with hardware cloth if the chain link door doesn’t have it. I have a chain link door and a chain link top. Love it especially now that the vines have grown through and covered much of the roof. Provides great Shade in the summer!