Our coop is finally finished!

[aoxa]

They're not regular staples from a staple gun - I'm not sure what they're called, but it's almost like a nail bent over with two pointed ends.  You have to hammer them in and they're a lot stronger, which is why my husband used those.  A staple gun wouldn't have done anything on this.

But again, they will be locked up inside their coop at night and during the day the biggest predator we have to look out for where we live are hawks.  We live out in the woods, so dogs wouldn't be a problem - it'd be the animals that come out at night. 

I appreciate the comments, but I didn't think our design would garner so much negative attention.  I guess the saying that everyone has strong opinions about raising their chickens rings very much true.  I just want everyone to realize we put forth a lot of effort to make sure they're safe. 

I wasn't trying to be negative. I don't use any wire at all. Mine free range 24/7 so I am putting them in much more danger then you are. My little fence I have for the grow out pen consists of plastic fencing.

I just wanted you to be aware that raccoons can get right into chicken wire. No matter how strong you think it is. As long as the coop itself is predator proof - you have yourself an adorable design!

 

[FlaRocky]

Hi,

Looking at your wire and saying how it was rolled and how heavy it is. I would say it is un-dipped heavyweight fish trap wire, like my dad used when he comericial fished. If so good luck on predators on getting in. The only weak link will be the wood.

BTW, it looks great.

Maye

Ride the Glide.....Got Gait......I Do....

 

[coffeenutdesign]

I think it is cute. Love a low cost job repurposing salvaged material to make something functional and attractive.

 

[JeffOeuf]

Nobody is being negative, just trying to point out potential weaknesses before something bad happens. On the contrary, I am of the (minority) opinion that chicken wire is a pretty safe choice - if fastened so that edges are not exposed and are sandwiched.

If you're happy with the coop and run, that is all that counts.

 

[Sallysec]

Congrats on the job. What kind of chickens are going in? It's so nice that you not only used recycled materials but that other people donated materials to the cause. I hope your chickens stay safe and love their new home

 

[mommacb]

that is so cute! great job!!

 

[mommacb]

ps. about the wire, it's true - critters will find a way through, but we free range and though our coop is locked down like fort knox, it doesn't matter because we already had a possum just walk thru the door during the day and hide inside til night. no matter what you do, there will still be some varmint that breaches security. lol

 

[mommacb]

(free range at day- coop at night) i should have clarified

 

[BlackStarMama]

Thanks everyone! We were so happy when we were finally able to take a step back and look at it completed.
We have Black Star chicks that have already made the transition - they seemed eager to be in there and have more space!

 

[BigRooNTN]

Great job BlackStarMama. I have some of the wire you are using. It is about a 40 gauge wire and will take any abuse one has to offer.