Playhouse Conversion Update and Questions

[Cetawin]

First off, I live in the high desert (NV at about 4700' elevation). Is there any reason to raise the house off the ground since we don't have any sort of water issues here? Should I cover under the bottom (on the studs running under the floor) with hardware wire if we don't raise it? The floor is very solid, but I am assuming rodents could chew their way inside.

I would cover the studs with hardwire cloth or several layers of chicken wire to stop chewers indeed.

I am planning on putting an accessible nest box in the window on the left end. Should I make the box outside the window with a locking top, or inside the window, using the window for access (of course backed with OSB and locked)? Is either a better idea (assuming interior box would be warmer and more secure?)?

I would put it outside and not use the window. It is too easy for predators to play around with a opening window. Best to cover the window with hardwire cloth and use a locking latch on an outside nest box. No need to take chances and some predators are very good at getting into what you think is secure.

Should I be majorly concerned about predators? We are in the city, and have GOBS of quail (and their babies) running all through the neighborhood. If we had major predation, wouldn't we see less? Maybe there's so many we don't notice the losses, or do chickens attract more than wild fowl?

I would be concerned about predators indeed. In the city you have hawks, raccoons, skunks at times, fox, neighborhood and stray dogs and cats. I would build my coop to protect it just as if I was in the middle of a wildlife game preserve. Just because the quail are there and numbers not decreasing does not mean you do not have predators. Wild quail are much harder to catch than a chicken.

Ask all the questions you want to or need to, it is all about helping you secure your pets. The only stupid question is the one you never ask.​

 

[Zahboo]

In the city your predators are domestic pets (dogs cats) and sadest and the most pesty are the 2 legged ones, we have one of them trying to get my turkeys and have to padlock the coop. I think it's a stupid kid

but anyway.... It looks nice I saw in your other post you figured it up


OSB vs Plywood. Plywood lasts longer, but costs more. With OSB its good as long as you prime and paint. I suggest sealing it and then painting.

 

[BlueEngineFarm]

We used a playhouse for our 16 hens in the city. We had ventilation in the peaks and along the roofline but still used the windows for screens in the summer. Built the nest boxes seperately. I think that putting the nest box out is a great idea- leaves you more room for chickens.
Living in the southeast our playhouse was off the ground. We didn't lift it but if we had we would have covered the bottom with wire. However here at the farm, the house is on the ground- and no problems with water even though we get plenty of rain. Haven't found any rodent signs either.
I would cover the roof completely- for darkness and protection from water.
I love repurposing everything- especially when you can get breakfast when you do.
Lynne