Portable chicken coop w/detachable run completed

[schlitch]

Actually it has been completed, but my pc has been down for awhile and I was unable to post any pictures. You can view them from 'The Coop' link below in my signature.

This was my first attempt so it took a little longer than planned to put together and now that I'm done, I'm wondering if I can take one of the 2 nest boxes and convert that area into a place to put my feeder. I'm thinking that I could add a little more material to help isolate the other nest somewhat if I do this so as not to bother any laying hens in there.

As on my page I stated if I had it to do over again I would probably make it another foot longer and place the feeder on the roost side door. I also plan to adjust the PVC wheel so that it is a little closer to the coup, it works for me but not my wife as she can't lift it that high.

We only plan to have a max of six chickens hence the small size and we wanted to be able to move it around the yard every few days.

I made the yard/run detachable so that it would be easier to move.

If anyone can follow the pictures and my idea on placing the feeder please comment.

Thanks!

<edited for spelling and ugh grammatical errors>

 

[allen wranch]

It is a great design. Yes, with just six birds, you could convert one of the nest boxes for the feeder.

My concern is the chicken wire. It will not keep predators out. Dogs, coyotes and raccoons can rip and tear through it. I would reinforce the chicken wire with welded wire on the outside or put a hot wire around the top, middle, and about 4 inches from the ground.

 

[schlitch]

As it is a portable unit the 'hot wire' is not an option.

That's good news on the feeder. I was really concerned with it being so close to the other nest.

I do have some rolls of welded wire, but I can't imagine a dog or racoon tearing through that wire. I pulled and tugged on it alot after one section that I didn't do like I intended and was unable to get it off so I left it, but I'm sure anything is possible.

The chicken(s) will be shut up at night inside the coop. During the day, we've not seen any racoons in all the years we've been out here. I've actually been letting Hayden(roo) have his door open during the day while we are there. I know the racoons come around at night though. I want them to be safe though, so I'll consider the welded wire.

<edited for spelling errors>