Protect under coop?

[Reinbeau]

We're building our run right now. The coop is elevated, at the back corner, where the run will be, it's up quite high, about three feet. Should I put the wire all the way around the coop, continuing onto the run, to keep everything out from under the coop through to the run, or just do the back edge of the coop out to the run? I'm thinking the birds shouldn't be able to go beneath the coop, but then I wonder why not? Any thoughts would be appreciated!

 

[Chirpy]

Most people who have their coops that high use that space for their chickens as a place to get out of the sun or rain, etc.

I would certainly enclose under the coop as part of the chicken run. More space for your chickens to enjoy.

Also, some people hang their waterer under there to keep them out of the sun.

 

[chickflick]

Birds will like the cover and the shade it will provide. I'd put the wire all around so they can have access to it.

 

[Reinbeau]

Sounds good. Mind you, it's only the back corner that's up that high. The ground slopes away diagonally from the front corner to the back. Up front there won't be enough room for them to stand up. But as it goes back you're right, they'd be able to get out of the shade. I'll have to apron it out all around the coop, then, so the bad guys can't get in. Thanx for your help!

 

[patandchickens]

You might consider how you'll feel about having to crawl under there to retrieve a chicken or anything else, as probably someday you will. If the far portion will be too unpleasant to get to, you could consider blocking it off halfway, so that the chickens (and you) have access to the portion of the 'crawlspace' that is adjacent to the run but can't get TOO far back under there.

It really is a great way for them to stay cool or out of the rain, though.

Pat

 

[Reinbeau]

Yea, I thought of that (having to retrieve something from under there). I have no idea how I'd actually get under there to do anything about it, though. I'll have to take a picture of the space and post it so you all can see what I mean. Stay tuned.....

 

[Firefyter-Emt]

I designed it like that so I can use the space under there. It not only gets them out of the sun and rain, (not a huge problem with a covered run, but in blowing rain...) it gives them a warmer windbreak come winter.

Here is a photo of how I used the space, I even played off the space by covering the opening a little to look more door like. The bare plywood will soon be replaced with a screened door. That screened door will have a "storm window" piece of plexi placed over it in the winter.

PS, it's not quite done yet..

 

[spatcher]

If you have a small coop, raising a 4X8 coop for example, gives you an extra 32 sq ft of run!

 

[cajunlizz]

Quote:
YES INDEED ..... thats how mine is ... DH dug a 2 ft. trench around the whole perimeter and buried wire about a ft. deep .

ALL our chicken go under the coop for shade and to get out of the rain .

OUR WHOLE COOP is about 2 ft. off the ground , SO plenty of access for them to roam .

LET me try and POST a picture of our coop and run . ITS NOT totally painted yet , BUT its been WAY TO HOT , so it will have to wait till weather cools off ...............

THIS is ANOTHER one very simular to ours , except ours is bigger and had the WINGS on the sides that are hinged for cleaning and open for ventilation . Our RUN is 12 x32 ......