Rejuvenating a playhouse for a coop?

[soupysmomma]

We recently moved to the country and on our property we have several out buildings. Although most have been neglected to the point that I am pretty sure that other critters are living in them there is a playhouse near the house that I think would be relatively easy to convert to a coop. The playhouse looks to be in ok shape but I am afraid it would not withstand being moved. The playhouse is about 6 x 8 and about 5 feet high on the inside. The entire property is very wooded. I am worried that the area maybe too wooded and that I would be putting my chicks at risk if I did use this playhouse. What is too wooded for a coop? Attached is a photo. It was taken from inside the house because it is raining hard today. (of course the day I want to post about this!) The vegetation that you see in the photo will be cut down. It is whatever it is growing from where the previous residents use to dump all of their kitchen scraps. So not sure what it is growing but it will be cut down as soon as it is winter time. Afraid there are snakes in it now : )


Next question... if I am planning on about 4-5 chicks (planning on buffs or possibly RIR) question is how much run do I need to offer them? I am fearful about letting them free range with who knows what out in the woods.... I want to make sure they are protected. Also has anyone had any experience building their run on a slope? I have a slope that the playhouse is sitting on and it is too much to grade.

Thanks for all of your help in advance.

Amanda

 

[RulerOfTheSkies]

That looks good to me.Just in case, i would build a fence around, about 5 ft tall a at least a foot in the ground (6 ft total).Block off any unwanted holes and openings that other critters might get through. other than that, I don`t know about keeping chicks there, all alone.

 

[weekendhomestea]

soupysmamma,

I wouldn't worry about the woods as far as predators. I don't live in the woods and I have lost chickens to all kinds of predators. For me the number one reason I have lost chickens is because I forgot to close the coop at night. You can prevent his with an automatic door or making sure that the coop opens into an enclosed run.

The woods should actually protect your chickens from hawks. Most other predators work at night.

-RDG

 

[KLLEETRUCKING]

I don't know your where you're at but woods = predators = loss, ask me how I know. View the woods as EVIL for your birds. There are critters in there just waiting for chicken dinner. I don't want scare you, just make you aware. I'm a newbie also and wish you the best, go through the "Predator/Pest" column, it'll make you aware of the dangers. BTW, you fence in that area around the playhouse, your chickens will have that down to the dirt in about 3 weeks, they are eatin' machines and nothing escapes their interest.

On a lighter note, we suffered some losses in the beginning but things have stabilized and I don't know what it is but these birds will captivate you, their antics are very interesting and amusing. BOL