Starting our second coop, next to the original in red barn

[LynneP]

The emphasis in this build is predator protection, and biosecurity.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=7693-our-second-coop

 

[elmo]

Ooh, that looks nice.

I had a couple of thoughts. I've read that fence staples can work their way out of wood over time (especially if a predator pushes on the wire from the outside), so that will be something to check periodically.

Have you considered stapling some inexpensive fiberglass screening in back of your hardware cloth on your windows and vents? I just did this in my new coop because I had some screening left over. It's great...it helps keep flies out of the coop, and in the summer the mosquitoes can't get to my chickens when they're roosting at night.

 

[wpalmisano]

Hey Nova Scotia, originally from PEI, what do you use to heat that coop? I have constructed a similar system, with coops all around the building, and having access to compartments in the interior.

 

[LynneP]

I've added some more to the thread today, we have hardware cloth up. The mosquito idea sounds good and if we were in the lowlands I'd consider that- we're in a hilly region and always have a light breeze and few biting insects! We don't heat the coop but you can see how we insulated in a link below. The fence staples are now covered by batten board- you're absolutely right about them working out...