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We did almost that for relatively cheap, in the context of another project of reroofing an old barn. Plus adding concept of multiple layers of security. We framed out a corner of the existing barn, about 8x10, poured new concrete slab for that floor ourselves, found cheap sheet metal pieces (sofit) in bargain bin at Menards and used it to line coop walls, used double layers of hardware cloth inside and out over all ventilation areas, found recycled (free) heavy exterior doors, one steel not sure about other... already had the metal for a new sheet metal roof and it was too 4 ft. too long so bumped out two sides building for new covered run for coop area (run TBD). Plan covered run sides to be fully covered with hardware cloth with apron. Outside of that will have two additional much larger lower security [!] grassed runs to rotate between, just welded wire, but with 2-3 strands electric fence to try to back off predators and daytime dogs at the outer layer. Already have the electric setup for horses.
In our case, we tried to find a way to leverage what we had, scout for bargain or free components, and add tons of "free" labor. Some things are just darned expensive it seems, like the hardware cloth and welded wire fence.
congrats on that fortress of a setup! i wish your chickens could know how lucky they are
My brother is chief designer / carpenter and had the unpleasant experience a few years ago of taking his 5 year old daughter out to see how their darling chickies were doing and finding all ripped to shreds. A vivid and memorable experience.
Also have two dogs, who may deter other predators but I suspect are my biggest threat. The day one of mine is out, it's lunch.
We did almost that for relatively cheap, in the context of another project of reroofing an old barn. Plus adding concept of multiple layers of security. We framed out a corner of the existing barn, about 8x10, poured new concrete slab for that floor ourselves, found cheap sheet metal pieces (sofit) in bargain bin at Menards and used it to line coop walls, used double layers of hardware cloth inside and out over all ventilation areas, found recycled (free) heavy exterior doors, one steel not sure about other... already had the metal for a new sheet metal roof and it was too 4 ft. too long so bumped out two sides building for new covered run for coop area (run TBD). Plan covered run sides to be fully covered with hardware cloth with apron. Outside of that will have two additional much larger lower security [!] grassed runs to rotate between, just welded wire, but with 2-3 strands electric fence to try to back off predators and daytime dogs at the outer layer. Already have the electric setup for horses.
In our case, we tried to find a way to leverage what we had, scout for bargain or free components, and add tons of "free" labor. Some things are just darned expensive it seems, like the hardware cloth and welded wire fence.
congrats on that fortress of a setup! i wish your chickens could know how lucky they are
My brother is chief designer / carpenter and had the unpleasant experience a few years ago of taking his 5 year old daughter out to see how their darling chickies were doing and finding all ripped to shreds. A vivid and memorable experience.
Also have two dogs, who may deter other predators but I suspect are my biggest threat. The day one of mine is out, it's lunch.
