Thoughts on our coop/run?

[Rdh1223]

Finally finished (well mostly) and thought I'd ask what you guys think could be improved upon in general. I would very much like to hear about any security issues, we lost our first flock to a raccoon in May (no skirting) and it took it toll on us. The skirting is 1/2 inch hardware cloth framed and hinged and 24 inches wide. The outside edge of the skirt is held together with a toggle clamp/latch and for the next couple days weighed down by old brick edging (until my tent stakes get here). Any suggestions are appreciated.

Now that its done I definitely would not recommend an A-frame, coop isn't very big and the time it takes to frame out cost more than the lumber would cost to build a square. Looks nice and matches my cape style home but otherwise would not recommend.

 

[Ridgeback825]

Very nice. My only critique would be to add a hard corner. Some kind of paneling in a corner so that if a predator chases the chickens around, they have a corner to hide in with protection. Otherwise, they will run back and forth until exhausted and can be grabbed in one of the corners. 1/2" hardware cloth should be fairly strong, but not completely predator proof. Awesome job!

 

[Rdh1223]

Very nice. My only critique would be to add a hard corner. Some kind of paneling in a corner so that if a predator chases the chickens around, they have a corner to hide in with protection. Otherwise, they will run back and forth until exhausted and can be grabbed in one of the corners. 1/2" hardware cloth should be fairly strong, but not completely predator proof. Awesome job!

Thanks! I'm not sure what you mean by hard corner, is it open on both sides so the predator has to choose an entry point and the chicken can go the other way ? I'm thinking of my kids when they chase each other around the couch...

 

[Ridgeback825]

A hard corner is one that has something like paneling or plywood to offer some protection. This way, if they have a predator prowling outside, they can hide there instead of the predator chasing them around nonstop until they are worn out.

 

[Rdh1223]

A hard corner is one that has something like paneling or plywood to offer some protection. This way, if they have a predator prowling outside, they can hide there instead of the predator chasing them around nonstop until they

Ok so just something that they can hide behind if there's a predator outside the run, I'm off tmrw I'll give it a go and post a pic when I'm done

 

[Rdh1223]

I finally finished the hard corner, will post up some pictures later tonight. The birds really seem to like it, I think because it provided an area with constant shade.