total enclosure or wire enclosure for coop

[new chick chick]

I am in the process of making a larger coop out of the bottom of a playhouse. We put in a wooden floor and screened the entire inside of the enclosure with hardware cloth. We used the u shaped type nails to attach the cloth all around. There are boards all around with 1-2 inch spaces in between them. There is also a section at the top - close to where the hens would roost- that is 10 inches of wire - all around the entire coop. The wire covers all the spaces and there are no open spaces for predators. I put them in it tonight and then decided to put them back into their smaller coop which is totally enclosed, fort knox style. If I enclose the coop entirely it will be dark and won't have a lot of ventilation. Any advice on this? We live in a city in KY and we have possums and raccoons. Will they be safe at night in this type of enclosure?

 

[spotstealer]

It sounds like you did a good job predator proofing your converted playhouse. Is it weather proof? I know KY don't see severe winter weather, but it may be a consideration. Pics would help, although you gave good details.

 

[new chick chick]

For now I have a tarp over the top, but am planning on building a roof for winter. Also, in the winter I plan to screw plywood all around except for the 10 inch strip. I'll try to post pics tomorrow!