Totally Exhausted...

[MilburnCreek]

The last 3 days have been spent building a 6 foot tall, 4' x 8' coop with double doors, windows that open, nesting boxes, and a metal roof that could withstand an atomic bomb....and sinking 6" diameter cedar posts and chicken wire for a 22' x 15' run. Still need to paint the coop, install a gate, and build the hatch to the chicken run...I need a week to sleep....

 

[chickengirl778]

Chicken coops are hard work, but yours sounds great!

 

[Backyard Bruce]

Yes it does sound great except for the chicken wire, not sufficient for the predators that live in Vermont.

 

[microchick]

We need pictures!

The project sounds great. Gotta agree about the chicken wire though. Okay for run dividers but just inviting predators to a free chicken dinner if you use it on the parameter.

 

[MilburnCreek]

well, I couldnt afford hardware cloth...and we buried the chicken wire 12 inches into the ground and built the coop close to the house. We are also adding a motion sensor...we'll see if it works...

 

[aart]

Take a nap...or two!
Then get some 2x4 fencing and add it over the CW...
....and bend it out along the ground for 12-18" for an anti dig apron.

Good examples of apron installation, tho I'd not recommend 1/2" HC...go with 14ga 2x4, 1x2 or 1x1, will hold up much longer and is easier to lay flat.
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1110498/wire-around-coop#post_17093528
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481208

 

[Acre4Me]

Sounds great! Its warm, so hopefully the predators are enjoying other food items that are plentiful since its warm. Maybe before winter you can fortify the wire against known predators. I've heard people able to find cheap/free HWC via facebook, craigs list or at auctions/farm auctions.