Trying to raise chickens naturally and safely.

[Tina Peevyhouse]

We have been raising chickens for about 10 years now. We 14 Rhode Island reds , 12 are chicks , 2 bantums , and one silky rooster. He's currently residing with the 2 bantums. I found this site because we are looking for a better coop with lots of space for scratching when I can't let them free range. We live on about 79 acres of natural woodlands in west TN. So we have predator issues as well: raccoon, weasel, owl, fox, bobcat, eagle and about once every three years panther. I have recently been given a dog kennel and am currently gathering ideas using it to make a coop. Any ideas would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[Kiki]

Welcome yo BYC!
Pics of your kennel?

 

[cherrynberry]

Are you planning to make the whole kennel water proof or just have one little section as a coop?

 

[Tina Peevyhouse]

Welcome yo BYC!
Pics of your kennel?

It's 8' by 10 '. It's not put together at the moment. I can tell you it's chain link.

 

[Tina Peevyhouse]

It's 8' by 10 '. It's not put together at the moment. I can tell you it's chain link.

We also have 100' of 4 ' tall chain link fence.

 

[Kiki]

It's 8' by 10 '. It's not put together at the moment. I can tell you it's chain link.

Keep in mind chain link is not predator proof. You will want to cover it with 1/2 inch hardware cloth...not chicken wire.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens hardware cloth is the only way to protect the birds with chain link

 

[sourland]

Hello, and welcome to BYC.

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

I agree, you will want to cover the chain link with hardware cloth, either 1/2 or even 1/4 inch. I have trouble with snakes, mice and pack rats, all of which can easily shimmy though chain link. I think weasels can also crawl through chain link. Small snakes can even come through 1/2 inch cloth. Definitely stop by our Coop Pages for some helpful ideas... https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/categories/chicken-coops.12/

Good luck and welcome to our community!

 

[chrissynemetz]

Hello and welcome to BYC! We're happy to have you with us! Make yourself at home, and good luck with your new coop build!