Washingtonians

[TheReidHomestead]

with the 12x8 coop in the pen. think this is adequate for 60+ chickens?

Most people here seem to agree that 3 sq ft per bird is needed inside the coop if they are at all needing to be kept inside like during severe winter weather. That being said, your coop is only 96 sq ft which is adequate for 32 standard birds. The run helps especially when they are outside all day, but I can't see 100 birds roosting in your coop. You will need something 3x as large!

first how does one bobcat proof a run?

Last year we lost 5 birds to a bobcat. We only had bird netting over the run and he had peeled back a corner and got in that way. As soon as we took down the bird netting and put 1" chicken wire over the runs, he hasn't been back. I would think the hardware cloth would be adequate. Sorry he found your birds!!!! Hope he doesn't get any!​

 

[Greg Richardson]

Monica.

first how does one bobcat proof a run?

I'm near Lake Margaret out of Duvall.
These pictures though should give you a good idea.

It is a lot of work. Since those pictures were taken I have made additional strips of wire going up each pole and around door.
There is two sets of hooks going up and two going down. So if something was able to with stand the pain to get in to get back out it's going to cost them again and my guess die from the injuries.
That is extremely sharp wire when cut like that. Cutting all that wire is worth it to me.
If you decide to do it that way take your time because it will take a toll on your hands.
Make sure you are using new snips.​

 

[ReiMiraa]

Quote:
Most people here seem to agree that 3 sq ft per bird is needed inside the coop if they are at all needing to be kept inside like during severe winter weather. That being said, your coop is only 96 sq ft which is adequate for 32 standard birds. The run helps especially when they are outside all day, but I can't see 100 birds roosting in your coop. You will need something 3x as large!

i know i need another dog kennel coop. i was asking if the fenced in area is good for 60+ chickens.

its already super cozy in the coop with 27 chickens.

 

[Chickielady]

Quote:
I remember now that a few weeks ago you mentioned that the cat was watching the hens and they were scared to go in the hen house and so not laying well...I thought you were speaking of a kitty cat type manx.....that was you that mentioned this a few weeks ago wasn't it ?
I have bird net over 2/3 of an acre with 2 runs in it.
I have laid down dig proof fencing along the bottom of all the runs on the perimeter, and the INSIDE entire perimeter of the dog run which has a common fence with the big chickens...so he cannot dig under and get to the birds either.
Remember up until now, we had my old black lab Samantha IN the chicken run, so I never worried and now that you have mentioned how you saw the cat watching...my old dog in there was probably exactly why the cat has never attempted to climb in and cahse a chicken so far!
But she is gone now and we have this pup....

 

[Chickielady]

Quote:
50 X 100 feet sounds OK to me

 

[Chickielady]

Quote:
I'm near Lake Margaret out of Duvall.
These pictures though should give you a good idea.
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb238/excel11/030-6.jpg


http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb238/excel11/032-6.jpg

It is a lot of work. Since those pictures were taken I have made additional strips of wire going up each pole and around door.
There is two sets of hooks going up and two going down. So if something was able to with stand the pain to get in to get back out it's going to cost them again and my guess die from the injuries.
That is extremely sharp wire when cut like that. Cutting all that wire is worth it to me.
If you decide to do it that way take your time because it will take a toll on your hands.
Make sure you are using new snips.

Greg my DH said you forgot the catfish (fishing pole bells) that ring when giggled...AND the laser sharp fish hooks hanging all over.
In California our neighbors (everyone) grows pot...and he had razors, fish hooks, bells, 50# test line and 3 pitbulls cruising his yard and still someone got in and stole 5 plants 8'tall worth $5K....we have seen some weird fences !

I think I will fence my run in half (the big chicken run is 100 X 100 at least, and wire the top like PoultryMom...

****And yes ReiMirra you will need a much bigger coop and probably the best thing is several different runs for different breeds and ages of your birds.
But you can add on as you go. A little at a time.
I plan on about 30 in the 100 X 100 run, which looks like I will have to fence it in half to support wire on top.
May be easier to run razor wire along the top...

 

[Chickielady]

Quote:
We have 3 plastic garbage cans in a shelter next to the coops with chick starter, layer feed and rabbit feed, 4 feet away is 2 barbeques....

and I know we are just asking for a bear !

 

[Chickielady]

Quote:
I'm near Lake Margaret out of Duvall.
These pictures though should give you a good idea.
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb238/excel11/030-6.jpg


http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb238/excel11/032-6.jpg

It is a lot of work. Since those pictures were taken I have made additional strips of wire going up each pole and around door.
There is two sets of hooks going up and two going down. So if something was able to with stand the pain to get in to get back out it's going to cost them again and my guess die from the injuries.
That is extremely sharp wire when cut like that. Cutting all that wire is worth it to me.
If you decide to do it that way take your time because it will take a toll on your hands.
Make sure you are using new snips.

Greg, all my posts are T-posts except the corners which are treated 4x4.
Question :
Do you think I need to put the cut wire pieces on the T-posts, since a cat cannot climb them ?
Or just the wooden posts ?
The fence wire is welded 2x4 6 feet tall....with 2' bent over on the ground and clipped to the bottom of the fence so no digging...
Think I have to put the cut wire all the way ?
Thanks~

 

[LaSombra]

9 of 11 eggs today... not bad, considering this dreary weather. Still have that new broody. One of the eggs I'd put under her broke and got goop all over the other. It was the first day so I just removed them and put fakes under her. I'm wondering if maybe I should get some hatching eggs for her. It's so tempting, but I really don't need any more chicks. LOL Other broody is still caring for fully featherd babies. She's a good momma

 

[Zgoatlady]

Chickielady
Im fine, yes my back does hurt and not its hurting in another place,Im sure becasue of how Im holding myself. But Hay tomorrow is fri and at 5pm I'll take a nice little pill that will makeit all go away. LOL

Everyone has been so busy, here.

Justbugged I have eggs for you if you still want them, give me a call..

Yes Im going to clean out my PM tonight sorry guys..