What do I need to add to this Coop if I get it?

[Jackie B.]

Obviously I'll need to add doors to the back of the coop to lock the ladies in for the night, but else would you suggest adding to make this bad boy bomb proof? I live in the woods but haven't seen much in terms of predators.

http://greenville.craigslist.org/grd/1753703564.html

Thanks!
Jackie

 

[RoninComputing]

That wire is NOT preditor proof, Most preditors can rip it apart and pull the chicken out through the hole. A stray dog during the day can be inside and kill all your chickens in less time than it takes you to get outside to try and stop him.

Replace the lower 3-4 ft with 1/2 hardware cloth. Much safer, cannot be torn and coons cannot reach thru the holes.

The reason you have not seen preditors is probably you did not have anythin attractive for them to eat.... chickens and their eggs are a preditor delicacy.
Normally you don't see preditors... their chief hunting weapon is stealth.

Martin

 

[Jackie B.]

What if I add hardware cloth over top of the chicken wire? Should I bury the hardware cloth as well so they can't dig under the coop?

 

[columbiacritter]

Bury the wire at least 1 ft down or put it out 2 ft flat onthe ground.

Chicken wire keeps chickens in but barely slows down anything that wants to eat them.

Make sure any doorways are very strong or locked top and bottom. a strong coon can pull thin plywood far enough to squeeze through.

 

[teach1rusl]

You could just add hardware cloth over the chicken wire. If you're using it as a "tractor" then you obviously won't want to bury the wire, but do an apron instead. But if you're leaving it in one place, then you could bury wire. You'll also want a lock or some pretty hard way of securing the door.
Is the entire structure 3 x 6??? Because if that's the case, then there's no way the amount of birds mentioned could comfortably use it unless you're pretty much freeranging dawn till dusk. Even bantams require about 5 sq. ft. of run space and 2 sq. ft. of housing each.

 

[Funky Feathers]

That coop is too open for here....between the high winds & hard rain we get, my Silkies would be soaking wet 3-5 days a week!

 

[Jackie B.]

Yes I think it's too small for 6-8 like they claim but I thinking to start off with 4 anyways. 1 husband plus 2 cats and 4 hens equals a lot of work for one girl! I probably won't move it because this is a temporary solution (IE if the landlords don't think it's fly but we're pretty sure thye'll be okay with it) so when I'm done I'll either sell it or make it for bantams. S o hardware cloth and a sturdy locking solution it is!

Thanks guys for your input!
-Jackie