What else should I add to my DIY coop

[Chickensinthecity]

Thanks to some great other posts I had the idea to convert this kids playhouse into a coop! What more do I need?

 

[DobieLover]

It's cute but not predator proof.
Most anything can rip apart chicken wire.
Can you replace that with 1/2" hardware cloth?
Also there is a pretty big gap between the door and the frame that rodents and weasels could squeeze through.
Where is the roost going to be installed? Is the 'tipped on its side' tote going to be the nest box?

 

[Chickensinthecity]

I used the hardware cloth, im going to swap out the plastic bin for a kitty litter box. I added a bar for the roosting bar.
I’ll work on making something to close that gap! Good tip.

It's cute but not predator proof.
Most anything can rip apart chicken wire.
Can you replace that with 1/2" hardware cloth?
Also there is a pretty big gap between the door and the frame that rodents and weasels could squeeze through.
Where is the roost going to be installed? Is the 'tipped on its side' tote going to be the nest box?

 

[ChickNanny13]

Poop board if at all possible, place the roosting bar over the kitty litter box or the kitty litter box under the roost bar. Saves alot of cleaning time. It's cute but as @DobieLover states - Security and predator proof. Personally I would enclose that Coop with a chain link kennel, adding a top of plastic roofing or hardware cloth.

You don't have your location mentioned in your profile, which you could update. Clues us in as to your weather conditions, predator possibilities, supply availability and time zone.

 

[aart]

I used the hardware cloth

So you replaced the chicken wire shown in this pic(and
in other pics) with 1/2" HC?

What are the dimensions of the coop floor...and how many birds will you keep in here?
Will you have a run too?


Welcome to BYC! @Chickensinthecity
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

 

[Chickensinthecity]

I’ll add my location, thanks! The package I bought said galvanized but i realized its 1” not 1/2, I’ll replace it for sure. Yes there will be a run. The entire floor space is about 5x5 and we have 6 4week old chicks. We will be “upgrading” end of September to a larger coop (concerting a shed, waiting on its delivery... very long story there )

So you replaced the chicken wire shown in this pic(and
in other pics) with 1/2" HC?

What are the dimensions of the coop floor...and how many birds will you keep in here?
Will you have a run too?


Welcome to BYC! @Chickensinthecity
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!
View attachment 1869170

 

[aart]

The package I bought said galvanized but i realized its 1” not 1/2,

Galvanizing is done to most meshes/fencing.
Chicken Wire is twisted with hexagonal holes, comes in 1" and 2".
Hardware Cloth is welded with square holes....like this 1/2" HC.

 

[Chickensinthecity]

So this is what I need? https://www.homedepot.com/p/Acorn-I...age-Galvanized-Welded-Wire-WW162444/309411833

Galvanizing is done to most meshes/fencing.
Chicken Wire is twisted with hexagonal holes, comes in 1" and 2".
Hardware Cloth is welded with square holes....like this 1/2" HC.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I wanted to convert a playhouse sooooo badly, but there just weren't any for sale when I needed one, and I couldn't bring myself to buy a new one - way too expensive! Love it!

But, all of the above suggestions are good ones. And the welded wire you posted has openings that are too large. You want something more like this. Except with a thicker guage.

 

[ChickNanny13]

Your link is "welded wire" not hardware cloth, comes in several size spacing (1/2" x 1", 1x2", 2"x3" rectangular shape). What you have on the coop is "chicken wire", comes in 1" & 2" hexagon shape spaces.

"Hardware cloth" comes in 2 sizes (1/4" & 1/2" squares) https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbil...Gauge-Steel-Hardware-Cloth-308226EB/205960849

@Aunt Angus beat me to the link