What Is Wrong With This Coop?

[Joe Jordan]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/silver-lake-coop


Click on this link and tell me what I did wrong. I'm not yet experiencing any problems but I want to better foresee any that may arise. My building expertise is limited so please help me with possible DIY fixes. Also, let me see what you have done to make your coop almost perfect.

 

[foxy2320]

I think you did an amazing job. I really like how it's really all-inclusive, that you found an ingenius way to give them more room to "roam" while also keeping them safe. I wish my husband was as crafty as you, you and your family did a fantastic job! The only thing I would consider changing is adding some sort of rigidity around the tunnel so none of the predators can smash it down in any way. But that's the only thing I noticed. Great job, I'm jealous!

 

[Eggsoteric]

For starters, it's not sitting in my backyard. It looks great! For someone with limited building skills ya done good!

 

[1muttsfan]

Cover the welded wire fence below the coop and the lower 2-3' of your run with hardware cloth - the fencing you used is not predator or varmint (mice, small birds) proof. Predators can either get through that fence (weasels) or reach in and grab the chickens (raccons, etc), killing them through the fencing. Otherwise very nice job.

 

[Melabella]

I think what you did wrong is not ship it to New York after you finished.

Are you joking Brotha?

IT's AWESOME!

I am not a builder, so sorry I can't give you any constructive critcism. Well done!

MB

 

[mickey328]

That's what you call "limited" expertise??? Yowsa! You can build a coop (or house) for me any day!

The only suggestion I'd make is to add some smaller square hardware cloth over the wire on the bottom 18 or so inches. A coon could easily reach through the larger openings and grab a chicken. I'd also dig it down at least 8 inches so you don't get any critters trying to dig their way into the run. Otherwise...it's awesome!

 

[Melabella]

Cover the welded wire fence below the coop and the lower 2-3' of your run with hardware cloth - the fencing you used is not predator or varmint (mice, small birds) proof. Predators can either get through that fence (weasels) or reach in and grab the chickens (raccons, etc), killing them through the fencing. Otherwise very nice job.

ah,, good point! I used 1 x 1 welded wire for my coop and run. Expensive, but gave me piece of mind.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

I didn't see a roost in the coop. That's about it, everything else you'll know after the years of use how to personalize a coop for your tastes and convienience.

 

[colburg]

I'm still not sold on using tarps for cover. I don't know how Kansas winds compare to ours, but one of those wouldn't last a month. Our chicken tractor uses barn siding wrapped around the cattle panels for cover.


More pics here https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/707319/50-chicken-chicken-tractor-pics-and-progress

 

[NajmoNests]

Roosts for bird comfort; Heated dog water bowls for winter. Ditto on hardware cloth around bottom skirt. Otherwise, I would hire you. Fantastic job and kudos to your whole helping clan.