Will this work for a coop? of course with modifications.

[C Siena]

We have this Large fixed chain link cage about 40' from another coop. I was thinking to clean up the area, make repairs and put wood on the sides, inside the cage. Thinking of making the base of the coop 8" or so off the ground. I have not thought everything through but we...I will need more room next year for chicks, which means another coop.

The cage measures approx 9'w x 15'l x 9't. I looked at it and it said Coop! to me. I was originally thinking to use it as an aviary (ok close, as we raised parrots) and then thought a separate kennel space for a few dog kennels...then we built a pole barn with runs for kennels (we bred and trained K9s).

We currently have two coops that will be full with the addition of the new chicks (thinking 32 chickens) and what will I do next year? Ah Ha, frame is ready.
All chickens free range all day everyday, except extremely freezing temps, usually only locked in coop/run 7-10 days a year, and not all together.

Ideas? Suggestions?

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

That looks like it could work but I would definitely add some hwc wherever there is no wood and a hwc apron. Then something on top like this netting: https://pinnonhatch.com/poultry-sup...hicken-pen-fencing/poultry-protection-netting

My old run was just chain link but the actual coop was bombproof and as long as I locked the door between the two they were safe. Before that I had a prefab in the chain link run with regular bird netting above. Guess who almost lost all their chickens to a raccoon?

 

[C Siena]

That looks like it could work but I would definitely add some hwc wherever there is no wood and a hwc apron. Then something on top like this netting: https://pinnonhatch.com/poultry-sup...hicken-pen-fencing/poultry-protection-netting

My old run was just chain link but the actual coop was bombproof and as long as I locked the door between the two they were safe. Before that I had a prefab in the chain link run with regular bird netting above. Guess who almost lost all their chickens to a raccoon?

Yes and we have the hc. I'm not sure if we want to make a smallish run inside the cage or make the cage the coop and add a run.
If we make the cage the coop, it will house our additional chicks/chickens for 3 years.
We'll probably have a metal roof maybe over wood.

I've decided not to cull at 3 years (which is next spring) but wait, let them age comfortably. They get to live and we have new chicks for the next season's eggs. I'm a sucker and have truly enjoyed them and enjoy them. My husband laughs as they follow me and run to me. He calls me the chicken whisperer. He loves and indulges me. I am blessed.
Thank you!

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I really like having a mixed-age flock. The older hens keep everyone on their best behavior and can do cool things like showing pullets where to sleep so you don’t have to lol. They can also make good mamas if you decide to let one brood. My last flock I kept two “old” ladies because they were just so useful to have around. I think they were about five but I’m not sure.

 

[C Siena]

I really like having a mixed-age flock. The older hens keep everyone on their best behavior and can do cool things like showing pullets where to sleep so you don’t have to lol. They can also make good mamas if you decide to let one brood. My last flock I kept two “old” ladies because they were just so useful to have around. I think they were about five but I’m not sure.

None have been broody and the eldest are almost 2 years. I would allow one to be broody. Some are stinkers but not too much. There is peace in the flock.