Will this work?

[EasTex903]

Hello, I’ve just created my account and need a little advice. I have kept chickens in the past but had no real threat of predators and free ranged. Now I live in an extremely predator dense area. I had plans to build a nice big coop and run that was quickly ruined due to rising costs if lumber and other building materials. What I did have was a lean to area on the side of an out building. I decided to close it off and use it as an open air style coop. The area itself is around 13x14. With that said what number of laying hens would be ideal without having a run at this time? I plan to add a run in the very near future but I’m still trying to decide where and what design. Also note these pics were taken while working on it. It now has a 2ft 1/2 hardware cloth apron all around that’s also buried under dirt. The last photo gives an idea of how predator dangerous the area is.

 

[DobieLover]

I'd use wood chips for litter and keep the flock size to 12 until you can create a run for them.
Have you looked into electrified poultry netting? You'd want to add something for aerial predator protection but the netting is very good ground predator protection.

 

[EasTex903]

I'd use wood chips for litter and keep the flock size to 12 until you can create a run for them.
Have you looked into electrified poultry netting? You'd want to add something for aerial predator protection but the netting is very good ground predator protection.

I have looked at the electric netting and thought it would be a good addition. I’m only looking at keeping 5-6 hens but like the option to add more if we decide.

 

[Mrs. K]

I am assuming east Texas, so wondering what direction is the open wire wall? Shade can shift dramatically in the heat of the day. This time of year, one might not think of that. Just my two cents.

 

[EasTex903]

I am assuming east Texas, so wondering what direction is the open wire wall? Shade can shift dramatically in the heat of the day. This time of year, one might not think of that. Just my two cents.

The opening is facing the south.