Your fiance gave you a challenge (and it's the same one I issued to David) and you definitely lived up to it. Beautiful workmanship! I am in love with the rounded door and antique hardware.
I do agree with others, though. Hardware cloth is a must. Predators are exceptional at hiding and chicken wire will probably not be enough. One of our neighbors had something kill all their chickens by digging under. So, you may also want to consider a predator apron.
And do consider what others said about mice. Your hopper looks adorable, but will attract rodents to visit.
I really like the gravity fes water system and complete aesthetic. I can feel your heart and soul in this design.
Your coop is really cute but I live in a small Boro and we still have raccoons and hawks. I used hardware cloth. I love your decorations and the little cottage look.
So adorable & perfectly functional! Love the details & your description of each step in the building process. That door...omg Love It!!!
I'm sure that it brings smiles to Everyone that sets eyes on this! Excellent workmanship!!!
I'd have to go with hardware cloth, even in my previous home in the suburbs we had Roaming raccoons, opossums, skunks, etc. Fruit rats too, as my neighbors had berries, grapes, plums, pears, etc. Mice are a pain in the wazoo, I've found a few dead, squeezed bodies half through the hardware wire! Rodents can also chew holes through any wood to gain access. Food in the run area draws & tempts them even more. Rodents are Very difficult to be rid of once they move in, just letting you know.
According to the American Poultry Association, heavy breeds need 4sq ft of coop space and 8-10 sq ft for run space. Your coop sounds perfect for 4 birds. Plus you free range them.
I do think chicken wire is not enough protection and I would replace what you have on the coop and at least close them in the coop at night but you’d still have to be worried about daytime predators.
The coop is so well built and nicely painted! And the article is written very well. I really like your gravity feeder and am looking to build a couple for our flocks.
The woodworking skills are 5 star. The design is beautiful, but it is too small for 4 chickens. My problem is with the chicken wire. Predators are everywhere, even in the suburbs. A skunk or raccoon would have no problem accessing this coop. Hardware cloth is worth the investment.
Fantastic article on building the most adorable coop. Great description on the build with an eye for all the little details. Anyone could follow your example by following this great article. Great job.
