Coop alteration/design advice

[Bossmom412]

First off, that's a fantastic octopus mural!

Which question are you asking here - how to add a bigger run structure, or how to raise the existing coop onto a platform?

IMO raising the coop onto a platform wouldn't be hard to do. Those kits all bolt together, so simply detach the run portion so it's lighter. If I was doing this by myself or with a helper, I definitely wouldn't try to dead lift this right off the ground - I'd raise it up in "steps" one side at at time by tipping it up and setting something sturdy underneath, like a stack of cinder blocks or stacked free wood pallets, etc. Do one side a foot or so, then do the opposite side a little bit higher; repeat raising it in "steps" until it's high enough, then slip the new platform underneath. This can work in reverse too if you need to lower a heavy object, I've done it many times with stuff out of my truck bed since I don't own a forklift or tractor

For the run I'd use taller t-posts and reuse that welded wire fencing as a structural backing for some 1/2" hardware cloth along the bottom walls and dig skirting, and maybe cheaper fencing like metal chicken wire above welded wire for overhead protection (depending on your predators)

thanks! The octopus is my daughters artistry- we love it!

 

[Dominique King]

Love. And is that hemp
Bedding you’re using? I haven’t tried fit yet myself but I’ve been tempted to, just don’t like then cost…I’m debating between trying that or just going all in on sand

Pine shavings! And thanks!