Coop run and roost remodel

[Melissa MZB]

Hi from south Alabama (rare snow picture best I have of current roost)

We have 30 chickens now (will have 50 soon) they are in a predator proof run (100x35) it is split into 3 areas with 3 small roosts. We inherited the coop and it needs some work. Planning to convert all to hardware cloth. I’d like to make one large roost area and one covered feeding/water area. I’ll keep one small area for raising chicks or separating sick hens.

How big should the roost area be? It will be covered on 3 sides.

 

[thistlewick]

add your location to your bio -- people will ask (and we need to know for weather reasons)

also need more pics

But that woven wire that is around the run/coops isn't predator proof - a raccoon can reach through that and yank off a chicken's head, a fishercat (weasel) can just get right inside and kill *every single one* of your chickens, for fun. And they will. They don't kill for food only, they're wicked and will kill for fun.

Snakes can get in there, not for the chickens but for the eggs and/or chicks -- though some chickens will kill snakes. But if if happens at night, I wouldn't trust that.

Basically, woven wire for chickens isn't great, you're gambling. They are your chickens to gamble though -- but 1/2" hardware cloth is the safest.

Also, not sure if there is a skirt around it to prevent digging? A coyote, dog, raccoon will all dig to get into that run.

I have read *horror* stories about whole flocks getting wiped out.

 

[Melissa MZB]

add your location to your bio -- people will ask (and we need to know for weather reasons)

also need more pics

But that woven wire that is around the run/coops isn't predator proof - a raccoon can reach through that and yank off a chicken's head, a fishercat (weasel) can just get right inside and kill *every single one* of your chickens, for fun. And they will. They don't kill for food only, they're wicked and will kill for fun.

Snakes can get in there, not for the chickens but for the eggs and/or chicks -- though some chickens will kill snakes. But if if happens at night, I wouldn't trust that.

Basically, woven wire for chickens isn't great, you're gambling. They are your chickens to gamble though -- but 1/2" hardware cloth is the safest.

Also, not sure if there is a skirt around it to prevent digging? A coyote, dog, raccoon will all dig to get into that run.

I have read *horror* stories about whole flocks getting wiped out.

Thank you for the feedback! I updated my post. We are converting all to hardware cloth as part of the remodel.Im Mostly just trying to figure out what size roost area to build for 50 chickens . Any suggestions ?

 

[aart]

But that woven wire that is around the run/coops isn't predator proof

Which is probably why......

Planning to convert all to hardware cloth.

 

[StinkyAcres]

50 chickens will need about 50 feet of roosting bars. If you have room you can place two roosting bars parallel to each other. But keep them at least 15" from the wall and each other to prevent poop from getting in unwanted places. I suggest moving the nesting boxes lower than the roosts to discourage the chickens from sleeping (and pooping) in them.

 

[thistlewick]

Which is probably why......

she edited that in but thanks for your 'concern'

 

[U_Stormcrow]

I'm w/ @StinkyAcres on this. The "thumb rule" of one linear foot per bird works well for almostall situations. The better piece of advice is maintaing at least 15" seperation from the wall and other bars. I have one I set at 12", thinking it would be enough and a disgusting wall (concrete board, thankfully) to show for it. Its a potential disease vectory that I'm correcting when I rebuild the coop and the goat shed this year.

also, it doesn't deep litter compost when its building up on the wall, trying to rot out my 2x4 framing.

 

[andreefs]

This is my run remodel, getting ready to widen it and add another coop for the next batch of chicks (I put a camera inside of the coop so I can monitor it)

 

[andreefs]

this is what I have over the yard to keep hawks out

 

[StinkyAcres]

This is my run remodel, getting ready to widen it and add another coop for the next batch of chicks (I put a camera inside of the coop so I can monitor it)View attachment 4057002

this is what I have over the yard to keep hawks outView attachment 4057003

Welcome to BYC! The original poster was asking for advice regarding remodeling their own coop.