Plans for Spring Coop Remodels

[ChickenPalace123]

I have a case of planning fever! I designed some "Blueprints'' for coop remodels. This won't happen until March at the earliest.
The design dosnt show the ventilation I have planned but there will be plenty!

predator Protection is:
quarter inch hardware cloth EVERYWHERE, under the run, around the run, in the coops, on the coops, on the chain link the pen is made out of, on top too.
three different latches on each door.
lockable windows.

there are also Multipurpose areas the introduction cage can fit a bag of shavings (So can the broody cage) the floors will be linoleum for easy cleaning
there will be electricity added also.

is there anything I forgot?

 

[imnukensc]

Why put HWC under the run? Why not just make an apron around the run? A note on your plans says "grass in the run." You won't have it for long.

 

[ChickenPalace123]

yep I know grass won't last but I want to give them a natural treat since they can't free range where I am.
We have very determined predators that will dig underneath a Skirt I would rather be safe than sorry

 

[Doc7]

yep I know grass won't last but I want to give them a natural treat since they can't free range where I am.
We have very determined predators that will dig underneath a Skirt I would rather be safe than sorry

No predator out there digs under this. Their brain doesn’t match what they are encountering when what they want to get to isn’t where they need to start digging.

You will be sorry for lining a run floor with HWC.

 

[21hens-incharge]

The problem with hardware cloth under the run is that it degrades.
It happens quickly.
Chickens scratching about can catch a claw, get a nasty cut, get bumble foot and damage beaks.
They can also ingest small parts causing all kinds of internal issues.

Not to mention difficulty and cost of replacing it when it wears out.

 

[blackdog043]

Agree with the apron, put it around your whole set up 18 - 24 inches out. Mine goes down from the coop and out 18 inches, as well as 18 inches out around the whole run.

 

[aart]

is there anything I forgot?

Dimensions

 

[ChickenPalace123]

Dimensions

still working on that. but I "think" the standard coop is 10 by 12 feet, so i am hoping the bantam coop will be 20 by 10 or 12 feet.
i am going to start framing on February 2nd or 9th. i need the coop ready for April.
i will have a big increase in birds then.



no hardware cloth on the bottom of the run, but the underside of the coop will be lined with it.
any idea where to get cheap linoleum?

 

[ChickenPalace123]

2x4s should be ok for framing right?

 

[DobieLover]

2x4s should be ok for framing right?

Yes. And you can go 24"OC instead of 16 to save lumber.