Quote:
Originally Posted by wdfifteen
Thank you for all the replies. I've been contemplating a coop/run for 4 chickens. I'm thinking an area of 5x10 for the run as that's an efficient use of 2x4 8s and 10s. The coop would be separate from the run, as in the photo below (only with a taller run and smaller coop.) I want to be able to move it to a new spot on the property every few months.
I'm wracking my braid trying to come up with something to keep varmints from digging under the fence that will be portable. Cooper, it looks like you have concrete pavers down. I've come up with setting the bottom rails on 1x4s with 10" spikes driven in every 2". That's damn expensive. I'm also thinking about laying down pressure treated 2x12s and setting the bottom rails of the cage on them. Would a fox or coyote dig under a 2x12"? Also considering ripping up some 24" strips of exterior plywood. Same idea as the 2x12, but the critters would have to dig 2 feet horizontally to get under. I'm still thinking about it. Any brilliant ideas?
My neighbor had a couple of chickens and he locked them in the coop every night. I may do that. The primary daytime varmint here are hawks.
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I did 15.75"x15.75" pavers for the base.
I cheated the mud sill/base board inwards so there would be more block outside...there by making critters have to start digging further away.
I haven't had any problems with digging yet.
You can also fortify by digging down around the coop/run a few inches and then going out 12-16" burry poultry mesh or hardware mesh.
The critters will attempt to dig and then run into the mesh.
As far as making a movable run. You can keep the coop with a small run located somewhere permanent and then have a moveable run to protect from bird strike during the day.
That run can really be built out of lighter lumber, like 2"x2" framing to support the mesh. Will be easier to move. You can stake it down with steel concrete form stakes.
One thing you will quickly realize is that the chickens will "mow" through an area of grass/weeds 5'x10' in a week or less! You'll need to move that run frequently!
When we had the 4 Pullets out in their first temporary coop/run (run was about 3'x5') I had to move it weekly. They ate most anything green down to the dirt! Obviously they had scratch and feed available too...
Challenge will be getting the girls into that run each morning... They will automatically want to return to coop each night around dusk.
They just go in and roost, then I close them up tight.
My coop does not have any Windows. Just the nest box lid and a door for the chickens.
I agree with others comments, the coop needs to be robust and well secured.
My vet lost 3 chickens recently to coyotes. They chewed a corner off of his 1/2" plywood coop door to access...