Producer's Pride Defender Chicken Coop

Tractor Supply Producers Pride Defender Chicken Coop/Run walk around. Overall a great chicken coop/run. Needs a few modifications, but overall it gets a 8 out of 10. The only reason it doesn’t get a full 10 is because the extra expense to secure the run area. Great design!!
Thanks for watching!!
Producer's Pride Defender Chicken Coop
www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/pro...
Retriever Roof Cover
www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/pro...
Harris Farms Poultry Watering Cup
www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/pro...
Harris Farms 30lb Hanging Feeder
www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/pro...
Garden Zone Hardware Cloth
www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/pro...
Security Motion Led Light
www.lowes.com/pd/Utilitech-22...
Quick Connect Water Adapter
www.lowes.com/pd/Yardsmith-Ya...

[@HeavensEssentials]

Great job on the coop, I think you have made my mind up on which one to get. Thank you 😄

[@monroehillfarm7423]

Paper Petunia awesome!! If you got any questions when you get it, don’t hesitate to ask.

[@rosskstar]

@@monroehillfarm7423 Do you have a link to the brood chamber part (or whatever u call it)?

[@monroehillfarm7423]

John RossStar it all came in a lot from tractor supply. They do sell just the run but it’s under their retriever brand and is considered a dog kennel.

[@rosskstar]

@@monroehillfarm7423 I thought their "Producer's Pride Universal Poultry Pen, 8 ft. x 8 ft., CR0808 " was it. Still, can't find the coop part of your set up. I guess they quit offering it.

[@monroehillfarm7423]

John RossStar Mine was a 10’ x 10’ run. Looks like they did stop carrying the coop. You could use any coop though and it will go up to the run. Just line up the coop with the run and cut out the wires where the coop meets the run to create an opening.

[@philloder]

Just got one 8x8' and did one more step. remove all rubber end caps and the roof panel joint pipes and spray in great stuff foam sealer to keep water out of the pipes. Replace the caps and joints before the foam dries! Much easier to do BEFORE assembly. I do the same thing on hunting stands after they froze with water in them and split. 3 month old stand ruined from rust and splits from ice. Luckily no one fell when it broke. Always climb with a safety rope!!! saved my Life. Foam works great and adds very little weight and it is closed cell foam that wont absorb water and will probably triple the life of the unit.

[@hoperules8874]

Man! That is really helpful! Thank you!

[@stan5949]

Put you a gutter on roof to catch water for your barrel No moore carring water👍🏻 Great video ‼️

[@Fordgroup00]

We’re looking at getting this. Great set-up! Thanks for the info 👍

[@drow8569]

If this was mine I would just plan on putting hardware cloth over the rest of the run and top, put a wire on those bottom latches because if you have raccoons they will open those, they are smart critters! I've learned that the hard way.

[@monroehillfarm7423]

Thanks for the input

[@msamelienp]

Instead of those plastic bins in the coop, I saw a guy that used Weather-Tech Floor mats that he had from an old pick-up. It fit perfectly and he could pull the whole thing out to clean it off. It also saves the wood floor from moisture (chicken poop).

[@monroehillfarm7423]

Great idea

[@rebecca2827]

Love all your additions! Really creative and nice!

[@autonco808]

just purchased one and appreciate the video! I think im gonna lock them up at night and leave out the extra work on the fence. Your attention to detail is spot on, love your watering system too! Thanks again for the run through and advice!

[@MasterHomebrew]

Saffire Gem is a nice looking Chicken.

[@carljensen5730]

I'm setting up the exact same chicken coop right now. We have a lot of fruit trees, so a lot of rodents. I am looking to implement some sort of feeder that can be closed up at night. As for water, I have found that fresh water every couple days is better than a water feeder that lasts a long time. I grow probiotics in the water and it keeps the chickens SUPER healthy.

[@ceceliacampbell7838]

Love your set up and ideas. Watching from Alabama.

[@petera5560]

Awesome video, great and thorough review, and your addons are 1st rate, you have great standards.

[@busyb2me173]

Thanks for sharing and for the ideas and links! Real helpful! :)

[@rebecca2827]

Thanks for the ideas!

[@janiemelgoza166]

Man that is one beautiful coop, I think you've done a great job.

[@monroehillfarm7423]

Thank you

[@Mikeys_garage_mods]

Looking to upgrade our coop in the next year, this really helps alot! Thank you for sharing your work!!

[@monroehillfarm7423]

You are very welcome

[@jj007104]

This video just convinced me to go ahead and order the coop and chicks...glad I found this

[@monroehillfarm7423]

Gpa I could help!! If you need anything reach out.

[@fightingbear8537]

Well thought out. I’m thinking of getting one of these coops.

[@deniceeverhart7473]

You won't regret going ahead and covering the top half with hardware cloth. I have found it cheaper with free shipping online.

[@monroehillfarm7423]

Denice Everhart 👍🏻👍🏻 Probably going to go ahead and do it to the top. Better safe than sorry right.

[@swissmaid]

Make it rat and mouse proof!

[@deploreable6773]

I just bought one, it will be here this Friday. Thank you for the walkthrough and all of the wonderful ideas!!

[@monroehillfarm7423]

My pleasure let me know if you have any questions

[@jG-gm2mz]

It might be different; I just ordered one myself and it's not the same on the inside.

[@prideofthesouthlandkennels]

Very nice and neat set up you have there. Thanks for sharing 👍🏻

[@monroehillfarm7423]

Pride of the Southland Kennels thank you

[@YAHWEHrules]

You did a nice job adding the security fencing to your coup. Looks great.

[@monroehillfarm7423]

Thank you so much

[@keith536]

Very nice setup. Your girls are lucky to have you.

[@monroehillfarm7423]

Marnie thank you very much. I am also lucky to have them.

[@gregwright392]

Good looking coop

[@phuongvo3051]

Great chicken coop , I love it

[@monroehillfarm7423]

Thank you

[@acd3015]

Awesome video; your ideas are great!

[@monroehillfarm7423]

Thank you

[@carolannesparkman6938]

Looks Great!

[@monroehillfarm7423]

Thank you

[@sherrymull1728]

Enjoyed your video. I like chickens too.

[@bonafidebubblebee2880]

Thanks so much for the review!

[@monroehillfarm7423]

My pleasure!! Hope it helped

[@raelee1588]

Awesome Job ! Your Girls are gonna Love their New Home ! :)

[@monroehillfarm7423]

Thank you

[@garycrumrine9538]

Anything in the weasel family will definitely make it through those fence squares. I'd run the same wire mess all the way to the top. Obviously you are not going to move this coop. Some prefer to move it regularly to keep the smells down.

[@UMANAM1]

You did a great job. I think yo need to put the hard wear cloth all the way up. And around run. You can use carabiners on storage containers.

[@1llahcsap]

Nice work! Well thoughtout. Thanks. Skip Paschall

[@cindyjones8573]

I purchased the same chicken yard and ended up using it not for my chickens but as a kennel play yard for my standard poodle puppyl. Always amazes me these companies sell products for pets and they themselves are not animal savy. You did a good job. For me its back to the drawing board.

[@monroehillfarm7423]

Cindy Jonese good idea

[@gbC4mpos]

Great video! You've helped me get closer to a decision

[@gbC4mpos]

Thanks alot for including that top too btw. I was looking for it

[@monroehillfarm7423]

My pleasure glad I could help in sone way narrow it down. If you need anything don’t hesitate. Have a awesome day!!

[@RayMirshahi]

Great coop. My only concerns are minks and weasels. They can easily climb and squeeze through the openings on the top. I know this from bitter experience! Good luck.

[@JB-mf1zc]

Good info to know. Thanks

[@dpaehl]

I bought this same set up! I love it! I did do some extra caulking for drafts and removed the windows for ventilation and added small awnings to keep rain out!

[@justa.seeker4558]

Can you put the coop on the left or the right of the run?? I have limited space

[@6942pjka]

@@justa.seeker4558 yes you can

[@egracegamer6126]

I use a retriever 5x10 dog kennel from TSC. I used hardware cloth on bottom to prevent raccoons from grabbing them. Never lost one from not securing the top holes.

[@middlefloor]

Thanks for including the link to the roof cover, it wasn't easy to find on their website! (and thanks for the video, it helped us decide on getting the coop).

[@monroehillfarm7423]

No problem!! Glad it helped

[@ljoycole]

Could you please post the link to a roof cover....thx

[@Webphut]

thank you! Not sure i will use the watering system, but definitely like the roof and the 1/2" wire screen. I do not think that zip ties deteriorate in the sun. I am going to find out as that is what I am going to use. My recomendation is to transition to a deep bed floor made up of wood shavings.

[@lonniepruitt5487]

Thanks for pointing out gap between panels

[@monroehillfarm7423]

No problem

[@JessicaJEMS]

love this so much! we just got the same coop and eager to get it built

[@monroehillfarm7423]

Super easy to put together doesn’t take long at all. Hope all goes well

[@JessicaJEMS]

@@monroehillfarm7423 thanks! It’s almost done! We got rained out yesterday! Thanks again for your great video! It gave us a ton of ideas

[@monroehillfarm7423]

@@JessicaJEMS My pleasure glad it helped!! Happy chicken keeping

[@GypsyBrokenwings]

If you're concerned about predators getting through the upper squares, you could run solar hot wire. Clip it on to your posts run a line, up one then back over to complete the connection.

[@monroehillfarm7423]

Good idea

[@shirleyhodgson5974]

I would highly recommend putting more hardware cloth on the upper portion of the pin - racons are a really cagey and snakes! You have done a great job!

[@monroehillfarm7423]

Thank you and thanks for the input

[@alandavis9319]

Just do chicken wire on the top half. No need in doing the more expensive hardware cloth on the top portion. If they (wildlife) are going to grab your birds, it will be down on the ground where they are walking around.

[@joannc147]

Thank you for this GREAT post! I don’t have the chickens yet, but I have been horrified with the cheapness and small spaces I’ve seen on coops for sale. I was considering a dog kennel as the main structure to allow walk-in room as well as some heft to hold my coop in the wind. You have done a fabulous job in describing this. I’ll have the hardware cloth all the way up due to those pesky rat snakes we have around here.

[@monroehillfarm7423]

Glad I could help!! Good luck and thank you. We love ours!

[@danielwarren7110]

@@monroehillfarm7423 In the UK when we first had chickens we lost a lot of them to rats, so we had to put hardware cloth all the way to the top

[@monroehillfarm7423]

@@danielwarren7110 luckily haven’t had an issue with rats and haven’t lost a single chicken except for my own negligence of not locking the coop down or something silly that was my own fault.

[@gwenbain4706]

Yes put hardware wire all around it because a mink or possum will squezze right thru there and kill all the chickens

[@monroehillfarm7423]

+Gwen Bain 👍🏻👍🏻 thanks for the suggestion

[@TubeYouFromMe]

As a matter of fact, a mink DID get ALL our laying hens in one night. 😖

[@samfrazier7735]

Awesome

[@Mommasupporter]

add a solar hot wire for the top gaps. great video and info.

[@monroehillfarm7423]

Good idea

[@mmanut]

New Subscriber, FANTASTIC JOB ‼️ Vinny 🇺🇸

[@monroehillfarm7423]

Thanks for the sub!! And thanks for the compliment glad you liked it.

[@azimshamsi]

Good job that's what I was looking for Really love to see how it looks like after 2 years Just a suggestion if you have snake or even mouse issue it will be better to cover the big holes with some kind of netting

[@monroehillfarm7423]

Luckily we haven’t had any issues over the last two years. It’s been absolutely awesome!!

[@stevegermain1222]

I subscribed I really like your presentation I'm new to this game I keep here and they need a foot on each for a roost but some people say 8 in I guess if they're comfy that's all that matters I like the way you present things thanks

[@monroehillfarm7423]

Steve Germain thank you

[@billtalbott2697]

Concerning the upper fence sections...weasels are great at climbing and can easily get thru those gaps. That said, they are nocturnal hunters so if you are religious about cooping your flock at sunset you should be OK. Just check the run each AM to make sure no weasels (or snakes) are still hanging from the previous night.

[@monroehillfarm7423]

+Bill Talbott thanks for the insight. Appreciate it very much.

[@garyhempel6316]

feeder 4" pvc with a cap use sweeping 90s and Tees have it come down and y off and put street 90s adjust angle so the feed wont ruin out but chickens can stick head in to eat

[@darcychapman350]

I just bought this coop- really appreciate your video- I will hardware cloth the whole thing (although for that $, I would have expected it to be done- cmon TSC). I want to add the galvanized metal panels for the roof, need to figure that out. Thanks

[@monroehillfarm7423]

Darcy Chapman awesome!! Glad I could help in any way.

[@eddielane9569]

Love the pen. As far as the plastic poop catchers go I would keep them. Plastic is easy to wash off. Wood will soak up uric acid from the feces and stink. Putting a heat lamp in there will likely kill the chickens if they are unable to get out. They will overheat fast even with the vent open and the poop trays could melt. If your temps get below zero then get a setup recommended by your Co-Op. Also with the feeder just go in and feed them because if rain blows in it will get in the feeder. On the top portion you could use chicken wire to keep anything from getting through the rectangles or the same wire you used in the corners. The smaller the wire size the best for keeping out snakes. You could electrify the pen If you end up having problems. If you have red ants or other bugs that crawl around they will find a way into the feed if kept on the bottom of the nest boxes. Wild animals will chew and scratch their way into the feed. The latches are very easy for them to move open too. I don't know if their is any containers that are able to seal out the bugs or smell of the feed but good luck.

[@monroehillfarm7423]

Eddie Lane yea I kept the plastic ones and they have worked out great.

[@mrmrlee]

I would not recommend a 250 watt heat bulb as it is too hot. However, you can use a reptile heater which screws in a standard light socket but is a heat element, not a bulb. They come in various wattages, I use the 150, highly recommend! Resealable 5 gallon buckets with lids work fine for feed. If you are concerned about the latches being opened use small carabiners you can get at the dollar store. Keeping all predators out of a run is very difficult as you must have a no dig apron of mesh around the entire perimeter. I prefer to insure the chickens are secured in the coop nightly for their safety, this way the sizing of the run fencing is not an issue. I use the retriever kennel from Tractor Supply, 10' x 5' x 6' high, on sale now for $299. As an aside, chickens do not produce urine, they only poo and don't pee.

[@eddielane9569]

@@mrmrlee no chickens don't produce urine but their feces is coated in uric acid which in a way is like urine. It still causes a lot of smell if the coop is not cleaned out often.

[@JessicaJEMS]

I saw a product called First Saturday Lime that is safe for consumption so that can be sprinkled in the food to control pests and odors

[@FVWhimsy2010]

In the south, the 2 x 2 wire should be installed all around to protect chicks against snakes. A lot of people don't realize that snakes can climb...and they will also go under the bottom if not reinforced.

[@ColHatley]

Yes, they will crawl up the lower section and enter through the upper section!

[@garrymiller3847]

Great video!!! Absolutely love your coop. How did you connect the tree supports to each other! This is a brilliant idea. Thank you.

[@monroehillfarm7423]

Used timber locks. Lowes or Home Depot Carrie’s they in the screw section.

[@hoperules8874]

this is a really good setup, but you asked about ideas on predators rats come to mind and they would climb up that hardware cloth to the upper holes or dig tunnels underneath--snakes sometimes do that also

[@ninevoltromeo]

I added a layer of hardware cloth around the bottom of my coop to deter digging predators. Dig a few inches down around, lay the hardware cloth, then cover it back up. A bit of work, but fairly successful in keeping digging critters at bay.

[@davidthomas2126]

I know it's been three years. But I have the same kennel that I made into a chicken run. I put chicken wire on my lower half also with a 1x6 board screw at the bottom and then I have an electric fence wire mounted 2 inch from the ground. Since I put an electric fence around my chickens I haven't lost any. In my past years I've had problems with mink, raccoons, eagles, fox, and coyotes.

[@reneebrown2968]

I would add your feeder and water under your coop. By doing this you will ensure that your chicken food stays dry and the water stays cooler.

[@aspegel5281]

I really like your added ideas!! Excellent video. Thank you for all your wonderful insight. I really wanted this coup, but I'm stuck with the 8X8, because this coup is neither available in my area nor being shipped to my zip code. I wanted the pitched roof, and this was the best option I could find. I just wish they had expansion packs for the 8X8.

[@monroehillfarm7423]

+a Spegel thank you for you kind comments. They do have a way to expand these things. It’s not made for it, but it will work. Look at Tractor Supply retriever brand dog kennels. They will link right up to these things. Not sure if the 8x8 is the same or not, but I know it works for the 10x10.

[@wifibread77]

I like what you did w your coop/run. Great ideas. Have you looked into getting some Barred Rock chickens? Dual chicken which thrives in hot summers or cold winters. Keep the vids coming. Just subbed. 👍

[@monroehillfarm7423]

WifiBread I have just haven’t crossed that road yet. Hatched my first set from my Sapphire Gems and bought two silkies from TS. Barred Rock are probably next

[@jillarmstrong1081]

Check out Grandpa's feeders. They're treadle feeders that almost eliminate food waste. Rodents can't get to the feed but chickens can. There are cheaper versions as well. Not sure about the quality of the other ones. Coop and run look great! I'm sold on the run for sure.

[@CerberusOnFire]

Weasels can fit though a hole as small as 1/2" diameter. Stoats can get through a 1" hole. Snakes can get through anything their body diameter. I wouldn't be concerned with the 2x6 inch for any other common predators assuming those holes are up high. If they were ground level, raccoons will grab the chicken by the head and drag it through the hole.

[@dpaehl]

Love this coop but did have to add hardware cloth to top and bottom to prevent predators!

[@Aerogrow]

nice vid; metal zip ties make it easier; less stabbies longer term from ends also.

[@eqvalues]

I put patio shade cloth on the top section and hardware cloth at the bottom.

[@steph6337]

I like the review of this... I can't justify the cost of this thing with all the add on I'll have to do. It sure looks nice though!

[@stan5949]

I would cover it up to a smaller hole Got video 👍🏻👍🏻

[@Rule11theSanctions]

Thanks for this video. I find it extremely helpful even four years after you made it. We just bought the Producer's Pride coop and run and also sprang for the Retriever Roof Cover. Can you share how you attached the roof cover to the run? I'm a little confused because they each have their own roofing frame and it's unclear how the Retriever fits over the Run roof and attaches. Thanks, in advance.

[@janicecarpio3578]

Awesome video! I am getting this exact same coop on Tuesday and found this video extremely helpful. I have a few questions. First, what are your thoughts on ventilation of this coop. We are in Texas and it easily hits over 100 degrees. I have some delicate birds and wasn’t sure how this coop feels in the Summer. Also is the tent cover enough to keep predators from going in through the gaps on the top? I’ll be placing mine under a tree, but plan on using the cover. Thanks again!

[@monroehillfarm7423]

Janice Carpio We are in northern MS and it seems fine. If you leave the vent open inside the coop with the front coop door open as well, it creates air flow through the vent. Just make sure you leave the back vent open during the summer and closed in the winter and I believe you’ll be fine. Glad this video helped and good luck with your chickens.

[@MichelleLDyer]

I like your coup I have the same pen and no predator has gotten in ! Didn't have to put anything above the first section

[@addieanderson2043]

I would use construction sand in the coop. Easy clean up like kitty litter. You would then not have to slide the plastic bins out very often.

[@conservativejones3537]

I like it. I only wish the coop door was oriented to allow for an auto open/close.

[@monroehillfarm7423]

It is you just have to use your inner macgyver 😂😂

[@jeffdinter600]

I personally would like to have the plastic bin, over the metal bins. I've had her several coops that have came with the metal pull-out drawer to clean. Well after a year to there's no more drawer to pull out because it has been rusted away. The plastic sounds like a pretty good idea.

[@angierandomstuff]

very nice! i would put chicken wire around the whole thing. a rat or snake can get through those wholes

[@timthomas325]

I got pretty much same set up. I got 4 Rhode Island’s, an went out a few days ago an found a picked to death 3 feet copperhead.

[@monroehillfarm7423]

Tim Thomas snakes can be a challenge no doubt. It’s hard to keep snakes out of any coop really. Glad the chickens took care of it for you.

[@bkspfarmlife3316]

Starting farming checkin sir

[@pm2agility]

Hardware cloth the whole thing. raccoons are jerks.

[@monroehillfarm7423]

+Deborah Davidson Harpur yes they are!! Complete jerks. Lol

[@eugenepeterson810]

It all looks great! Check out Grampa's feeder, saves money, water proof, will pay for itself in saved feed in no time!

[@monroehillfarm7423]

For sure!! I’ll check it out

[@danovi8500]

Any preditor that u think would get through the 2x2 holes at the bottom would likely easily climb up and go through the holes abouve the hardware cloth.

[@stacyodom7021]

Raccoons can reach in side those bigger holes up top might rap hardware cloth around the hole thing and lay some fencing down around the ground around the coop so they can't dig underneath

[@joyplaster357]

Awesome set up. One thing I noticed, You may want to add hardwire cloth to the gaps in the roof a climbing predator could easily rip through the cover on top imho . But I tend to over think. Welcome to your next addiction lol I started with 4 chicken math is REAL count 8 months later....22😂🤣😅

[@monroehillfarm7423]

😂😂 just saw this comment. Yea we are no doubt addicted. We are actually hatching our own. What an exciting process to watch

[@carrollthim8460]

nice coop like pipie feeder 4in pvc run two 35 jont on t two pice each side cut holl topside cap ends run pipie up set cap on it

[@monroehillfarm7423]

Gotcha!! Thanks

[@kitcarson7572]

Three years later. I would not worry about the larger square holes in the upper fence. Chickens will only be in there during the day and hawks and so on cannot get to them, all the other predators like racoons, weasels, etc generally make their raids at night. Chickens will be in the coop at night, I would however not rely on that sliding door to keep them secure. A racoon can and will dig under the run, and use those front feet and just slide the door open. Put a secure latch on it . This requires two trips inside daily to latch at night and open in the morning. Such is the way of raising chickens. I have also learned to never ever rely upon fancy automatic opening and closing doors, more sooner than later they will malfunction and that one night you forget or are busy the door will not shut and the next morning you are three chickens short. Kit

[@monroehillfarm7423]

Agreed!! Haven’t covered them and it has been fine

[@reneebrown2968]

I would add chicken wire to the upper walls of the chicken run.

[@maubismith2670]

Rats is also a predator of the chickens, they can fit through those wide wires you were asking about I would personally use the wire you for the bottom and put through out the entire coop.

[@monroehillfarm7423]

Thanks for the comment

[@Tonia.lynn2411]

Thinking he storage unit could possible turned into another nesting area!

[@victorbunch7725]

U have done one of the best and most interesting vids yet, I had golden comets that layed jumbo and some ultra jumbo! I had to let them go because of dam hawks and fox killing them! I like to free range!! BTW, Do you know why chicken coops mostly have 2 doors? Because if it had 4-doors it would be a sedan!!!

[@monroehillfarm7423]

😂😂😂😂😂 love it

[@rabrish1]

Thank you, for this informative video. One question, do you think the coop can be located inside the 10 x 10 fence? Thank you.

[@monroehillfarm7423]

Not sure probably be a little to big for that.

[@jancurcio5573]

Suggestion: add stepping stones around the coop to further secure the base from predators digging under the run walls.

[@monroehillfarm7423]

Great idea. We just buried three feet of wire around the exterior of the coop, but you for sure could use stone of some sort as well

[@rbljackson]

Really like that set up. A few questions though… is it modular in the sense that the coop can be mounted into any wall/ confirmation? Same for the gate door… can it be placed on any wall for different layouts? My one gripe are those pans inside the coop. I’d rather be able to do a deep litter method and I don’t think it’s possible with that set up and the location of the nesting boxes. Do the 11 chickens fit into the coop with enough room? Seems like it would be pretty tight.

[@jenniferkieffer3492]

Looks great! I'm looking at purchasing the same coop, and will definitely be adding the same modifications. Thanks for sharing what you did. Have you moved your chickens in yet? I'm curious how everything is working out with the chickens in it.

[@monroehillfarm7423]

Jennifer Kieffer yes they have been in for about three weeks now. It is absolutely perfect for the amount of chickens I have. I think you will really enjoy this coop. Thanks for the reply!! 👍🏻

[@jenniferkieffer3492]

Monroe Hill Farm, how are the watering cups working out? I hadn't seen those before.

[@monroehillfarm7423]

Jennifer Kieffer they work really good. I had to press the yellow thing to fill the cups up for the chicks the first week then the chicks figured out how to use it.

[@jenniferkieffer3492]

Monroe Hill Farm, my husband purchased this coop for me for Mother’s Day ☺️. I painted it and we’ve been using your video as a guide for the different modifications we want to add. We just bought some solar powered flood lights and next will be the cover. We are also looking at adding on to the run so our Jersey Giants have more room. Thanks for sharing all your ideas!

[@mrcharrington1]

Thanks very much. Very informative. I do plan to get this unit. I'm getting ready to get purchase some chicks. Question: My back yard has a fence around it; can I let them out of the run during the day and how do I get them back in the run? I remember chasing chickens as a youngster and never did catch one. Seems like we had them trained to go back into the coop with food.

[@monroehillfarm7423]

Winston Smith yes for sure. When you first get them leave them in the coop/run for the first two to three weeks. They will realize their home. Our chickens free range on 7 acres all day then every night go back to the coop.

[@mrcharrington1]

@@monroehillfarm7423 Super! And thanks for the quick reply. My pet peeve is people posting videos and never answering questions. Thanks so much.

[@steventaylor4326]

We had that coop. Your weakest point is the coop itself. We had a raccoons pull the vent out to gain access and have a feast. I attached hardware cloth over that entire panel. Two nights later they came back and pulled on the hardware cloth until one of the boards snapped so they got in again. We ended up just building a coop out of more solids materials and attach it to the run.

[@monroehillfarm7423]

We actually bought a 10x10 shed and attached it to the run and have eliminated the actual coop. We had the vent torn off as well, but they didn’t get in. Coop lasted us around 2 years before starting to notice issues. Thanks for the reply

[@lesboucher542]

I think that I would be adding hardware cloth over the whole cage. Those large openings are an invitation to predators.

[@monroehillfarm7423]

I have almost had it a year and no issue. I would probably agree with you though. Better safe that sorry right? Thanks for the reply!!

[@nancyseaman7574]

Check daily the chick door to go into the run. Fills up with wood chips,etc. And will have trouble closing correctly.

[@CanterburyTrailsFarm]

Nice coop. Been doing a lot of research on coops to decide if I want to buy or build.

[@monroehillfarm7423]

Canterbury Trails Farm we will be doing both. Got this one, but will be building a bigger coop as we get more chickens. Will add onto the run as needed as well. Good coop/run for up to 15 chickens though.

[@CanterburyTrailsFarm]

@@monroehillfarm7423 Yeah, I'm only looking at 6 tops. Probably 4 in one coop and 2 in a smaller one (our disabled daughter wants her own "little coop"). We have a lot of predators, so I'm thinking of smaller coop, with a larger, protected run. Sun is a serious issue here too.