Hey everyone! My family and I have a small ranch, and we had a major predator issue last fall that wiped out a big chunk of our flock. As we gear up for spring, we're planning to build a new chicken coop, and I want to use cinderblocks for the bottom three feet of the walls. I'm totally new to working with cinderblocks and I'm looking for advice on whether I should fill them with cement, if I need rebar, and any other tips for building a strong, secure coop. Thanks!
3 Answers
Filling all the cells isn't necessary, but be sure to use a masonry mortar mix to join the blocks. It’s important to have a solid concrete footer to support the weight. Fill the corners and door openings for extra strength. It can help if you're a beginner at masonry! Also, you might want to block the cells at the top row to get a better base for attaching any wood frame on top.
You really don't need to fill the cinderblocks unless you're building a super secure bunker. Just use mortar to bond the blocks together, and you'll be fine!
Check what your existing coop is made of, as strong hardware cloth is key for preventing predators. It’ll work great if you bury it about a foot deep. Sorry to hear about your loss; predators can be relentless!
Thanks for the tip! We think a mountain lion got in, so we're definitely reinforcing the area.