Front yard coop - how far beyond the roost should the poop board extend?

[frontyardcoop]

How far beyond the roost should the poop board extend?

I know I need 18 inches from the wall for the 6 foot long roost for the 4 hens. My coop dimensions are about 4.5 x 3.3 feet x 5.5 feet tall. I have 2 feet of head room over the roost, 6 inches to the poop board, and then 3 feet of room under the board, will they use this 3 feet of space under the board? (I edited this post as I realized I can excavate 6 inches to level the ground and add a bit more coop, it will just go right up to the tip top of the wall!. )

 

[cavemanrich]

IT LOOKS LIKE YOUR COOP IS AT MAXIMUM DENSITY FOR YOUR CHICKENS. General guideline is 4 square feet per bird. You have about 15 square feet ( I'm omitting the fractions, ) . Still do not see how you get a 6 foot roost in a coop with 4.5 x 3.3 dimensions???.. As for poop boards, they only need to be 6 to 8 inches below roosts to do a good job. Overcrowding is an undesired situation. Only you will know if that is such in your situation. Size of chickens is a big factor. You can keep more bantams than standards. Your solutions can be as....... Increase coop size, or reduce number of chickens.. or do nothing and tolerate the consequences associated with overcrowding. Remember that it is not the end of the world situation.. Having your chickens housed comfortably will give you MUCH BETTER RESULTS OVERALL.

WISHING YOU BEST AND

 

[frontyardcoop]

IT LOOKS LIKE YOUR COOP IS AT MAXIMUM DENSITY FOR YOUR CHICKENS. General guideline is 4 square feet per bird. You have about 15 square feet ( I'm omitting the fractions, ) . Still do not see how you get a 6 foot roost in a coop with 4.5 x 3.3 dimensions???.. As for poop boards, they only need to be 6 to 8 inches below roosts to do a good job. Overcrowding is an undesired situation. Only you will know if that is such in your situation. Size of chickens is a big factor. You can keep more bantams than standards. Your solutions can be as....... Increase coop size, or reduce number of chickens.. or do nothing and tolerate the consequences associated with overcrowding. Remember that it is not the end of the world situation.. Having your chickens housed comfortably will give you MUCH BETTER RESULTS OVERALL.

WISHING YOU BEST AND

Sorry, 4.5 feet high. The coop will be almost 6.5 feet by 31/3rd feet, so about 21 sq feet for 4 birds (nest boxes extend outside). But, I have the height problem. The coop will be 54 inches high inside. 24 inchs of head room, six inches for poop board, with 2 feet below the poop board. Wondering if the 2 feet below the poop board is usable? If not, then I might have to keep it to only 2 chickens. Thinking Rhode Island Reds, 1.) I am from RHode Island 2.) my friend has them and they are just the nicest birds!

 

[cavemanrich]

Now I get a clearer picture. I see no problem at all housing 4 chickens. The 2 foot high space is also good enough. It is where you would keep feed and water. Your chickens will most often prefer to sit on their roost even during the day if they are confined to coop. They will go on floor level to eat and drink. Provide an easy way for them to go up and down. Ether a series of levels to go to and from, or a chicken ladder or ramp. Your choice for RIR is a good one. Good to get in pairs. I have 2 myself. Named Mary and Jane. You may also consider Easter Eggers. EE for short. Fantastic docile chickens as well. They will give you blue or green eggs. RIR lay light brown eggs. In time you may decide to experiment with assorted varieties. That is my preference now . Mine are just pets .

ENJOY YOUR NEW VENTURE