Advice and opinions on new coop

Hi there everyone,

So I'm a newbie and I am almost finished with my first coop (all from scrap I had around the farm). Please could you guys check out the pictures and advise me on a few things before I start painting.

1. My only ventilation is via the two windows on the front. Should I add additional ventilation vents on the side for when the windows are closed?
2. Are my laying boxes too low? They came out a bit lower than I expected.
3. Can I use cyprus wood shavings for their bedding?
4. Should I add additional roost space if I have space to do so?
5. Any other changes / modifications?

Thanks so much in advance!

Andre

Great looking coop, Andre! Love how it was made out of salvaged materials, and it looks like it was put together really well! This coop is WAY nicer than my old chicken tractor, that's for sure!
Yes, I would add some vents on the side. You can never go too wrong with more ventilation. (especially in a hot, humid climate like where I live)
Generally, you want to avoid shavings with very strong aromatic oils (like cedar) because it can irritate the birds lungs. I just did some quick research and some people say yes to cypress; others say no. So I would say to avoid them if they have a very strong smell.
I think your nests are fine! Hens like small dark spaces to lay eggs in anyway. As long as they can easily walk in and out of the nests, I would leave them as they are.
Roost space should be enough to allow all your birds to comfortably fit. Not packed like sardines Also, one thing I noticed is that you have natural branches for roosts. Some people use 2x4's (4 inch side facing up) for roosts. They say it is easier on the chicken's feet. I use 2x4's also, but I don't think it's the only thing you can use. I'd do some research on that.
Hope you have good success with your flock! What kinds of chickens are you getting, and how many?

only three things I would suggest.

first I'd make the roof overhang in the back longer. Help keep water from dripping inside your nesting boxes.

second, I'd make the ramp longer and less steep, if you have the room

I think I'd also make two separate roost areas on either side of the door, because you will have that one bird that will want to roost right in the doorway and either prevent other birds from coming in, or poop on them when they do. One thing I've seen that would work well with your pitched roof, is two levels of roosts, that has horizontal spacing, and vertical spacing. think stairs.

great build

I think there is a thread on here about which types of wood makes the best bedding. I know cedar was not a good one.

Thanks so much for the great advice, much appreciated!

I will adjust my roost space accordingly.

I am thinking of getting 10 Bosvelder chickens.

Nice salvage job.....looks heavy!

How big is it...about 4x6'?
What is your climate?

Definitely need more ventilation.
You can prop the low end of the ramp on a concrete block standing tall(16"), or something, to lessen angle of ramp.

Need raccoon proof latch on door...looks like good latch on nest roof, hasp and loop?

How tall are nest boxes, look a little low, 12" minimum, 14-16" better.

Roosts look like they might be hard to get up and down from, space is just tight.
I'd not put more than 4-6 birds in there.