Confused by possibly conflicting info - heights for roosts/boxes

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chickaddicted

chickaddicted

In the Brooder
12 Years
Mar 23, 2007
24
0
22
Georgia
I am planing a small heay bodies flock of 5 to 6 hens. I was all set on having the nest boxes and the roosts starting at 24 in. off the coop floor that seems to be prevailingwsdom. Then I read in another post here that since they often jump off the nest/roost instead of using provided ramps it can cause leg problems in heavy bodied breeds.

I'm thinking orpingtons and maybe ameracuanas so it is important to me to get this right and have happy healthy girls with no problems I've cauused.

Also, I'm in Georgia, near Atlanta and need advice on just how heavy duty for cold I need to build the house so the girls will be nice and toasty this winter. (Because of the way our property is the house will be north facing, but with PM sun on the west side.)

Thanks for your help!
 
Don't sweat it. 24" is a good height for your nesting boxes. If the hens are having a hard time getting down they will use the ramps. You will probably be disapointed to find out that after all your trouble building nesting boxes that some of your hens will lay eggs on the floor in the corner anyway. As for warmth in Georgia, you shouldn't have any worries at all. We have a well ventilated coop with no insulation and it gets in the single digits around here. No problems. Good luck,

Chris
 
Quote:
Ain't that the truth!
barnie.gif
 
you want your roosts 3 to 4ft off the ground.so you can clean from under them.as well the air flowing under an over the hens.it wont hurt the hens jumping down from the roost.because when they jump they flapp their wings.nestboxes you want 2ft off the ground.an put a ramp up to them.
 

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