maroongrad
Chirping
- Feb 16, 2021
- 36
- 93
- 86
I'm planning to get a horizontal storage shed and convert it into a coop. Put it up on some cinderblocks, add a chain and a wedge to securely lift the top and provide ventilation, place some perches in it, and cut a few holes then cover them with translucent plastic to provide some light. I can open one half at a time for cleaning and egg collection while having the other half set up with roosts. I'll put nesting in the bottom, the bottom is slanted slightly so will be easier to clean, I can add a heater inside without worrying as much about scorching it, and it should stay snug and dry inside. In the winter, we've taken to tossing a thick blanket and tarp around the coop for heat and will likely continue. So, I have a pretty good idea of what I want to set up and how to do it and I'm pretty happy with the idea. Light and portable and sturdy so I can move it around, it ought to last for years and years, we can re-arrange the inside however we want as the flock gets bigger or small, and this ought to work well. Our old coop is on its last legs, and I want something safe and warm for them. Which brings me to a really basic "how big" question! How wide does a coop need to be for a chicken to easily access a perch? Our current coop is about 3 feet wide and they don't have a problem getting up, but the perch is also pretty low. They'll need to do a bit more flapping and hopping to get up on the perches in the newer, taller shed. If I expect a hen to be able to reach a perch that's about four feet up, especially one of the big heavy breeds, what's the best setup? How much space do they need to launch those chunky bodies up there? If I do "steps" with multiple perches at different heights, how much space do I need to leave to make it convenient for them to pick the perch they want?