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soundl like that works pretty well - but I also need a way to move around the coop without stepping on any of the gang as they surround me, so I use an old lightweight window screen (in an aluminum frame) when I first open the coop I slide it inside the doorway and gently shove everyone back away from the door with it, then place it in the door as a gate while I reach out and grab the food/water etc, then as I move around the coop I use it in front of me, again to keep from stepping on or tripping over them as they crowd around me, mostly it works well, except when I lean it against a wall and they try to roost on the top edge, knock it over and try to squish whoever it lands on...LOL (no harm since it's very light and even with a chicken on top it's still bends around the bottom one... )
I found a small garden rake at Lowes that I use to rake the coop as well as use as a little prodder to encourage them when I have to drive them into the coop when I have to leave them. It also could be used to gently push them away as they try to crowd around you. It's like a child size but it is durable. Even a piece of wire mesh would work, your idea sounds great. Thanks for commenting.
soundl like that works pretty well - but I also need a way to move around the coop without stepping on any of the gang as they surround me, so I use an old lightweight window screen (in an aluminum frame) when I first open the coop I slide it inside the doorway and gently shove everyone back away from the door with it, then place it in the door as a gate while I reach out and grab the food/water etc, then as I move around the coop I use it in front of me, again to keep from stepping on or tripping over them as they crowd around me, mostly it works well, except when I lean it against a wall and they try to roost on the top edge, knock it over and try to squish whoever it lands on...LOL (no harm since it's very light and even with a chicken on top it's still bends around the bottom one... )
I found a small garden rake at Lowes that I use to rake the coop as well as use as a little prodder to encourage them when I have to drive them into the coop when I have to leave them. It also could be used to gently push them away as they try to crowd around you. It's like a child size but it is durable. Even a piece of wire mesh would work, your idea sounds great. Thanks for commenting.