2 story coop,open to lower level.

[captbridgers]

I have a modified coop, 2 story, w/ a pull out "drawer" into which I am advised to put shavings,fine & course. I am thinking of removing this pan completely(it covers the entire 'floor" of the upper story) so the hens can roost at night, and poop into sand down on the first level. In winter, however, I would probably have to reinstall the pan to keep hens warm. Need input from experienced 'henners"! Thanks, captbridgers ps This chicken coop was purchased from Sams...One can view it by pulling up Sams & entering "chicken coop" to view it. It houses 4-6 chickens

 

[chick rookie]

I have a modified coop, 2 story, w/ a pull out "drawer" into which I am advised to put shavings,fine & course. I am thinking of removing this pan completely(it covers the entire 'floor" of the upper story) so the hens can roost at night, and poop into sand down on the first level. In winter, however, I would probably have to reinstall the pan to keep hens warm. Need input from experienced 'henners"! Thanks, captbridgers ps This chicken coop was purchased from Sams...One can view it by pulling up Sams & entering "chicken coop" to view it. It houses 4-6 chickens

You could take the drawer out if you wanted but I would think it would be easier to clean the night time piles with it in. ( if covered with shavings or some sort of bedding ) Take it out, dump it, replace it.
As far as putting it back in for winter, it would be easier for the hens to hold their own body heat as long as they have plenty of ventilation.
Of course this is just my op and experience.

 

[Emma Miriam]

Are you talking about Sam's Club? If so, which model? (Sorry if I'm not thinking of the right place...I searched on their website and there were several different coops.) I can help you more if I can see a picture of your coop.

Also, be aware that all the coops you can buy at a place like that (Trixie, Advantek, etc.) DO NOT hold nearly as many birds as they advertise. To figure out how many they actually fit, first figure out the square footage of the coop. If you don't free range, you should have 3-4 square feet per bird in the enclosed coop and 8-10 square feet in the run. So for example, a coop that's 9 square feet can hold 2 or 3 chickens as long as there's enough outdoor space.

Where do you live? (What climate?) Also, what breed(s) do you have / are thinking of getting?

Post a link to the coop you have and we can help more.

 

[captbridgers]

Hi! Thanks for your response. I really don't want to clean it out every nite. or every week, but I do. I only have 6 birds.

 

[Belle7]

2 story coop sounds cool I have never seen one before

 

[captbridgers]

Hi, I don't remember which model. Maybe called a chalet? Anyway, I have 6 birds. One is a rooster, I think. Will find out about that in about a month. 2 Rhode Island reds, 2 Americanus & 2 Barred Rocks. Not big enough for 6 big birds. They do lie! Have a movable run, over 50' in diameter. may make it bigger. They free range nearly everyday for 2-3 hrs on an acre.Thanks for your response.