Adding birds, new nesting/hiding areas? Roof??

[HHHValley]

Hi guys. Ive had chickens for 3 years, I started with 8. Now I have 8 Easter Eggers, about 9 weeks. They are in the run with the big girls already just seperated to get used to one another. Theyve been mingling for about a week. Im hoping I can merge them soon.

My coop is designed for 15 birds, but we WILL be adding an additional roosting bar inside (see pic). So 16 is really pushing it. I also wanted to ask you guys about ideas of things to put in the run to offer hide away areas for any of the chickens since the flocking is doubling in size. Id prefer to DIY but want to see what has worked for you all. They free range under supervision, most days of the week otherwise theyre in the run for their safety (big yard, we have ALL the things as were surrounded by small farms.)

Should I also add additional nesting boxes outside? I have 5 intergrated into their coop.

ALSO, roofing... I need ideas on something cost effecting to add as a roof but that still allows light in. Winters can be windy, and I've had tarping ripped off. We have one of those Amazon runs which was ok, but dimensions make it weird to add a roof. Thoughts? Pics for reference.

Thanks all!
HK

 

[kattabelly]

I also wanted to ask you guys about ideas of things to put in the run to offer hide away areas for any of the chickens since the flocking is doubling in size. Id prefer to DIY but want to see what has worked for you all.

A pallet or a piece of OSB/plywood or rigid plastic propped up diagonally against a wall. Any old furniture like tables or chairs. A ladder to perch on. Big plastic barrel on its side with some straw inside - take both ends off if you're worried about the dead end and possible bullying, and just prop something up against the open ends so they're a bit more sheltered. Large plastic box or plant pot on its side. As big a tree branch as you can drag in there, with the leaves still on it.

 

[Mother of Chaos]

Hi guys. Ive had chickens for 3 years, I started with 8. Now I have 8 Easter Eggers, about 9 weeks. They are in the run with the big girls already just seperated to get used to one another. Theyve been mingling for about a week. Im hoping I can merge them soon.

My coop is designed for 15 birds, but we WILL be adding an additional roosting bar inside (see pic). So 16 is really pushing it. I also wanted to ask you guys about ideas of things to put in the run to offer hide away areas for any of the chickens since the flocking is doubling in size. Id prefer to DIY but want to see what has worked for you all. They free range under supervision, most days of the week otherwise theyre in the run for their safety (big yard, we have ALL the things as were surrounded by small farms.)

Should I also add additional nesting boxes outside? I have 5 intergrated into their coop.

ALSO, roofing... I need ideas on something cost effecting to add as a roof but that still allows light in. Winters can be windy, and I've had tarping ripped off. We have one of those Amazon runs which was ok, but dimensions make it weird to add a roof. Thoughts? Pics for reference.

Thanks all!
HK

If I may ask, what are the dimensions WxD of your coop? It does seem to be a good size, but it’s hard to tell.

If I’m reading the pic correctly, it looks like your nest boxes are attached outside the coop, with the opening inside. If so, moving them won’t add square footage.

I don’t think you’ll need additional nest boxes. How many do your current hens actually use? I’m always amazed to see my three current layers lined up and squawking, waiting for the somehow-special nest box to open up, when there’s an identical PERFECTLY GOOD one sitting empty next to it.