Advice needed regarding "panic room" integration

[Nksg75]

I am wanting to integrate some hatched chicks in a way I never have before. I wanted to try the "panic room integration". The one that allows chicks to get away from older hens via small doors leading to their own little safe area. My question to those of you familiar with this method is:

1. Is the area below to narrow to allow enough doors for them. 3' wide
In my gut I think yes, however I need to double check with some of you.
I have another option of sectioning off a little larger area so there is more openings to escape through. See pics below.

The little coop is where I am planning on housing the chicks.
Right now they are 3 weeks old, and I wanted to plan it out within the next 2 weeks max!!

This is the rest of the coop as of right now: The photos above are of the coop before the many expansions, however that one orange highlighted area remains pretty narrow at 3' wide.
The arrows are the place I am thinking of putting the panic doors.

 

[SueT]

Just fyi I discovered that standard size hens can fit thru a 4" X 3" opening....

 

[Nksg75]

Just fyi I discovered that standard size hens can fit thru a 4" X 3" opening....

Wow!
Ok, thank you, so I should make it what size then?
Do you think a 3"x2 1/2" would work better?

 

[theoldchick]

The most important thing with the panic room technique is to have the smaller birds actually use the escape route. Chicks have a tendency to run in a blind panic when feeling threatened and may not find the escape route.

 

[SueT]

Wow!
Ok, thank you, so I should make it what size then?
Do you think a 3"x2 1/2" would work better?

Try different size openings and test your hens w irresistible treats.....

 

[Nksg75]

The most important thing with the panic room technique is to have the smaller birds actually use the escape route. Chicks have a tendency to run in a blind panic when feeling threatened and may not find the escape route.

Your right. What do you think about making the openings area a different color like blue or something that sticks out? Something that says hey safety over here.
I do you dislike my design of the coop I wish it were wider especially at that point, but this is what I have to deal with right now.

 

[theoldchick]

Not sure about colors but what I do to give chicks a fighting chance is to put roosts at different heights as chicks will instinctively seek height when they feel threatened. They are not inclined to go into a dark place. Only very young chicks try to hide in the dark and that is to simply duck under a stationary object. In this case a short sided cardboard box turned upside down works great. Only the most aggressive of bird will hop from roost to roost to bully a chick. Another thing is to make sure you have enough room for your birds, have multiple feed/water stations. Corners are a problem as the bullied bird will simply stick her head in the corner and stop moving.

Turn this upside down, cut out one side and you will have a hidey hole for small chicks.
You can put rocks on the side to stabilize the box.
You can also create safe areas by using your imagination. I've broken down cardboard boxes and draped them over roosts to create a tent-like places for submissive birds to hide under. Once I used a thick, stiff saddle pad situated over a rock for some wild turkeys I hatched. It formed a tent that was perfect for them. Those little buggers like to hide but after a week they could out fly any chicken.

So, when thinking of ways to keep your birds safe from bullies don't be afraid to think outside of the box! Good luck!

 

[Nksg75]

Ok, thanks for all the advice.
I think I will put them in their own little area for about a week, then start the panic room method. I would like to just watch and see for a bit before I jump in.
I am not able to be there everyday. We have our chickens at our farm, B/C we live in a neighborhood with a HOA.

 

[jthornton]

From what I've read on here it's best to train them to use the door by having a very limited area outside the door then scare them to run back inside. Once they run inside every time you can expand the outside area. I'd think a cloth on a stick waved over their head would trigger them to run asap.

JT

 

[Nksg75]

From what I've read on here it's best to train them to use the door by having a very limited area outside the door then scare them to run back inside. Once they run inside every time you can expand the outside area. I'd think a cloth on a stick waved over their head would trigger them to run asap.

JT

Ok, thank you. I will try that.