Advice on making my coop more suitable?

[LadyAchee]

Thanks. I read through the link provided about the roosting tests that were done, but couldn't really determine the results. I am thinking of putting 2, 2x4's at 2 different heights. 18" difference sounds good. Ideally chickens like them with the wide side up so they have a nice large flat roosting spot? Or thin side up?

Wide side up.

 

[aart]

The shed has 2 small vent windows on the top. One 2'x2' window on the back wall, and then the double doors which stay open.

Show us the whole shed, inside and out.....
...and....
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[phate008]

I live in southern New York. About 40 mins from the city. I will try and update my profile with my location.

I managed to buy a few pieces of wood and update it with 2 2"x4" roosts and 2 nest boxes made from storage containers. As soon as the sun sets tonight I will see if they like it. I took some pictures to show the current setup and some photos of the outside. I took the ladder off the other coop, but as soon as I get to the store for more wood I'm going to build a better one.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Looks so much more usable without the little coop in there, nice and spacious for a small flock.

 

[RobertaD1]

That's more like it! Now, you may need more ventilation.... but you can definitely add that with no problem. Just keep the little windows open if you can!
I bet they loved it!

 

[phate008]

Yeah now I'm a little worried that I shouldn't have designed it so high. I made the first roost about 4 1/2 feet above the ground and then the second higher roost 18" above that. I am not sure if it is just shock from a change of scenery, but they are acting a little strange. My Plymouth Rock (alpha) is being a little bit whiny, my silver laced wyandotte is being very pushy and trying to crawl underneath the other. Because I was in their way today my small speckled sussex didn't get a chance to lay an egg so she was in the box at 9pm. She finally layed it and I got them all to relax on top before turning out the light. I just get a little worried that one might fall in the middle of the night and get hurt, or not be able to get back up and be wandering around blind in the middle of the night. I think I am going to rework it tomorrow and take down the highest roost, and put it 18" below the the one that is about 4 1/2" feet.

I don't like the fact that they were wandering around inside the coop after dark when they used to go on top of the coop like clockwork everyday at dusk. Maybe they just need to get used to it, and maybe I'm just worried for no reason. I screwed a piece of wood at the edge of the roost to prevent them from getting pushed. Hopefully they don't get too pushy in the middle of the night and try to crawl under each other. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Chickens hate change, so they're confused by the fact that what was once there is now gone, and that there's new perches and stuff that they're not familiar with. I think they'll adjust fine given some time.

 

[RobertaD1]

Dont take that roost down yet.... give them a couple nights. I THINK you will find they are much happier. If they dont like the taller roost, they wont use it. But I bet they do. Chickens are worse than old ladies about change..... they b%$#& and moan... but, they will like it in the end. Your roosts are at a good height now.

 

[phate008]

Thanks for the reassurance. I checked on them a few times and it seemed like they got somewhat comfortable.

When they first started laying they were having trouble figuring out something that worked for them. The coop had 2 wood nest boxes that were very tight. The day they started looking for a place to lay I could tell they were frustrated not knowing where to go. I placed them in the next boxes and they would walk out. I put a cat carrier with bedding and nest pads and they would push everything out and you could hear them scratching at the floor. I also put a wood box and after everything I did for them the big girl flew up onto the shelf and layed an egg on the edge, which dropped to the floor. After a week they figured out the next box and started to lay in there without issue.

Last night the small girl was in the new nest box for an hour. Doing things similar to what they did when I used a cat carrier. It took her a lot longer to lay the egg. Now the other 2 are trying to lay eggs and are going through the same routine. They pushed everything out of the box and are trying to lay on the plastic floor. I wonder if I put some wood pieces down on the floor if it would make a difference. Anyone have any experience with these plastic nest boxes? Will they eventually get used to it or should I try and make modifications.

 

[RobertaD1]

You could try a nest mat. I heard others have used them with success