We have black australorps. We are building our coop and it is 6x10 right now (and about 5 1/2' tall). Question is, I want to use roosting bars all at the same level and also think I will be putting in a droppings board underneath. The nesting boxes are 18" off the ground. I plan on putting the roosting bars at least 24". Should I go higher? Can my larger ladies get up that high or higher? I don't know how they are with flight because this is our first time raising chickens and right now they are in a prefab coop/run that doesn't allow for them to stretch their wings even though I am not at the capacity for the birds it claims it can hold.
Regarding the spacing of the roost bars, is it ok to go 12" between the boards and is that spacing "on center" or from end of one board to the end of another? I am going to be using 2x4 boards on their side. We live in South Central PA and our winters can get downright fridgid so I don't want anything to happen to their poor feet.
Thanks! This site has been an amazing help in the building process. I'm old enough to learn from others mistakes and successes
Regarding the spacing of the roost bars, is it ok to go 12" between the boards and is that spacing "on center" or from end of one board to the end of another? I am going to be using 2x4 boards on their side. We live in South Central PA and our winters can get downright fridgid so I don't want anything to happen to their poor feet.
Thanks! This site has been an amazing help in the building process. I'm old enough to learn from others mistakes and successes