Building a Seperation Cage in the New Coop

[Forgotten Orchard]

I have been lurking on the forums for quite some time. I am very impressed with the community- you all seem like excellent folks and very helpful too.

I am in the middle of constructing a new (and first) coop. The chickens are arriving in about two weeks. Part of the design includes storage underneath much like this coop from BYC.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=25962

Because I know that the deepest part of that storage area will not be used except to lose junk in I was wondering about splitting the storage area in half and using the side that would face inside the run for a seperation cage with a small enclosure, and seperated from the run by hardware cloth. I could use it to seperate a hurt chicken, or use for a broody hen, or even to integrate new chickens.

The main drawback I could see is if I have a suspected sick chicken I would want it completely out of the coop. Beyond that I think it may be a pretty good idea - but that may just be my inexperience showing through.

Do you think this would be a good design?

Do you think I would use it?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[CHIC]

It might just work! You definately wouldn't wanna use it for quarantine though. It may be good for brooding and if you find that you don't usee it all that much, it's not the end of the world, because, like you said, its not too good for storage anyway.

 

[SimplyForties]

I think it's a great idea. Although you couldn't use it for a quarantine area, it would make a great broody area or chicken jail or hospital for a hurt bird. Good luck!

 

[ohiofarmgirl]

we have not one but THREE 'separation' or brooder coops within our hen house - we use them for tons of reasons! its the best addition/improvement we've ever done - its a great idea.

and you are right - if you had a sick hen you'd want to put her somewhere else.. but in that case i'd suggest a wire cage or dog carrier that you could put in the garage or your basement - thats what we do

right now we have a duck setting a nest in one brooder, a 'time out' for one of my crazy hens in the other, and the third is open and ready for when my guineas get out of quarantine jail!

 

[newchickmom]

I agree, good for broody or injured, but not for sick-pen.

 

[kcardella]

I have a separation coop/run inside my run, and I love it! I use it for chicks, juvenile guineas, etc. it has 3 sides, and hardware cloth between one wall and the inside of the bigger run. The older birds can see the younger ones, but cannot bother them. Right now the ducks are sleeping in it.

BTW, beautiful coop!

 

[Chicky Mama]

Is this what your looking for? We've since enclosed the bottom as one pen.
We still have it open on top but will eventually be a broody\\breeding pen. I'd like to have it changable for 1,2 or 3 slots.
Rite now there all being used,been very handy as an infirmary.

 

[cmom]

Looks like a great idea. Good luck and have fun...