Can I count the dropping board/roost space?

[bertman]

I don't understand why the dropping board doesn't count.

I have a similar situation. My poop shelf has now become a poop board that sits on the bottom of the coop below the roost. Originally it was raised to within four inches of the bottom of the roost, but in that position it only left about 10 inches below it and the girls didn't like that tight space. So, I just took it off the cleats and laid it onto the floor on top of the pine pellets. Now the girls walk over it any time they want or they just get up on the roost--mostly, when it's not nighttime, they stay on the roost or the other part of the coop that has pine pellets on the floor.

Is the concern that they are walking in the poop? Because mine did that before I put the poop shelf in--they'd just crap on the pellets and walk around on them like it was the thing to do.

We could easily clean the board off first thing in the morning if the girls had to stay in the coop due to cold weather. Now, we open the doors and they can stay in the coop or hang out in the run--their choice. Half the time they are in the run. Half the time some of them are in the coop now that the weather is a bit cooler.

Any thoughts or enlightenment on this?

Thanks.

 

[ADozenGirlz]

We have an 8x8 foot coop and it's plenty big enough for 20 chickens. You definitely need another roost though (even if it's not over the droppings board). We have two, roosts the width of the coop over the droppings board but they all roost in the rafters!! We're going to have to close off the rafters with plastic poultry netting to keep them from roosting up there b/c they're way too heavy to keep making those landings and risking bumblefoot.

 

[welasharon]

If your poop board is actually on the floor it is already counted in the square footage. She was asking about counting the square footage of the coop and adding to that the board's square footage as well.

 

[welasharon]

Quote:
Okay I bow to actual experience! All you can do is try it and if it works great! If not regroup. LOL

 

[bertman]

Quote:
thanks, welasharon.

 

[LaurelRidgeDreams]

Part of my roost is 8 feet long, 24 " from the back wall and parallel to the back wall. There are four additional pieces that attach to the long section at right angles and also attach to the back wall. It's kinda like a flat ladder 6 inches above the droppings board. Right now the chicks jump from rung to rung, run around on the droppings board (which they won't be able to do when taller), and play up and down the ramp. It does provide additional places for them to go. But, 20 chickens in an 8x8 coop is probably not a good idea. I was also hoping the roos would keep the hens from fussing.

 

[ADozenGirlz]

Quote:
You're totally right. I mis-read the OP. Oops!