Chicago rooftop

[Tunaspam]

Hey looking into building a coop and raising hens on my fairly large rooftop in Chicago, it gets decent shade as well. I was looking at this Anna white design for 2-3 hens, would this work? What would I need to do to make it work on a rooftop and not a backyard? Any input appreciated thanks!

 

[cavemanrich]

Rooftop not ideal when things get COLD,,, and snow is deep. For you and chickens as well.
I would choose backyard,, even with that small prefab coop.


WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and

 

[rosemarythyme]

As far as putting it on a roof you'd need to consider the practicality of getting supplies such as bedding up and down (soiled, at that) from the roof regularly, plus the added weight and moisture such a setup would add to the roof's structure.

As far as this actual coop design the run is too narrow and overall too small for 3 birds, and 2 is not suggested as they're flock animals and if one dies you may find yourself scrambling to get another. Any dissent in a flock will be magnified by tighter confinement.

 

[Tunaspam]

As far as putting it on a roof you'd need to consider the practicality of getting supplies such as bedding up and down (soiled, at that) from the roof regularly, plus the added weight and moisture such a setup would add to the roof's structure.

As far as this actual coop design the run is too narrow and overall too small for 3 birds, and 2 is not suggested as they're flock animals and if one dies you may find yourself scrambling to get another. Any dissent in a flock will be magnified by tighter confinement.

Thanks for reply, it’s not an actual “roof” it’s like a balcony, structure and transport wouldn’t be an issue there.

As far as the coop goes, I have enough space to go slightly larger. Do you have any idea of any plans available?

 

[PrettyBirdRocky]

Photos of possible space would be nice to give a visual and help situate placement. Thanks. Good luck

 

[Tunaspam]

Photos of possible space would be nice to give a visual and help situate placement. Thanks. Good luck

Here’s one from the snow over the weekend, cleared it off now but it’s about 10ft by 20ft

 

[Tunaspam]

Here’s one from the snow over the weekend, cleared it off now but it’s about 10ft by 20ft

As you can see the couch is ready to go anyway lol so that would be removed, have a fire pit you can’t see but figured can move that further from coop

 

[PrettyBirdRocky]

Im sure you arent the only person to have a flock on an area like this.

so one thing to consider: flying. Them flying and predators. Think catio but for hens. Hardware cloth covered wood frame giant cage. That space of the coop may be okay for them to sleep(provided adequate ventilation) in but they'll need more leg room to wonder and be chickens.

As for what the hens would need-- either a dirt bath area and/or deep litter for them to scratch in. Mulch? Wood chips? (((Maybe bottom sides of the "catio" be like 2x6s tall to keep in the substrate?)))

Then you'd need to think wind blocks for winter- I use sheets of OSB cheaper plywood and tarps. Zipties are your friend.

Granted this is all from my experience and speculation. You'll need to consider weight of what it can handle verses the size of your birds. 3 smaller breeds and bantams *should* be ok. But then again, until you try You'll never know. And even a good plan needs backups.

Best of luck snd hopefully more people chime in.