Chicken coop setup opinions needed

[TXchickenNewb]

Hello!! I had a local guy I found on Facebook build a chicken coop for me for my 4 chicks who are still living in the brooder. It was just delivered yesterday. Curious as to the set up inside the coop. I have attached pictures. It’s an open air style coop which I believe should be fine since I live in Texas where it is hot 80% of the year.
What else needs added besides water and feeder? It has a perch up very high at the top but should I add another lower by the nesting box? Also, the nesting boxes are only about 6 inches deep. Should they be bigger? And what is the hardware cloth for In front of the nesting boxes? Is that for them to hang out on or what? Any suggestion or ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your help!!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Hmmm, yeah, I find that a little confusing. Is the bar way up in the rafters supposed to be the roost?

Nests are way too shallow, though you could probably build them out to be deeper by adding some boards around it to make a deeper box. Not sure what the wire is supposed to do, very weird location for it.

So here's what I think I'd do...
1) Remove the wire mesh completely (if possible) OR turn it into a solid wood floor (depends on how much clearance there is between the ground and bottom of the wire mesh "shelf")
2) See about building out the nest boxes by extending out the framing into the body of the coop, where the wire currently is.
3) Put in a lower roost, maybe just above the nearest edge of the door frame that's open in photo 1?

Not 100% sure if all those things will work because I can't measure the space in there to see if all these things would fit, and if it makes sense.

 

[DobieLover]

I would remove the wire platform. It serves no purpose other than to injure feet. Install a roost that is higher than the nest boxes.

You only need one nest box for 4 birds. Not only are they too shallow, they are too short.
As suggested by @rosemarythyme, extend them out in front with another board with a lip in front. You will then need to put a slanted roof over them to prevent roosting birds from pooping in them.

Are you going to build a run to go with the coop?

I'd also put a predator apron around the coop to prevent digging in.

How is the hardware cloth attached? Note areas marked with red line. They are bulging out. If you can lean up against the outside of the coop and the cloth pops off, it's not secure. I would install boards all around the perimeter of the cloth to secure it by sandwiching it between the boards. Attach screws about every 8 inches.

Possible roost location in green, may need a ramp to get up there depending on the breeds you have. I'd also put a roost at the open end of the coop. It's difficult to determine size but I'm guess your coop is maybe 4 ft wide?

Light blue is a slanted top over the boxes.

Remove the trim piece in front of the boxes, add a piece of plywood or another board on the floor as indicated by the dark blue box to make the bottom at least 12" deep and the width of the coop, then add a taller piece of trim board to the front to retain nesting material. You may want a perch in front of the boxes so someone doesn't inadvertently fly up into someone elses face when she is already in the chosen box.

 

[TXchickenNewb]

Hmmm, yeah, I find that a little confusing. Is the bar way up in the rafters supposed to be the roost?

Nests are way too shallow, though you could probably build them out to be deeper by adding some boards around it to make a deeper box. Not sure what the wire is supposed to do, very weird location for it.

So here's what I think I'd do...
1) Remove the wire mesh completely (if possible) OR turn it into a solid wood floor (depends on how much clearance there is between the ground and bottom of the wire mesh "shelf")
2) See about building out the nest boxes by extending out the framing into the body of the coop, where the wire currently is.
3) Put in a lower roost, maybe just above the nearest edge of the door frame that's open in photo 1?

Not 100% sure if all those things will work because I can't measure the space in there to see if all these things would fit, and if it makes sense.

Thank you for the suggestions! I appreciate the help!!

 

[TXchickenNewb]

I would remove the wire platform. It serves no purpose other than to injure feet. Install a roost that is higher than the nest boxes.

You only need one nest box for 4 birds. Not only are they too shallow, they are too short.
As suggested by @rosemarythyme, extend them out in front with another board with a lip in front. You will then need to put a slanted roof over them to prevent roosting birds from pooping in them.

Are you going to build a run to go with the coop?

I'd also put a predator apron around the coop to prevent digging in.

How is the hardware cloth attached? Note areas marked with red line. They are bulging out. If you can lean up against the outside of the coop and the cloth pops off, it's not secure. I would install boards all around the perimeter of the cloth to secure it by sandwiching it between the boards. Attach screws about every 8 inches.

Possible roost location in green, may need a ramp to get up there depending on the breeds you have. I'd also put a roost at the open end of the coop. It's difficult to determine size but I'm guess your coop is maybe 4 ft wide?

Light blue is a slanted top over the boxes.

Remove the trim piece in front of the boxes, add a piece of plywood or another board on the floor as indicated by the dark blue box to make the bottom at least 12" deep and the width of the coop, then add a taller piece of trim board to the front to retain nesting material. You may want a perch in front of the boxes so someone doesn't inadvertently fly up into someone elses face when she is already in the chosen box.
View attachment 2129905

Thank you! Yes I plan on building a run. I will make some alterations per your suggestions above. Thanks for your help. New chicken owner so I Want to make sure they are secure and happy!!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Possible roost location in green, may need a ramp to get up there depending on the breeds you have. I'd also put a roost at the open end of the coop. It's difficult to determine size but I'm guess your coop is maybe 4 ft wide?

Light blue is a slanted top over the boxes.

Remove the trim piece in front of the boxes, add a piece of plywood or another board on the floor as indicated by the dark blue box to make the bottom at least 12" deep and the width of the coop, then add a taller piece of trim board to the front to retain nesting material. You may want a perch in front of the boxes so someone doesn't inadvertently fly up into someone elses face when she is already in the chosen box.

I love you for color coding it, much easier to visualize! And that's pretty much the area I was looking at for the roost, shouldn't be too high since the landing area is long.

Good catch on the wire bulging out!