Confused about roosts!

[labhaven]

Here is my roost and droppings board setup. I have 2-3 inches of shavings on the dropping board. The deep litter on the floor of the coop itself is staying very clean after about four months. I sift through the shavings on the droppings board with a kitty litter scoop on a regular basis. I use a dust pan to scoop up the shavings when I feel they need to be changed out. There is no odor.

 

[PaintedGemsRanch]

Quote:
I find that my banties and young birds tend to sit on the edge of the dropping pans. Sometimes only 1 of my Sizzles will sit down in the poo (if she cant sit next to the other sizzle she will sit underneath her lol) When I go out to lock the door and do a head count at night I just set them up on the roost. For the most part they do very well, such as last night. I really dont mind them not sitting on the roost because it gives me time to feel them over and put them up and make sure everyone is ok. When I first put them in they were allllll over the place in it, falling off, on the edge. But it didnt take them long to figure it out. I really love our slide out pans, they make cleaning soooooo much easier!

 

[LaurelRidgeDreams]

Quote:
This is very interesting!!!

 

[2txmedics]

Here are my Roost:

They are behind this opening on the coop so they can see straight out all over the yard:

My flock

and this is where it all lands, on the DML...and then I go in daily with a Hoe and turn it over, and clean it out once every 1 1/2mos or 2mos...sprinkle heavy with DE and for 25-30 in my flock IT DOESNT EVEN SMELL LIKE CHICKENS!!! i ALSO USE A POOP SCOOPER, about every 2-3wks....

 

[PaintedGemsRanch]

Quote:
This is very interesting!!!

Thanks!! We really do love it! Its SUPER easy!!! If you have any questions let me know!!!

 

[A.T. Hagan]

1. Staggered, ladder style or all at the same height roosts?

I prefer the ladder style and at least one linear foot per bird. They won't use them evenly. In the winter they'll bunch up cheek to jowl. in the summer they'll kick each other off. But give them space or you'll have problems.

2. Two feet or lower or three to four feet high for heavy breeds?

My low roosts are about two feet off the ground and step up from there. Even the Jersey Giants seem able to manage them. Don't have any breeds heavier than that. Just keep the roosts higher than the nest boxes or you'll have them roosting in them.

3. Droppings boards, container to catch poop, or deep litter under roosts?

I have always thought dropping boards were the craziest idea anyone has ever dreamed up for a chicken coop. The manure goes into the litter which is changed as needed.

4. Nest boxes or feed/water under drippings board if used?

n/a

5. Twelve inches or eighteen for distance from horizantal wall?

I use twelve for chickens. Eighteen for turkeys.

.....Alan.

 

[LaurelRidgeDreams]

A.T. Hagan :



3. Droppings boards, container to catch poop, or deep litter under roosts?

I have always thought dropping boards were the craziest idea anyone has ever dreamed up for a chicken coop. The manure goes into the litter which is changed as needed.

.....Alan.

I was thinking if I used a really wide droppings board and put the nest boxes and feed under it I would gain space.​

 

[turbodog]

Quote:
I had thought that same configuration for mine too.

 

[LaurelRidgeDreams]

I think I will use a wide droppings board and put the nest boxes under one end and hang the feed under the other side. I'm also wondering if I could convert the feed side to a broody or isolation pen, if needed.

 

[sharol]

That is what I was thinking about doing too -- roost at about 3-4 feet then the droppings board under that with space for waterer, feed, and nest boxes lower.

Is there anyone reading this who has tried this configuration? If so, how does it work?

Quote:
I had thought that same configuration for mine too.