Coop bedding and windows?

[katekearby]

so i have access to lots of clean wheat hay, is that ok for bedding and nest boxes? I put some pdz and some dusting powder in there and shake it down, not sure if they like it? Maybe they need a window. Some one said their hens like being where they can see out and mine seem to gather near the open door at night? Not going to the roost pole. I was going to add some vent holes covered in screen up in the eves of the coop where they could actually see out from the roost pole, was going to make them 1 1/4 inch round holes, 3 each side, less chance for rain to get in if I can't get them closed up for some reason. Should I make small windows , 5x6inches about rather then the 3 holes?

 

[iwiw60]

How old are your hens? If they've never used a roosting bar before you most likely will have to "put" them up there one or more times to give them the idea. Eventually they'll get it. Also, what type of roosting bar are you using? Is it the right "size" for them? I use a 2x4 laying FLAT so they have more stability and in the winter months they can 'sit down' on their feet to keep their tosies warm...just a few ideas...good luck to you!!

 

[katekearby]

thank you, it's a dowel bar about closet rod size, they sit on a pole smaller outside and the ledge of the poop bucket . they could also roost in the coop on the 'ledge' of the nest boxes, lower and wider, but they don't do that really either. they all nearly sit on top of each other at the coop door.

 

[smhoekzema]

How old are they as what breed? Some chickens just don't like to roost:/ Some just need a bit of encouragement. Pop them up there each night after dark for a week or so and see what happens... You might save yourself a lot of work

 

[katekearby]

They are about 20 weeks old and 2 Rocks and 2 NHReds. They are starting to roost on stuff around their play yard, just not up in the coop. We are going to finish the roost pole level vent holes today and see if that helps.

 

[smhoekzema]

They should be well and truly roosting by now. Good luck

 

[katekearby]

hope the ventilation helps. now if they would go to their coop before 8:45pm I wouldn't have to wait up to close their gate.

 

[iwiw60]

thank you, it's a dowel bar about closet rod size, they sit on a pole smaller outside and the ledge of the poop bucket . they could also roost in the coop on the 'ledge' of the nest boxes, lower and wider, but they don't do that really either. they all nearly sit on top of each other at the coop door.

Kate, I really recommend that you get rid of that dowel and replace it with a 2 x 4 laying "flat" so they have solid footing underneath them....that could very well be part of the problem of them not wanting to roost. With that said, some chickens "just don't get it" and you'll have to pick them up and put them on the roost. Do this every night and the proverbial lightbulb will eventually turn on!

 

[4 the Birds]

so i have access to lots of clean wheat hay, is that ok for bedding and nest boxes? I put some pdz and some dusting powder in there and shake it down, not sure if they like it? Maybe they need a window. Some one said their hens like being where they can see out and mine seem to gather near the open door at night? Not going to the roost pole. I was going to add some vent holes covered in screen up in the eves of the coop where they could actually see out from the roost pole, was going to make them 1 1/4 inch round holes, 3 each side, less chance for rain to get in if I can't get them closed up for some reason. Should I make small windows , 5x6inches about rather then the 3 holes?

Hay is fine in the nest boxes and forms into a great nest. I use carpet remnants for the nest box bottom with hay or pine chips (they tend to kick out the pine chips but the hay stays in place).

Chickens love to roost in front of windows! Nice wide roost bars (I use landscape timbers) near windows and your birds will be happy campers. A ramp up to the bars is best. Keep your vents away from the roost bar area so that they don't have wind drafts on them as they roost. A secure run and a full time open pop door offers good ventilation. Create overhangs for your vents or make hinged flaps. My pop door has a tunnel to knock down drafty wind as well. Hope this helps!

 

[katekearby]

the pole was built into the coop so can't be moved, but i will build them a 2x4 'stool' there is plenty of room in the coop for that. they like the broom handle in the yard to sit on. there will be 'doors' on the vent holes for winter. work in progress, hope to have more of it done before the other couple hens arrive around Jun 3.