coop design help

[OBXMel]

We are planning on turning the kids playhouse into a coop. We are new to the raising of chickens. The playhouse has a clear pvc type roofing, should we make it dark or just darken the area where the nesting boxes will be? It will be shaded heavily by a tree in spring and summer. What type of material do you suggest to like waterproof the wood planks for easier cleaning?

 

[pintail_drake2004]

I added a 10' skylight in my coop for the chickens. It is right infront of the roost and in the middle of the nest boxes. I have not had an issue with the hens not laying in the boxes.

 

[JavaLady]

mine like a darkened nest box and should really like the one in the chicken tractor that isn't quite finished yet. If you have sunlight coming in to the coop, that's fine and they like that, but you could darken the nest box with a curtain of burlap fabric. Just make sure the chickens can SEE into the nest box or they won't use it.

 

[aart]

We are planning on turning the kids playhouse into a coop. We are new to the raising of chickens. The playhouse has a clear pvc type roofing, should we make it dark or just darken the area where the nesting boxes will be? It will be shaded heavily by a tree in spring and summer. What type of material do you suggest to like waterproof the wood planks for easier cleaning?

Welcome to BYC @OBXMel !
Can be lots of options converting playhouses to coops.
Here's some examples to get the idea juices flowing.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/search/19691658/?q=playhouse&t=post&o=relevance&c[title_only]=1

Seeing some pics of what you have would really help.

As would knowing your location, climate plays a big part in chickeneering.
Adding your general location to your profile is easy, then it's always there!