Coop design question - space

[kathlynr8]

Hi,
Got another coop design question. Im having a bit of difficulty understanding what is going on inside of a chicken coop.
It seems that there are nesting boxes right above the floor area so that a chicken can walk inside the nesting box.
Then it seems that there are roosts 18" or higher from the ground.

So my next question is - why are there not ramps inside of a chicken coop so that chickens can get even higher inside and make more use of the space? Or is that a bad idea?

I understand that you want the ventilation up at the very top - so you dont want them near that - but besides from that - couldnt they go higher in the coop and have more space?

_Kate

 

[cherrynberry]

You could make roost bars that are different heights, so that they can go from one roost to the other higher one and therefore fit more chickens on the roost...
Like this:

 

[21hens-incharge]

From what I have found observing my own birds....

For every foot in height a roost is a bird exiting will need at least 18" of horizontal landing space.

So a roost 2' off the floor needs 3' outward of clear landing space to allow the bird to land without crashing.

Larger breeds have needed even more horizontal room. My brahmas needed at least 5' of landing room for a 2' high roost.

Most coops cannot accommodate that landing room with high roosts.

No they generally do not try to go down ramps from the roost. That would mean waiting for whoever is closest to get on with it.

 

[kathlynr8]

Thank you all!

 

[Alaskan]

In my 6x18 shed my chickens love their 5 foot high perch.

 

[3KillerBs]

Some coops do have ramps up to higher roosts or even ramps up to nestboxes that are high enough to be more convenient for the person gathering the eggs.

Chickens can be very flexible about dealing with design decisions we make to make tending to them more convenient.

 

[aart]

'Extra' height is good for air quality and ventilation...
...and sometimes kinda space to get away from those on the floor.
But chickens don't really 'stack' well.

Here's my thoughts on heights:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/coop-stack-up-how-high-stuff-works-well.73427/

I use ramps and roost boards, which keeps the floor clear and makes space for hanging out during the day, especially during the nasty winter days.

More pics here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/gallery/albums/roosts-and-poop-boards.7427891/

 

[kathlynr8]

'Extra' height is good for air quality and ventilation...
...and sometimes kinda space to get away from those on the floor.
But chickens don't really 'stack' well.

Here's my thoughts on heights:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/coop-stack-up-how-high-stuff-works-well.73427/

I use ramps and roost boards, which keeps the floor clear and makes space for hanging out during the day, especially during the nasty winter days.

More pics here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/gallery/albums/roosts-and-poop-boards.7427891/

This is great~ gives me good idea of a way to use the space!

 

[Chickencrazy21043]

Here is one I built last year . I have changed a few things and I know what I’m doing differently next time . She works so well . Hope I helped

 

[aart]

I have changed a few things and I know what I’m doing differently next time

@Chickencrazy21043 What did you change?
The roosts right above one another?
What are the 2x2's right against the wall in 3rd pic?