Coop done - structure wise

[FloodFarms]

So, the structure is done!!! I just have a couple of questions ... ok, maybe more than 2!

The Nesting box my dad left was one that was only open on the top (kinda like a trough). Is this "acceptable" for most chickens? If not, could I simply flip it on it's side, and make a new frame/legs so that the open side is at least 18 inches off the ground? Do I need to separate them? Currently, they have a shelf ... no walls, but the eggs tell you there is multiple "nests" side by side.

The roost ... I put 2x4's side by side & 3 feet high ... is this wide enough? too wide? high enough? too high?

Hopefully the pic's show ... Windows are currently open, but I have a latch to keep the closed when Winter comes. On this topic, do I need to cover it in plastic on the inside? The same for the top of the North wall that's currently open (no door/cover designed yet - was hoping I wouldn't need it, LOL).

Thanks!

 

[rosemarythyme]

The nest box just needs to be 90 degrees onto the side - if you leave it without separation it can be communal style.

Your roost bar looks more like a poop board. You can leave it like that if you want, but you'll probably be scraping off a bit of poo since there's a good chance they'll just poop right on it at night, since it's so wide.

 

[FloodFarms]

The nest box just needs to be 90 degrees onto the side - if you leave it without separation it can be communal style.

Your roost bar looks more like a poop board. You can leave it like that if you want, but you'll probably be scraping off a bit of poo since there's a good chance they'll just poop right on it at night, since it's so wide.

So they will be OK with just one 2X4? I thought it needed to be 6-8 inches wide for them to sleep on?

 

[rosemarythyme]

It's a misconception that chickens need a wide flat surface because they can't grasp. My roost bar is a tree branch, maybe 2" wide. They have no problem staying perched on it all night.

 

[FloodFarms]

The nest box just needs to be 90 degrees onto the side - if you leave it without separation it can be communal style.

Your roost bar looks more like a poop board. You can leave it like that if you want, but you'll probably be scraping off a bit of poo since there's a good chance they'll just poop right on it at night, since it's so wide.

If I flip the nest box 90 degrees ... wouldn't I have to raise it? I'm going to do DLM & just figured POO & confusion would come as the layers build. No?

 

[FloodFarms]

It's a misconception that chickens need a wide flat surface because they can't grasp. My roost bar is a tree branch, maybe 2" wide. They have no problem staying perched on it all night.

I will be removing one of the 2x4's tomorrow then!

 

[rosemarythyme]

You can have the nest box on floor level if you want, some people prefer it to be elevated to keep chickens from potentially picking at eggs. Mine's on the ground right now. I figure if it's an issue you can raise it later on.

 

[Ruralhideaway]

Cold climate people like 2 x 4s flat as roosts to help prevent frostbit toes. The chickens more easily cover their flat feet with feathers that way. You'll see plenty of posts of toes falling right off from frostbite. Survival in the north!

 

[cholland]

You will want windows open for ventilation. But not so wind blows through. Chickens are pretty hardy with cold temps if they have dry, fresh air without drafts.
I would cover the plastic on the inside with something too. Chickens are curious and get bored. They might start to shred the plastic and then eat it.

I like the look of your siding. Very nice.

 

[FloodFarms]

You will want windows open for ventilation. But not so wind blows through. Chickens are pretty hardy with cold temps if they have dry, fresh air without drafts.
I would cover the plastic on the inside with something too. Chickens are curious and get bored. They might start to shred the plastic and then eat it.

I like the look of your siding. Very nice.

If I put siding up on the inside too, how high should I go? I have more & thought I could put it inside without the overlap to block chickens from getting to the plastic. I asked about the plastic in a different post but no one mentioned anything (but I ask a lot of questions in my posts too)