Coop expansion, upper coop access ideas?

[member 615286]

Novice over here!!
Built a coop for bantams last spring (a repurposed dresser the neighbor was tossing with some other stuff (windows, hardware…)from the local salvage yard).
I now have two standard breed chicks and would like to build it out, ideally add a space above the Bantam coop (separate coop/door etc). Rough sketch attached. Would this work and if so, ideas for assistance for them getting up there? (Easter egger and welsummer).
It’d be roughly 10sq ft…
Thank you!

(Update: don’t stack chickens
Got it ! Ill think more about expanding out (and accepting less run space). Super helpful thanks you all!)

 

[member 615286]

Novice over here!!
Built a coop for bantams last spring (using a dresser the neighbor was tossing). I now have two standard breed chicks and would like to build it out, ideally add a space above the Bantam coop (separate coop/door etc). Rough sketch attached. Would this work and if so, ideas for assisting them getting them up there if needed? (Easter egger and welsummer).
Thank you!

I’ve been wanting to add some extra roofing over the door of the bantam coop (photo attached), while the run is pretty protected when the wind and snow is strong (only a few times a year), it can blow through the swinging doors and cover that area (where their water is) with some snow (not heavy) and would like a little extra coverage. Ideally it serves dual purposes: a little more protection from the occasional elements over the exit area from the coop and a ramp or steps or something to make the upper coop accessible(?).
Please share honest thoughts opinions options and suggestions, I’m admittedly learning as I go.
Thank you!

 

[member 615286]

Novice over here!!
Built a coop for bantams last spring (using a dresser the neighbor was tossing). I now have two standard breed chicks and would like to build it out, ideally add a space above the Bantam coop (separate coop/door etc). Rough sketch attached. Would this work and if so, ideas for assistance for them getting up there? (Easter egger and welsummer).
Thank you!

Additional photo of full coop/run here:

 

[rosemarythyme]

Realistically they're likely going to want to share a coop, is there any way to expand the coop floor space so all 4 can use the same one?

 

[member 615286]

Realistically they're likely going to want to share a coop, is there any way to expand the coop floor space so all 4 can use the same one?

I want to add a few more bantams in coming months to keep her warm next winter, assuming the Easter egger and welsummer will be roosting and she’ll be left alone on the ground again. At 10 sq feet it’ll be at capacity with the silkie and two standard birds. I hear you that ideally they are all in one coop. but was hoping if the bantams have their own space and other two have theirs, it might be ok?
Unfortunately the bantam coop pictured is made from a solid (I mean solid/thick/heavy heavy) walnut dresser, that isn’t something that can be dissembled (it would require power tools/saws and a lot of work and definitely compromise the structural integrety (which is ok for a coop) but I’d spent *so* many hours last year on this. (under the assumption is would just be housing bantams. Never could have quessed I’d be running into the current dilemma needing to add a couple standard birds to her flock of one
But..it can be done.
However, the other consideration I had for building above the current coop is expanding it out (away from the garage, the only other direction I could go without blocking access to the front and back run entrances I built for the run) will reduce their overall run space.
Any further thoughts/considerations hearing more of my thinking around this?
I can definitely put in the work to expand the current coop but would like to have access to both doors and not reduce overall run space if I don’t have to.
Thank you!!!

 

[rosemarythyme]

I mean, you can try it (building upwards) as long as you don't compromise the existing ventilation by eating into the top of the current structure. That's usually the concern. But from what I can tell you don't want to alter the existing structure at all, you just want something on top?

Is the height a realistic height for you to access for cleaning? Will you be able to reach inside to every corner of the structure if you build upwards?

As far as access for the birds, how high up would that be? A ramp is impractical over a certain height, but you could maybe do something more like steps or laddered bars or even a couple of platforms to fly to for access.

But whether the standard birds will go into the upper coop remains to be seen. They may decide to use it just as you've imagined. Or they may use it for a while and then follow her into the lower one. That, you won't know, until the birds are actually outside and living there.

 

[member 615286]

I mean, you can try it (building upwards) as long as you don't compromise the existing ventilation by eating into the top of the current structure. That's usually the concern. But from what I can tell you don't want to alter the existing structure at all, you just want something on top?

Is the height a realistic height for you to access for cleaning? Will you be able to reach inside to every corner of the structure if you build upwards?

As far as access for the birds, how high up would that be? A ramp is impractical over a certain height, but you could maybe do something more like steps or laddered bars or even a couple of platforms to fly to for access.

But whether the standard birds will go into the upper coop remains to be seen. They may decide to use it just as you've imagined. Or they may use it for a while and then follow her into the lower one. That, you won't know, until the birds are actually outside and living there.

Got it thank you.
Yes height of the upper coop would be easily accessible for cleaning (ceiling of lower/floor of upper would be 3’ off the ground).
Lower coop venting would not be effected.
I wondered too if there would be a way to “make” them use a different coop, assuming they’re going to want to stay in the coop they are used to once outside.
Hmmm…
Any other ideas for how to manage a welsummer, Easter egger, and (ideally +2/total of 3 bantams) considering the existing coop is too small for them all (10sq feet)?
I love creative problems solving especially when building so open to any all, outside of the box ideas anyone has!!
Thank you !!!

 

[rosemarythyme]

I wondered too if there would be a way to “make” them use a different coop, assuming they’re gonna start out in the existing one and want to stay there.

That's what I'd try in this case. When the standard birds are ready to move in, confine them to the upper coop for a few days, and that may help home them to it. I say "may" because they may or may not follow that once they meet your existing bird - they may end up following her, or they may end up preferring their "home."

 

[member 615286]

I mean, you can try it (building upwards) as long as you don't compromise the existing ventilation by eating into the top of the current structure. That's usually the concern. But from what I can tell you don't want to alter the existing structure at all, you just want something on top?

Is the height a realistic height for you to access for cleaning? Will you be able to reach inside to every corner of the structure if you build upwards?

As far as access for the birds, how high up would that be? A ramp is impractical over a certain height, but you could maybe do something more like steps or laddered bars or even a couple of platforms to fly to for access.

But whether the standard birds will go into the upper coop remains to be seen. They may decide to use it just as you've imagined. Or they may use it for a while and then follow her into the lower one. That, you won't know, until the birds are actually outside and living there.

Any chance my decision to leave the existing dresser shelf in the coop adds any square footage? I’ll find a photo…

 

[member 615286]

That's what I'd try in this case. When the standard birds are ready to move in, confine them to the upper coop for a few days, and that may help home them to it. I say "may" because they may or may not follow that once they meet your existing bird - they may end up following her, or they may end up preferring their "home."

Thinking more about your insights… I can *definitely* build it out by opening the doors I added for access to cleaning the coop, without having to tear into the walls of the dresser (that was so hard to work with). I can expand it out into the run which should still be plenty big (it’s close to 100sq feet). Coop is currently 10sq feet (2.5x4), how much more space do you suggest I add for a total of 3 bantams, an Easter egger and a welsummer? 15-20 sq feet total?
Thank you!