Coop help - which configuration for roosts?

[sunrise.superman]

Huh...the quoting was there and now gone at posting. Forum gremlins...

 

[Conan]

Thank you!

Okay on lower. I can do that. Yes, 48" is a pain, but that's what the pallets are and the build area config so... I can do 24" and make my brooder area access a bit different underneath.

Yes, good roof overhang on each end and the upside slant. Downside slant will have less overhang (garage 5' away, so sheltered from weather on that side), but enough for gutter attachment to collect in rainbarrel for composting area/garden. There will be 4" tall soffit vents front and back built in at roof level along the entire length of the coop and covered w HWC. So nice ventilation and well over their heads.

Windows at each end that prop open w HWC in the openings and latch with crossbars over the window (thank you for the idea @21hens-incharge on your coop tour) and carabiners to secure the bar against storms and raccoons. Another north facing window for summer ventilation/sunny Colorado days built the same way.

All good? Or need modification there?

I've been reading and lurking here and appreciate all the hard work of other BYC-ers, plus Youtubing, for a year now on coop builds and getting my geek on. Hoping I end up with a decent build. It goes up in bits and pieces w full time single momming of a 5 yo and full time job. So some days I don't know if I'm coming or going.

I can tell you one thing, once the pallets are all in place, with an L shaped roost, you are barely going to be able to move in there. I have a pallet piggie house, and I can't imagine trying to clean it. Luckily, piggies are clean creatures that won't soil their bedding. I doubt I'd be able to move around much at all if nearly half the space were unavailable, and I'm a little short stack.

I still vote for two roosts at the back with diagonally angled boards added.
Also, I love Loveland. My brother lives in Longmont, and Loveland is always on the list when I visit. Big Beaver Brewing is a great time!

 

[sunrise.superman]

My pallets are in place up to waist high...more traditional framing up top for windows. I'll test my perches out for corner versions, too and see what works.

The L shape would have less fighting over roosts maybe bc all at the same height, but yes, a big pain for moving around. I thought of roosts at each end and nesting boxes along the far wall in the middle but I've read where others say they all just glom on to the roosts at one end and the others go unused.

 

[Conan]

My pallets are in place up to waist high...more traditional framing up top for windows. I'll test my perches out for corner versions, too and see what works.

The L shape would have less fighting over roosts maybe bc all at the same height, but yes, a big pain for moving around. I thought of roosts at each end and nesting boxes along the far wall in the middle but I've read where others say they all just glom on to the roosts at one end and the others go unused.

They sure do tend to all wanna mash together, don't they? I've found that my flock prefers the corner roosts for some strange reason. Maybe the material. The main straight roost is a 2x4, and the angled corner roosts are driftwood.
For what it's worth, I've never had an issue grabbing birds from the roost with my current setup. If you did only two 4 foot roosts across the back, added the corner roosts, and the brooder underneath said roosts, that would leave yourself, and your birds, a lot more room to move around in there.

 

[sunrise.superman]

Thank you. I will mark that out today while I'm working in it. My roosts will be driftwood/smooth limbs, too. A couple across the back and some corners might just so the trick overall. I can try a couple in the corner on the other end as well over the nest boxes and add a poop tray. Maybe the lower ranking hens will use them if no scrapping needed to get some nice real estate? My nest boxes are fairly low so it's kind of wasted space anyway.

I really appreciate the ideas and input...makes me think of other options.

 

[aart]

The L shape would have less fighting over roosts maybe bc all at the same height,

Yup...and the edges of the boards, and the boards themselves, provide other places to roost.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Definitely across the back allows more landing space as birds exit the roosts in the mornings.

With 12 birds I would go with three roosts.

The 4' wide is killing me.
Is there any hope at all of going 6' wide?

My secondary coop is 6' and so much easier to move around in.
If you can go 6' wide you only need 2 roosts.

I keep thinking "landing zone".....
The L shape works well if you have a wider coop.

 

[sunrise.superman]

Yes, end roosts for landing area is what I was thinking originally. I had sturdy, extra long pallets for flooring already and 4' wide. 6' wide ended up in half pallets, etc. :-( End roosts and they have quite a few feet to land.

Not perfect, but without spending quite a lot more money, this is what I've got. My run will be big and the free ranging in the yard and mine only go in to lay and roost at night.

 

[aart]

I keep thinking "landing zone".....

Good Point....for once, that didn't even cross my mind.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Yes, end roosts for landing area is what I was thinking originally. I had sturdy, extra long pallets for flooring already and 4' wide. 6' wide ended up in half pallets, etc. :-( End roosts and they have quite a few feet to land.

Not perfect, but without spending quite a lot more money, this is what I've got. My run will be big and the free ranging in the yard and mine only go in to lay and roost at night.

So 4' wide and roosts across one end. That should give even the big fluffy birds room to land.

Having the roosts so they can lift out is really helpful here.

So....for your in coop brooder.....
Maybe a 2x4x2 wire mesh with solid floor and hinged lid will work. It could potentially go on the end opposite the roosts depending on where your door and nests will be.

I know your kiddo will want to watch the chicks.
That would make room for a little chair for him in there.