Coop Question

[hl0429]

Hi I’m new to chickens and thinking about starting out with 2 pullets. I want to start with a prefab coop, I know they aren’t always the best but it’s the best I can do for right now and hope to upgrade in the near future. I plan to make modifications as needed. I will keep them contained at night and when I can’t supervise but I have a fenced area where I can let them out when supervised. My main question is do I need to lock them into the enclosed nesting box space at night? Looking at this coop I was concerned there wouldn’t be enough ventilation. The window looks to have plastic on it and there’s 2 small holes in the back of the coop. Although since there is a door that opens and closes I’m assuming it’s ok to lock them in there at night to stay safe. Just want to make sure they will have enough air in there! Thanks so much for any helpful advice/information!

 

[DobieLover]

If you install a predator apron and upgrade the door latches to be raccoon proof, you could leave that door open.
This is another issue with these pre-fab coops. They are not only woefully lacking in ventilation, it's hard to install it with the given design.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Personally I'd lock them in at night but I'd also add ventilation. THe plastic window, I'd remove the plastic and cover the opening with hardware cloth, fastened with fender washers and screws. A few boards on the inside wall facing into the run can easily be removed and replaced with hardware cloth to provide ventilation protected from elements and pests.

I'd also ditch those small, low roosts and run one thicker bar higher up, if possible high as or higher than the nest boxes, to encourage the girls to roost. Looks like you have the headspace to fit that in with this set up.

 

[hl0429]

Thank you so much for the suggestions! I was thinking that modifying the window might be option.

 

[aart]

Good advice above!

Welcome to BYC! @hl0429
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[hl0429]

Thanks for that feedback aart. I am in Maryland.