coop size question

[critta]

I built my coop portion so that if I needed to i could divide it down the center. The rough dimensions are 4x8x3. I am going to have 4 hens. I was thinking that the full size might be too much space so that they wouldn't be able to keep warm in the winter. Does anyone have thoughts/suggestions on weather i should just use the full space or put in my center divider.

editied to clarify terminology

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

I built my roost portion so that if I needed to i could divide it down the center. The rough dimensions are 3x4x8. I am going to have 4 hens. I was thinking that the full size might be too much space so that they wouldn't be able to keep warm in the winter. Does anyone have thoughts/suggestions on weather i should just use the full space or put in my center divider.

Perhaps an issue of terminology here as it sounds like what you are describing here is actually your coop (the structure that houses the birds) rather than the roost (the thing on which birds set to sleep, etc - usually a board, limb, shelf, tree, etc).
As to the issue of space - I am of the opinion that there is no such thing as too much space when dealing with birds and the room they need....especially for a coop your size with the birds you are planning to house. For clarity's sake, though, what are the length and width of your listed dimensions -- what I mean is are you building a coop that is 3x4 and 8 feet high (which would give you 12 square feet of floor space) or have you listed the dimensions in a different order?

 

[critta]

I always manage to mess up the terminology. So yes my coop is what I am describing. It is 3 ft high 8 feet wide and 4 foot dep . It is 3 ft off of the ground.



I was concerned it might be too cold in the winter if i used the full size but if that's not a concern I would rather be generous with the space.

 

[Husker Hens]

Quote: </ X2

 

[Folly's place]

Bigger is always better! My birds roost anywhere from three to eight feet up, in a coop that's got eight foot high walls, and a roof peak. The little short rabbit hutch type structures just look wrong to me, and crowded for the birds. They are meant to roost up in trees, not be in a box. Okay, I'm off my soap box now. Mary

 

[critta]

You all convinced me to use the full size structure. Now to sketch up to figure out how i want to setup the inside for box. Thanks for the feedback and tips.

I was thinking about making nesting boxes with a solid top to use as a dropping board and locating the roost/perch above this. Does this sound like a reasonable approach?

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

You all convinced me to use the full size structure. Now to sketch up to figure out how i want to setup the inside for box. Thanks for the feedback and tips.

I was thinking about making nesting boxes with a solid top to use as a dropping board and locating the roost/perch above this. Does this sound like a reasonable approach?

Sounds like a great idea as it will help to save space and make the most of what space you have to offer the birds. Another option is to have your nest boxes "pop out" one of the sides/back wall so that they are not taking up the interior space at all. Either way, a poop board is the way to go to maximize use of space inside. Does the second "door" that looks to be on the front function? If so, that is a great way to add some light and ventilation to the interior on good days - if you want to keep the birds from going in/out the opening you could always put a screen over the opening that would be exposed when you open the door.

 

[critta]

yes both of the doors function and I had contemplated doing cut outs with plexi glass to allow more light in. The screen idea is a good one too i hadn't thought of that. I bet I could make it so its removable to give me access for cleaning etc. Thanks for the ideas.

 

[PapaChaz]

yes both of the doors function and I had contemplated doing cut outs with plexi glass to allow more light in. The screen idea is a good one too i hadn't thought of that. I bet I could make it so its removable to give me access for cleaning etc. Thanks for the ideas.

you have a fine looking set up. looks like a chicken coop to me. for the record, I have seen a few people turn tree houses into chicken coops, but for the most part chicken coops are smaller buildings built on the ground and most chickens don't ever realize they could roost on a tree if they have a nice cozy house with a good roost in it. At least mine haven't ever complained.............

where are your roosts now? I would put the roost along one of the long walls. for 4 hens, you can get away with one nest. sticking out the side of the coop does save floor space, but you have plenty of room in there for 4 hens so a milk crate sitting where you can reach it will work just fine. I definitely say put the poop board in. This is the first coop I've had one in, and having just cleaned it this morning for the first time, it makes it so much easier! I put in sand and sweet pdz and use a kitty litter scoop. Scoop, shake the sand out, dump in a small bucket. I actually used a 20 oz cup from supper last night at the drive through, just because it was sitting on the counter when I started out the door........LOL

I would put the roost on the short 8' wall, if you can cut out a section of of the wall just below where the roost is, hinge it so you can drop it down, reach in clean the droppings board, close it back up. easy peasy.......