Covered outside perch - is this okay?

[patandchickens]

Quote:
THe north wall, then. The big triangular wall opposite the door. Remove as much as possible and replace with one or two giant big windows. Really truly! They don't have to be fancy house-style double-hung windows... just an opening, covered with strong 1/2" wire mesh (not windowscreen), with a plexiglass panel that can cover them in bad weather, would be good.

It's 33½ inches long. When I put the chickens there, they fit by perhaps a margin of one chicken's width (a bit hard to estimate). It's about four feet high I guess (haven't measured it), the nests sitting underneath for them to stand on. I have seen one hen fly up there deliberately, but I don't know if all four could do it at the same time - there may be too little wing space.

What about making a ladder up to it? Wouldn't have to be more than 8" wide maximum. Put it at as shallow an angle as the coop's dimensions permit (45 degrees?)

Anyway, that's why I haven't taken away the outside roost yet: dad simply won't let me. It's technically his house and his chickens, and he simply won't believe that an outside hovel will be too cold.

I would think the frostbite would be a hint

But I see how you are in a difficult position there.

Anyway, the problem might have solved itself: dad started building the hovel today, and when the hens saw it, they were so confused that they actually, after much hesitation, went indoors. It was pretty dark by then, so they decided to sleep on the floor and in the nests.

ROTFLMAO

If they are sleeping on the floor and in nestboxes, btw, that is PROOF that they either hate your roost or can't see it well enough in the evening or can't get up there very well. So the changes discussed above will probably help a lot. If not, try moving the roost within the coop, or making a second parallel one (again, with a slanted ladder)

Have fun,

Pat​

 

[Henrik Petersson]

EDIT: Haha, Pat, we posted at the same time. Disregard what I say about a window in this post.

Quote:
They already go in!

How about these changes:

Green square = an additional vent. There already is one of similar size on the opposite wall, plus a small one, one foot above ground level, on the wall right underneath the window. I have a feeling that's too little.

Red square = A window. Is that a good size and place? Remember, it's facing south. Having it there in the door would be aestetically appealing to us humans (which by no means is necessary of course, but an added bonus).

 

[patandchickens]

It's a good start but I still honestly believe you will be better off with a window on the north side too. Is there a particular reason to avoid it?

Pat

 

[Henrik Petersson]

Quote:
No, I just missed your post about a north facing window!

Anyway, thanks a bunch.

 

[Henrik Petersson]

Hey, I found a HUGE, real window, which has been left over since dad built a house. It's 30 by 55 inches, with a sturdy frame and double glass panels.

Can I use that for my window?
Is it TOO big?
Do I have to be able to open it?
Why does the hole have to be covered by mesh? In order to keep the chickens from getting out when the window is open?

 

[patandchickens]

Quote:
As long as it will FIT on the door or wall, it's not too big

Do I have to be able to open it?

Probably (unless it is on the north side or never gets sunlight thru it) because you may need the ventilation/cooling.

Why does the hole have to be covered by mesh? In order to keep the chickens from getting out when the window is open?

Well, yes, but also in large part to keep predators from getting *in*. Especially at night when chickens are on the roost and are about as challenging to capture as, like, a potato

Have fun,

Pat​

 

[Henrik Petersson]

The big one didn't fit, but I found a small one that I bought for five bucks and put in. It has a single glass frame, doesn't open, and has insulation put around the edges. It's on the north side. Waddya think?

 

[patandchickens]

Looks good! What do the hens think?

Pat

 

[Henrik Petersson]

Quote:
Thank!
The hens didn't mind it actually. I was afraid they'd be scared of the new change, and not dare to go inside, but when I checked on them tonight, the roo sat on the roost and the chickens on the edges of the nests in a neat little row.

At most, I have seen one hen sit on the roost by her own accord. I guess that means the roost is not too high up or close to the wall.

Since the chickens themselves choose not to roost up there, I'm ab bit uncomfortable with the idea of putting them on the roost. Perhaps they think it's too short?

Oh, and another thing: my dad went out and checked on the window just now. Apparantly the glass was misted over. Is that something to worry about?

The outside temperature is about 28 F now.

Here's a pic of the inside, if anyone has any ideas, about roosting or moisture. There's a wall just to the left of the door.

 

[patandchickens]

Condensation when the coop is not greatly warmer than the outdoors means you need more ventilation.

Why not *try* putting them up there for a few days and see what happens? I bet they will get the idea...

Good luck, have fun,

Pat