design questions.

[Radine]

I'm building my coop in a corner of my shed. http://links.pictures.aol.com/pic/b360zF79YOTbwXk3JjKl9I8uU8nOuG0J6cinv4xQp5Fd3Ig=_l.jpg http://links.pictures.aol.com/pic/b360zF79YOTbwXk3JjKl9I8uU-3CTvXvdmtqv4xQp5Fd3Ig=_l.jpg http://links.pictures.aol.com/pic/1570c7sz3D2ng*567B8hwDaFyfPgfI9HRativ4xQp5Fd3Ig=_l.jpg I was thinking of using the shelfs for the nesting area. It's roughly 45 inches from the floor. My questions are 1) will the chickens nest over an entryway? 2) I was thinking of building thier roost, like a wide ladder and leaning it against that wall, to help them get up there easier, or would that be a no-no? Thanks for your help. Ray

P. S. Here's a shot of the run/shed area. The chain link will hve deer netting and a tarp covering it. The black fenced area will be the free range area, in the evenings and weekends.
http://links.pictures.aol.com/pic/1570c7sz3D2ng*567B8hwDaFyR7Fkica-M7fv4xQp5Fd3Ig=_l.jpg

 

[Texas Fluffy Feet]

Wow, that will make one nice coop! I am no expert because I am still in the process of building my first coop. But, I have read that chickens will roost on the highest spot and you don't want them to roost in your nest boxes because they poop when they sleep. While I think the shelves do look like a perfect nesting spot, I'd be worried about them sleeping there too and having poopy eggs.

 

[Sherman Hand]

I use to have a shed like this and stored poles over head.

I found the chicks liked it better up there and so I even made a couple of step up for them. (think of smaller chicks).

Since at the time we were in PA and the winters were a little cold, the one light I had it it had the heat near the roof which was another added benefit for the chicks.

So with just a few poles/2x4's set yp high the chicks were all in heaven.

 

[patandchickens]

What is the scale? To me that shelf is looking kind of small, I'd worry about the chickens having sufficient *room* to roost there comfortably without rubbing their tails or combs on the sloping ceiling.

Even if it is big enough, I've heard (never tried it myself so no personal experience) that if you have them sleeping on a flat surface rather than a roost, they can get Really Pooey All Over Their Undersides to a very nasty degree.

JMO,

Pat