Super new chicken girl here! My not-super-handy-but-figuring-it-out-husband (he’s trying!) is working on converting an old dog house to a second coop until we are able to build something bigger later this summer. The first picture is the first coop I got; currently 3 hens sleep in it overnight but run in a larger space during the day. The person I got the first 3 hens from is rehoming 3 more to me this weekend as she’s moving and downsizing her flock. I realize my first coop is probably too small for 6 hens even just at night. I’ve also noticed that the oldest hen is picking on the little pullet- when they go in at night the pullet hides in the corner and the old gal often chases her back in the coop during the day. So I’m looking to convert this dog house to a second coop and will perhaps keep the younger girls in there at night and the older girls in the other coop.
1- thoughts on set up of first coop? We live in Northern Ca, coldest temps at night are in low 40’s during winter time. Is it too open? Any suggestions on roosting bar and nesting box set up?
2- suggestions on conversion of dog house...we took the roof off to move it because it was so dang heavy to will secure it back on after we get set up complete. Was planning to put chicken wire door on the front that they will go in and out of and will close at night to protect from predators. Then cut a vent/small chicken wire window in the back. Put a small door on the side to reach in and collect eggs. Then roosting bar from the front to the back. Any other ideas on the layout? Looking for recommendatiins before we completely butcher this thing. Also- should I try to elevate it at all or is it fine on the ground since it will be enclosed at night?
Any ideas are greatly appreciated!
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1- thoughts on set up of first coop? We live in Northern Ca, coldest temps at night are in low 40’s during winter time. Is it too open? Any suggestions on roosting bar and nesting box set up?
2- suggestions on conversion of dog house...we took the roof off to move it because it was so dang heavy to will secure it back on after we get set up complete. Was planning to put chicken wire door on the front that they will go in and out of and will close at night to protect from predators. Then cut a vent/small chicken wire window in the back. Put a small door on the side to reach in and collect eggs. Then roosting bar from the front to the back. Any other ideas on the layout? Looking for recommendatiins before we completely butcher this thing. Also- should I try to elevate it at all or is it fine on the ground since it will be enclosed at night?
Any ideas are greatly appreciated!
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