Feedback on Home Depot coop plans.

[uknotku]

What were your modification?
View attachment 1321580

For the rabbits, I left the height roughly the same, but replaced the bottom with wire. Replaced the long sides with about 75% wire. Leaving them with a small 2x2 (roughly) space to go into that is completely closed in from the wind. I also added a run of wire length wise down the middle to create a male/female side. With that, I added doors on each side so the male and female side could be accessed separately.

For the ducks, of course I brought it much closer to the ground, replaced the half of one side with wire, just because the ducks don't mind the weather and changed the size of the nest boxes. The ducks don't use the roosts, so was able to save a little time/energy there as well.

I use deep litter in the chicken coop and it is working great with this coop. I'm experimenting with the ducks, but it's a different ballgame with all the water...

 

[jthornton]

It looks like they are built in as part of the supports. You can see it on the plans.

I looked at the plans again and don't see a roost anywhere nor is the word roost on that page. I see the vents too bad they are in the wrong place under the lower roof at the top of the nests. My guess is chickens would sleep in the nests.

JT

 

[uknotku]

The roosts are built into the framing of the coop. It is the 2x2s that run the length of the coop. I don't have any issues with mine using them and they are full size birds. If I'm not mistaken I even accidentally set mine out a couple of inches too far and they still don't have an issue using them.

 

[aart]

The roosts are built into the framing of the coop. It is the 2x2s that run the length of the coop. I don't have any issues with mine using them and they are full size birds. If I'm not mistaken I even accidentally set mine out a couple of inches too far and they still don't have an issue using them.

What is your general geographical location?

 

[jthornton]

The roosts are built into the framing of the coop. It is the 2x2s that run the length of the coop. I don't have any issues with mine using them and they are full size birds. If I'm not mistaken I even accidentally set mine out a couple of inches too far and they still don't have an issue using them.

So the vents are in line with the chickens and they are in a breezy place sitting on the 2x2's. Might be ok in a very warm place like the southern most states but no good in a cold place. I still say the vents are just in the wrong spot and even more so now that I see where they roost.

JT

 

[uknotku]

I'm sure you know more about it than I do, but mine have been fine in -10 degree weather and average 30mph winds. Maybe I'm just lucky. There is ventilation at the top and bottom so you get good air flow and not drafts. If you only have ventilation at the top, you don't really have ventilation. Think about the attic in your house, if you only use a ridge vent and nothing in the eaves, the attic doesn't have the required ventilation. You have to have air moving in and out to have proper ventilation.