first time chicken keeper with a unique cage approach to hen house

[drsouthpaw]

Hi chicken experts, I picked up a really nice sturdy cage the other day and want to turn it into a chicken coop. They will be enclosed in this triangular space for the week and run around on the weekend. The space is very shaded. I live in Los Angeles so it definitely can get warm. The corner is more secure I think, but less circulation. I wasn't going to board up the sides of the cage but can lay some fabric so it is more insulated. I would build a nest box into the cage (it has a little doors on the side so I can grab the eggs) and of course the perch above the nest box in the cage. Above the cage can be storage or additional roost space. In the drawing I have a door designed large enough to comfortably enter in to collect eggs and clean/ feed. The triangle space will be enclosed by that small box chicken wire for security.

So... What do you think?

too much shade?
too damp?
not enough ventilation?
too exposed?
too bright inside?

thanks everyone,
southpaw

 

[drsouthpaw]

There is about 3 feet between the front of the cage and the planned entrance to the chicken pen. (which will just be a mesh wire enclosure)

southpaw

 

[drsouthpaw]

 

[gsim]

Chicken wire does not keep predators out. Looks like a dog could just jump in there. How many chooks? Shade is important in a place as warm as LA. Size matters, and cramped space leads to disease and fighting. Stinky and hard to clean too. I would not keep chickens in that.

Gerry

 

[drsouthpaw]

Only planning on 2 hens

From the planks of wood, the plan would be to add a layer of sturdy 1cm wire mesh. So it would be completely enclosed with sturdy 1cm wire mesh forming a contained triangle.


Mainly just see them roosting in there and laying, otherwise walking the plank out into their pen?. Or I could add a perch above the cage they could roost up there? But I don't know how they would get up there.

 

[drsouthpaw]

Just throwing more ideas around.

 

[Judy]

Are you saying they would be in this cage for 5 days or that they would have access to the run every day? How big is the run going to be?

 

[Dixiedoodle]

I am confused also.. a few things to think about:

It is suggested that you allow 4 sq ft per bird for inside a coop and 10 sq ft for the outside run.. If you plan on keeping them enclosed in the cage 24/5days--I would have to suggest it be approx. 14sq ft per bird.. being confined to small places can cause lots of problems.. Pecking and health issues are two.

You will need to think about what predators are in your area--I see you have a cat? I have friends who live in a large town and they have cats, dogs, hawks, raccoons, opposums to name a few.. Chicken wire can be chewed thru w/ very little effort, a raccoon (so can oppossums, cats, dogs) can stick his arm in thru the bars and pull a chicken thru the bars.. they will eat heads, feet, wings etc off and leave your chickens half alive.. They can also climb up in trees-sooo -fences are like ladders for them.. It makes it easier..

 

[Patricia Jane]

I'm far from being an expert but maybe more research should be done before using what you have. I am new to the chicken world and have been learning, reading, researching and asking alot of questions for about a year now before I decided it was time to dig in. I finally finished my coop and have 4 fantastic girls and I am still finding little things to change. They are great pets as well and would hate to see anything happen to such wonderful birds. But then again, just my opinion.

 

[Luvroos]

I'd keep 2 hens in this cage but, not out doors! The plank appears to be metal and could burn their feet! As far as the wire, it sounds like a nice idea so far, I'd have to see the finished product. As far as the cage itself you could place a ladder to the top in order for them to climb up and place a pan on the floor of the top to keep them from pooing into the cage. It's not something that I would confine them in for hours on in due to the size since it appears to be just right for the 2 chickens. As far as the nest boxes are concerned this is not a bad idea either since these type cages are used for breeding birds, appears to be for a tiel, conure size bird but, you would need to ad a ladder to the box door also since they might not be able to fly up with their wing span and then of course their main roost could get in the way. My main concern here would be the metal with hot weather could burn them and you might never know it until it's to late!! You could also add sheets of plywood to the outside of the cage for their added comfort for protection.