Florida Coop Questions

[Club cramahe coop]

I have seen so many good designs here that are walk in. The roosts are all up off the ground. In my case, I am smaller so the space under the coop is added run space. In your case, your run is plenty large enough. The other thing I would do is have a section that is separate. I would walk into the coop and have inside there a wall or wire separating the actual coop form this area. Like a little foyer. I could keep supplies and door here. Maybe even access the eggs from here. Then a second door to enter their area. Don’t get me wrong, this coop is great but I would just do it different. I have no room to store anything and if I need to get in there , I have to crawl in on my knees. Your , being larger m will be even harder to reach in to the corners. For example. I have one girl who won’t lay in the nest box and chooses the back corner. I have to have a rake handy to pull her eggs out , or climb in there.

 

[Alaskan]

Chickens don't like super strong gusts.

But in a hot climate, they will probably appreciate a breeze.

 

[Lizzy733]

For my raised coop, I have large meshed windows like the Carolina, but instead of sliding shutters, I have top hinged shutters. When opened, they do a good job of stopping driving rain due to how far they extend - otherwise, I close them if I'm around and a storm is coming.

 

[Paula321]

I ended up keeping it open air on the advice received here. These are shots from the security cameras.
I wrapped it all in 1/4 hardware cloth. On two sides I used hard plastic lattice. On the other two sides it is fortified with 1x2 inch welded wire to repel kayotes in addition to the 1/4 inch wire. Even the floor has the welded wire. Over to top is 4 inches of hemp bedding. The chickens spent their first night in it last night. They cried. In the end I brought their brooder cage into the new coop run and they slept in it. I hope they will feel less stressed after spending the whole day exploring the coop. My cameras have sound so I can listen in on them to see if they are crying. I love it!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Wow nice job, I think that'll work out well in your climate.

 

[Paula321]

Wow nice job, I think that'll work out well in your climate.

The only problem is the predators hanging around. I’m guessing they are terrified. I plan to have a box made if needed with a roost bar made surrounded by four walls but with no floor and no ceiling. They can access it w a ladder. Your thoughts on this? Are they clueless or scared to death?

First there was a squirrel, then a hawk and then this owl. What is next??

 

[rosemarythyme]

View attachment 1978590
The only problem is the predators hanging around. I’m guessing they are terrified. I plan to have a box made if needed with a roost bar made surrounded by four walls but with no floor and no ceiling. They can access it w a ladder. Your thoughts on this? Are they clueless or scared to death?
View attachment 1978590 First there was a squirrel, then a hawk and then this owl. What is next??

Can't blame them for being scared, new things are scary and they have reason to fear a hawk or owl.

For the roost area enclosing 3 sides should probably be enough, that'll help provide a sense of safety as well as a wind break for windy weather. I don't do a ladder, my birds fly up to roost, but depending on how high the roosts are and the size/type of birds, a ladder could be useful.

 

[Alaskan]

Can't blame them for being scared, new things are scary and they have reason to fear a hawk or owl.

For the roost area enclosing 3 sides should probably be enough, that'll help provide a sense of safety as well as a wind break for windy weather. I don't do a ladder, my birds fly up to roost, but depending on how high the roosts are and the size/type of birds, a ladder could be useful.

I agree.

So x2

 

[Sheltiepawz]

Very nice coop!!! This is what we did. We are outside of New Orleans, so lots of rain and heat! Covered run and elevated was a must. We have had cold days Here also. I covered up the wire mesh in front for winter right now with a piece of plywood. We still have nest boxes to build. We might add a window on back after we get the next boxes built. We will have to see how it goes with the heat next year.

 

[speedy2020]

We are considering move to Central Florida in the future. We are still doing more research. We like fishing and growth few tropical fruit trees.
As far as chicken, we like to automate everything if possible (automatic door, nipple water system, roll out nest box, etc..).