Hello from Florida

[DobieLover]

Couple questions first when you say windows I assume you mean just cut them out, not actual windows, I like the half inch hardware cloth idea as a window, just wanted to confirm we are on the same page
Second is there a "good height" for the roost in the coop? Sometimes the girls seem to like the lower levels and other times fly to the highest spot they can get to. Thanks for the input Never really thought about putting a window above the door as suggested. Thanks again

For your weather, I would just leave it open year round with the HC backer.
Your coop isn't that tall so I would just position it as shown just above the nest box and pop door and centered on the wall. That way they will have room to jump up on the roost from either side.

 

[cmom]

I work in Ocala, live in Brooksville! Nice to know there are so many people here!

We have a farm swap at the Dunnellon Tractor Supply Co. on the 2nd and 4th Saturday's monthly. If you are ever in the area, stop by and say Hi.

 

[cmom]

I'll be bringing some cockerels to sell.

 

[feathermaid]

You have a really nice coop design overall and I love your feeders and watering system!

does anyone see anything that "could be better"

@DobieLover offered some excellent suggestions for improvement. Some coop designs, from tropical to sub-zero climates, even have an entire wall open just covered in hardware cloth for better air flow.

I haven't heard of trying to keep the heat out, unless you have AC in the coop. Hot air is going to find its way in as long as the pop door is open, so the absolute most important feature you can provide is a way for MOISTURE to escape --good ventilation. A closed up coop will actually trap moisture from fresh droppings and breathing, and chickens are very susceptible to respiratory illnesses. Ventilation is just as important in cooler weather.

What material is your roof? A dark coop isn't too inviting, and chickens may not go inside to lay eggs or even be able to find their way to the roost at dusk, they don't see well in the dark at all and could just sleep out in the run.

Besides a single long roost bar, I second using Sweet PDZ under the roosts for easy scooping, and it dries poop fast and helps to eliminate ammonia odors.

Not sure what predators you have around, but raccoons have been known to reach through the type of fencing you have and grab birds (or parts of them). A 2' high strip of 1/2" hardware cloth along the lower section can help prevent that. But weasels can still fit through, and rats might steal the feed. It took almost 3 years for me to notice any signs of rats and I had to make some changes in routine to keep them out.

I love the look and feel of wood but aluminum will last for a very long time.

Can you clarify what you used aluminum for?

is there a "good height" for the roost in the coop? Sometimes the girls seem to like the lower levels and other times fly to the highest spot they can get to.

You could make a removable roost bar unit with a higher level and lower level... I made one since I can't "attach" roosts to a wall, only mine are the same height, about 12". Here's a pic... which also shows my ventilation and poop board with PDZ.

Also, many chickens don't learn to use a swing unless they grew up using one as chicks, you might want to switch it for more variety of perches in the run. My birds really enjoy perching together and preening on an old trellis cut down in height.

Here are some interesting articles you may find helpful:
How Much Room Do Chickens Need
Chicken Coop Ventilation - Go Out There And Cut More Holes In Your Coop!
Predator Proofing
The Perch Experiment

Best wishes in your new chicken adventure!

 

[MBoymer]

Can you clarify what you used aluminum for?

Used aluminum in EVERYTHING feasible Spent a few extra bucks on the tractor, but I expect it will last a very long time The framing and roof are all aluminum as well as the framing for the side access to the coop The roof is made from 12 inch roof pans (similar to what you would make a screen room from) I tried to make taking care of the chickens easier to do hence the water and food system. Florida is known for its "sideways rain" That was how we settled on the feeder design the coup itself is completely insulated mostly to keep out the heat. I expect that it will make the girls quite happy once the ventilation is added

I haven't heard of trying to keep the heat out, unless you have AC in the coop. Hot air is going to find its way in as long as the pop door is open, so the absolute most important feature you can provide is a way for MOISTURE to escape --good ventilation.

I was just pouring through all of the "chicken 101" info that has been posted Very educational stuff. Totally understand the need for better ventilation now I think I have a good idea of what to do now (pics will follow when complete)

The wife and I have pine shavings for now, we have sand for the girls to bathe in and the wife likes to rinse down the walls and floors every now and then. We are learning more every day and this forum is a PLETHORA of great info Thank you all

 

[feathermaid]

Used aluminum in EVERYTHING feasible Spent a few extra bucks on the tractor, but I expect it will last a very long time The framing and roof are all aluminum as well as the framing for the side access to the coop The roof is made from 12 inch roof pans (similar to what you would make a screen room from) I tried to make taking care of the chickens easier to do hence the water and food system. Florida is known for its "sideways rain" That was how we settled on the feeder design the coup itself is completely insulated mostly to keep out the heat. I expect that it will make the girls quite happy once the ventilation is added

I was just pouring through all of the "chicken 101" info that has been posted Very educational stuff. Totally understand the need for better ventilation now I think I have a good idea of what to do now (pics will follow when complete)

The wife and I have pine shavings for now, we have sand for the girls to bathe in and the wife likes to rinse down the walls and floors every now and then. We are learning more every day and this forum is a PLETHORA of great info Thank you all

Oh wow! I'm scared to death to work with metal. Sounds like you're getting a good handle on things. I've had chickens for going on 4 years and still learning and trying new things every day. It never ends!

 

[getaclue]

Welcome to BYC. Nice looking tractor. Be sure to use something to keep predators from digging underneath. Otherwise, it looks great.

 

[getaclue]

Raccoons can reach in. My roosts don't extend far enough to any of the outside walls for the raccoons to do any harm, even if they do reach in at night. During the daytime, they should be fairly safe.

 

[drumstick diva]

very good advice from getaclue

 

[007Sean]

Howdy and Welcome to Backyard Chickens.

Happy to have you here with us. Enjoy your time here at BYC!

Thanks for joining our community!