Help me convert this play structure into a coop.

[Soon2BChixMom]

What do you mean by a chicken palace?

Well, I saw a playhouse built high (like a tower) and the chickens climbed all of these stairs to get up to it. But, now I can't find it. I was basically joking because if I needed someone else to care for the chickens, I need it more accessible.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

@jthornton Do you have any advice?
Thanks!

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

@aart Could you offer any advice? Thanks!

 

[jthornton]

Don't rush to cut it. Higher the better against terrestrial predators, snakes and rats. Birds will love roosting high.

Black snakes can climb as well as rats. I've seen a black snake 25' up a tree climbing straight up the bark...

JT

 

[jthornton]

@jthornton Do you have any advice?
Thanks!

To make it easier for you to clean it 2' off the ground would be ideal. Bring one wall up and put a shed roof on it with plenty of overhang. Cover the opening with hardware cloth.

JT

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Black snakes can climb as well as rats. I've seen a black snake 25' up a tree climbing straight up the bark...

JT

Eek.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

To make it easier for you to clean it 2' off the ground would be ideal. Bring one wall up and put a shed roof on it with plenty of overhang. Cover the opening with hardware cloth.

JT

Thank you. 2 feet seems doable especially since I am short in stature.

 

[aart]

The dimensions are 6'5" x 6'8". It is 3'6" tall from base to top rail. The platform is off of the ground at least 6', but some of the posts have sunk into the ground.
I am thinking I will need to leave an access door for me to clean. Should we add to the top or just add a roof? I am thinking a slanted roof might be easier to retrofit?
Should I make nest boxes to fit on the outside?

Agrees with JT's 2' off the ground.
I'd make the roof tall enough to walk in, 6-7' is pretty far to reach for cleaning or getting your hands on birds off the roost for exams, etc. ....and give it wide roof overhangs to protect ventilation, etc, etc,...all the usual stuff.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Agrees with JT's 2' off the ground.
I'd make the roof tall enough to walk in, 6-7' is pretty far to reach for cleaning or getting your hands on birds off the roost for exams, etc. ....and give it wide roof overhangs to protect ventilation, etc, etc,...all the usual stuff.

Thanks. I was thinking that is a far reach if needed.