I would open up the space in the gable end peaks too and cover that with HC. It's a nice coop but it's awfully tight for all those birds. Especially in your hot climate.Thank you all for the very warm welcome! I am adding some pictures of our babies as requested.
Here is a first day photo of our chicks taken on May 25 shortly after their arrival.
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This next one was taken one week later on June 1 -- aren’t they sweet sleeping together?
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And now here they are today, June 6, all settled in to their hen house that we’re using as a brooder.
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This is our mostly completed hen house. My husband is now beginning construction on the covered run, which will attach to the right side of the hen house. He’s going to build a 16-ft section first, then stop to remove an old fence that is in the way. Then he’ll add an additional 16-24 ft section. My current idea is to have a door in between the two sections so that we’d have the option to separate chickens in the future for quarantine or quarreling or brooding or who knows what else.
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That’s a good idea on the gable ends. The entire thing will be predator proof. We were using Carolina Coops’ chicken math. There are 3 roost bars inside, each 8 feet long, so max 24 chickens. Is that not right? We’re planning to have more run length than any of the standard kit ones they offer. Ours is modeled on their American coop. I’m not sure if you can tell from the photos, but all openings are covered with black pvc-coated half inch HC.
Theoretically, 24' foot of roosting space would accommodate 24 chickens. That isn't my experience. There are always birds in the flock who want to get away from everyone else. And, birds who try to push the bird next to them off the roost. There are also times, molt for instance, where most are cranky, and No one wants to be side by side on the roost, with anyone. Extra roost space, floor space, and roost areas in the run really help. Having a secure run is a big help.
Thank you for sharing this with me. I can be better prepared!
You totally called it on the Polish mop problem!!Hello, Denise, and welcome to BYC!Glad you joined.
Your Polish may run into problems as that mop forms on her head. Have a plan B ready for her.
I hope your hubby ramped up the ventilation in that coop. It's going to be snug for the number of birds you have.
I just posted about it here….
