I don't have much of a coop but is this ok?

[pjknust]

My Hen House is an old boat shed my daddy made out of scraps. Its not even predator secure. They roosted on a play yard made for toddlers and puppies until a couple weeks ago when we put in new 2X4's across the back. They had been roosting on that playyard for 3 yr, it was their chick pen when they were babies, and when we made the new roosts they were scared to death. Didnt even want to go inside. I had to put part of the old roost back in the next day. Finally 3 of the 5 are roosting on the new roosts now.
I dont have anything fancy, but I love my chickens and take good care of them.

pam in TX

 

[justtoni44]

HI, Sounds like you have a great start..

I have 2x4's also.It allows them to rest better....not having to balance themselves all night
and when it is cold they can cuddle down and keep thier feet warm.
Good Luck....and

 

[Forrest_Flock]

Pam
I guess that is the best as long as they are being cared for

There are three of us here, they will sure have a lot of tlc

I always wondered how birds balance at all, with their legs bent over almost horizontally
I would get cramp when I woke up

 

[chicken_noob]

That sounds good enough.

 

[dirtychix]

Yeah they are not picky...

 

[Forrest_Flock]

that's good to hear

 

[TheWaddler]

Quote:
Millions of years of evolution are involved in their balancing act.....all birds can do it and do with no detriment to them at all. It is how they are designed. Nothing wrong with 2x4's but do not see one bit how they could be "better" for the birds or even "easier" for that matter. Roosting in trees is what they do, trees come with round limbs. When it is cold my birds hunker down on their feet and you cannot see them at all while they are on the roost.

 

[galanie]

Their feet are big and they like to roost on limbs and boards that are big enough so they can balance easily. 1x1 and 2x2 and 2x4 are all fine, as are closet rods or similar sized limbs.

My only concern about the OP's current coop is winter protection, which she will have a long time to fix. They'll need to be able to get out of any cold north wind. Maybe a removable wall or something, because I think 2 sides only is perfect for summer.

 

[Forrest_Flock]

galanie,
thanks for the concern,
the shed has three and a half walls, the remaining area is covered in wire mesh which does face to the north, but there is the fence bordering our yard from the neighbours within two feet of it. The fence is about five ft in height
Does that sound ok?

 

[TnChickHen]

not everyone has the money or resources to make a coop. Our first coop was the dog run, 10x10, but we are expanding....under the patio!

They've enjoyed dust bathing in the dirt under the patio, it's cool in the summer, and there are PLENTY of bugs for them to snack on. We are moving the 10x10 run over to the "entrance" of the patio, so they still have a run. I'm in the process of making new nesting boxes (current ones are made from 3 cardboard boxes, 1 old crummy ladder, 1 6'x2' plywood screwed to the ladder, and this all sits on top of an old tire.) Dust baths are important too. just fill a rubbermaid box with some dirt, and done!!! they love it too. My roosts are made from flimsy, but now firm, 1x1 pieces of wood, and they love it! Have fun with it, and just keep adding things!!! Enjoy the birds!