Inside or Out

[Amhast222]

I just expanded our too small coop to include an attached but very secure “open air” section. The inside coop isn’t big enough for roosts AND nesting boxes so which would be better for the outside area: nesting boxes or roosts? The chickens also have a very large fenced in run.

 

[StinkyAcres]

But you do want to make sure driving rain can't get to them on the outside roost. Perhaps a solid wall for part of it.

 

[Kiki]

View attachment 3788057

This building doesn't have enough ventilation in it.
I'd cut the whole right wall out and have it opened up more to the new area you are building. It is probably way too hot in there for them...or it will be come summer.

 

[StinkyAcres]

What is your climate like?

 

[Amhast222]

Southern U.S. Hot, humid summers, mild winters

 

[Amhast222]

I would do nests there as long as it's not too difficult for you to access them. I assume they will be able to use both sections 24/7?

I now have a gate going in that section too and yes both sections will be 24/7 access. Thank you for the reply!

 

[StinkyAcres]

It looks like the outside area is big enough for roosts and nesting boxes. I'd go roosts in the coop and roosts and nesting boxes in the run, so they have a choice of where to sleep depending on the weather.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Any photos of what you're working with? I'd say nesting boxes but they'd still need to be kept dry.

 

[Amhast222]

 

[Amhast222]

First pic is the inside part, second pic is the expansion (still a work in progress). It will have a tin roof and the chickens will be able to pass from one section to the other through an opening I will be cutting out.