MJ's little flock

[MaryJanet]

This is sort of what we have. Just make sure it's not too deep to reach the back roost. It's a super easy clean & has lots of benefits in the hot weather.

That's good to know!

It was when I stood in that back corner that I realised it's area would make it hard to clean out and eventually the idea of a half floor occurred to me. Bigger than a poop tray, smaller than a full floor. Preventing of drafts in winter, but not so much it's too hot in summer.

 

[MaryJanet]

They are very beautiful and the kits are completely adorable like a cross between a puppy and a kitten.
But, they smell and they make a racket.
They have a vast vocal range. Sometimes it sounds like someone is torturing a human baby and their cries carry for quite a range so you often hear them in the woods slowly getting nearer.
Last night they must have been right under my (open) bedroom window and it was not conducive to sleep.

I hope they don't visit often.

 

[MaryJanet]

I would go with a breezeway. There is no reason to run them the full way down. Having air pass under will help to cool it on warm summer nights.

It should be cooler than the big coop in a heat wave. I think it will be a very popular spot in summer.

 

[Ribh]

MJ, you may remember, & I don't know if it helps, but our coop is raised up, open fronted, & only has a 1/2 floor. I do hang a shower curtain in winter & really, really bad weather but otherwise it is built for as much air circulation as possible.

There is another wired vent along the back wall under the eves.

You have more predators than we do but if the perimeter is secure it shouldn't be a problem...?

 

[MaryJanet]

MJ, you may remember, & I don't know if it helps, but our coop is raised up, open fronted, & only has a 1/2 floor. I do hang a shower curtain in winter & really, really bad weather but otherwise it is built for as much air circulation as possible.

There is another wired vent along the back wall under the eves.

You have more predators than we do but if the perimeter is secure it shouldn't be a problem...?
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These photos are extremely helpful. I don't think I ever knew about the half floor but I forgot about the vent under the eaves at the back.

I'll give that back vent some thought. If you could turn back time, would you give a cross vent as well?

 

[Ribh]

These photos are extremely helpful. I don't think I ever knew about the half floor but I forgot about the vent under the eaves at the back.

I'll give that back vent some thought. If you could turn back time, would you give a cross vent as well?

I really don't need to. The 1/2 floor means there is always fresh air @ the front of the coop even with the curtain down. The curtain just stops wind & rain getting in. Hot air escapes through the back vent. The coop has never felt really hot, even in our worst summers. It has occasionally felt a little cold to me but I just make sure everyone has a snuggle partner.

I forget the exact dimensions & due to space limitations it is a little smaller than I wanted but I was working of an American open fronted design & there is a perfect ratio, which we weren't quite able to manage, that allows for maximum air flow while preventing drafts. I'll see if I can turn up the name.

 

[Ribh]

Here is a link to someone's open fronted coop. Looks good to me & easy to adjust so it's raised & you get a 1/2 floor in.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/chicken-coop-for-hot-climate-residents-think-desert.111571/

ETA: Here is the link I think I first read.
http://www.nortoncreekpress.com/wordpress/poultry/fresh_air_poultry_houses_a/

 

[MaryJanet]

Here is a link to someone's open fronted coop. Looks good to me & easy to adjust so it's raised & you get a 1/2 floor in.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/chicken-coop-for-hot-climate-residents-think-desert.111571/

Awesome. I was wondering how to close off the space under the purloins (or do I mean beams??) and now I know to put wire mesh up there. Thanks for finding that for me!

 

[ChicoryBlue]

She does too! It sounds a lot like the under the breath sound they make as they are raring up to bok. "Urrrr..bok, bok, BOK" But it lasts for longer.
So cute....and faintly disturbing....

The Buckeyes make a lot of sounds like Charlie, only much more out-spoken so to speak. When they are excited and looking forward to something, or wanting something, they definitely do it. It's a yearning kind of growl / long-squawk. Their voice is often very raspy in different ways unless they're just bokking or calling out like for the escort song. I'll try to record it when the weather cools.

 

[MaryJanet]

Here is a link to someone's open fronted coop. Looks good to me & easy to adjust so it's raised & you get a 1/2 floor in.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/chicken-coop-for-hot-climate-residents-think-desert.111571/

ETA: Here is the link I think I first read.
http://www.nortoncreekpress.com/wordpress/poultry/fresh_air_poultry_houses_a/

Got the update mate, thanks!