My Cochin coop

[BackYardCochin]

I'm in the process of building a coop for my 3 Cochins. They are currently about 4 weeks old so we still have them in a large rubber maid tote. They love walking the edge of it. Should I put a long rust in the coop/run?

Thanks, and I'll post pics of what I've got so far soon.
Nick

 

[Zahboo]

You should definitley have roosts. If they are standard cochins don't put it too high, they get big. Also, make sure the roost is higher than the nest box.

 

[BackYardCochin]

Thanks for the heads up on the roost hight.

 

[BackYardCochin]

Here are a couple of pix of what I have built so far. I will post more as I go along.

Nick

 

[Zahboo]

How big is it? If they are standard cochins they need 4sq foot minimum but for cochins they really need more. Also 10 sq foot in the run. It looks like a great start. I like how you built it flush with your house, that should help regulate the temperature

 

[SandyK]

I wouldn't put the roosts too high. If they are standard Cochins, they are heavy birds. Mine are only about 2 1/2' off the floor and they can get up and down pretty well. I use the deep litter method, so they aren't jumping down on a hard floor, but you can still hear them all coming down when I open the pop door. You don't want them hurting their legs or feet.

 

[Zahboo]

Quote:
I agree with this. If you hear them thud when they jump I'd use a ramp with little grips (like you'd use as a popdoor ramp) to help them down.

 

[ozark hen]

It looks like you are covering up a vent for the house? Is it just a vent for crawl space? If any other vent I would not cover the vent.

 

[BackYardCochin]

Quote:
The measurements are: run 5x3, house, 3x3x3

We are planing on putting insulation in all the walls and floor in the house, and fully siding the side that faces the yard to help protect from the weather.

 

[BackYardCochin]

Quote:
Is that 2 and 1/2 feet; or inches?

We are going to use pea gravel in the fun and straw in the house.