My setup

[chooky]

Here's my coop

we put in this roosting perch, but i think it's too low? They don't seem to like it and choose to sleep all piled on top of each other in a corner?

nesting area

Does it matter that it's not off the ground?

four out of five of my girls in one of there favourite spots (under the trampoline)

We have had them for a week now and no eggs yet. Hopefully soon!

suggestions on how to improve welcome.

 

[seminolewind]

Nice. I like the trampoline idea for shade. Mine would be spending alot of time under there.

 

[purpledonna]

Mine took a few weeks to use the roost..... How old are your hens (for eggs)? If they are new they may not be used to a roost.... You could always go out after sunset and place them on the roost...just to give them the idea..

 

[Manok-Tao]

Nice set up, looks roomy.

My input for what it's worth.

Not sure where your located, looks like cold weather and drafts isn't an issue.

Are the birds locked up in the coop at night?
The chicken wire looks a little scary for protection from predators. If you have dogs, coons, possums, weasels, coyotes, foxes.... Best add hardware cloth to the bottom 2-4 feet of the chicken wire.
Do you have birds of prey? (hawks) dander from above?
There also appears to be areas of the coop where a predator could climb its way in.
Also if you have the above mentioned 4 legged predators you might want to think about burying wire under the ground 6-10 inches along the fence line.

Cruise this message board and you'll learn a ton of great info, from great people.

Oh and most important
Welcome to BYC

 

[cowman910]

I Duct taped a rubber chicken to my roost just to show the girls how to use it. I think the nest is fine (mine just lay theres where ever they are standing....

)

 

[b.hromada]

Quote:
And they do!! We used to have a trampoline, that was before it got used to death!

As you know, living in Florida, it comes in handy. Looks like a nice job you have done making the coop! They should really love it!!

 

[Gonzo]

Nice set up! You might raise the roost some though. They love to roost as high up as possible. Mine are about 3' off the ground, then I have a few that roost in the rafters.

 

[catdaddy66]

Very nice arraingment! You may want to lay a short 1x4" board across the bottom of the nests to make them more cozy...hens like a little hideaway nest as opposed to one that is too open. Looks awesome

 

[Cornychick]

Really cute, and I LOVE the colors. One thing bugs me...take a circular saw and cut the piece of lattice to match the roof line and it will be perfect!!

 

[teach1rusl]

Quote:
lol...yeah, that was bothering me too for some reason! But it's a cute coop! I can't tell whether you have wire behind/in front of the lattice or not. Chicken wire is not very strong. It's good for keeping chickens in, but wouldn't stand up well if a dog or raccoon or something along those lines really wanted your chickens. Lattice would not stand up on it's own either (dogs can chew through it). So you might want to think about reinforcing them a bit... I sure am envious of all your greenery...