Need some help on improvements for coop

[CLUCKING CHICKENS]

That drawing was so bad, here is what you might try though, i love how well it works.

You can see the cross beams, from below and what it looks like when you lay boards up there for them to hang out. My hens actually hang there all day and they are not confined there.

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And what it looks like above. The poop is easy to clean off the round poles, but the boards are also easy to clean whem they are removed. Whenever it rains though i get a free cleaning because the roof is palm leaves and it leaks a little. The mites are unfortunately very bad here too.

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This is an impressive set up that you have.
I think I understand the concept and this may work well for my run if I get creative with it.

 

[3KillerBs]

P.S. -- You may need to extend the roof overhang to keep rain/snow out.

Here's how-to (and how not to), extend a roof by sistering the extension to the rafters: https://strousehomeinspections.com/blog/structural-roof-extensions.html

And here is how to use lookouts to extend the roof at right-angles to the rafters: https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...e-overhangs-eaves-of-a-shed-coop-house.76599/

 

[CLUCKING CHICKENS]

Got pics of the inside?

Doesn't matter how high the roosts/perches as long as they are higher than nests so they don't sleep in nests.
With your coop it's better to have them well below the ventilation you will be adding.

I have this one picture showing the inside of the coop. I can take a few more later today. It currently has a heat lamp and the other heater in there for the chicks. As a temporary solution I currently keep the right side top ( as you are looking at it ) cracked open about 4 inches using using a bag clip.
I also have a setup for the chicks in my garage that I added a picture of as well.

 

[CLUCKING CHICKENS]

P.S. -- You may need to extend the roof overhang to keep rain/snow out.

Here's how-to (and how not to), extend a roof by sistering the extension to the rafters: https://strousehomeinspections.com/blog/structural-roof-extensions.html

And here is how to use lookouts to extend the roof at right-angles to the rafters: https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...e-overhangs-eaves-of-a-shed-coop-house.76599/

I will definitely take a look at both these links…I appreciate it.

 

[Banana01]

I have this one picture showing the inside of the coop. I can take a few more later today. It currently has a heat lamp and the other heater in there for the chicks. As a temporary solution I currently keep the right side top ( as you are looking at it ) cracked open about 4 inches using using a bag clip.
I also have a setup for the chicks in my garage that I added a picture of as well.

Be sure you crack the hatches with the heat lamp running while they are inside and enclosed. The moist air has to escape, and the warmth makes it more important to get fresh air. How long has this setup been working for you? The heat lamp is a fire hazard I would think.

 

[CLUCKING CHICKENS]

I was thinking for 5 chickens max given the size of the coop. You may will have management challenges (cleaning and pecking) with more chickens in a smallish coop unless there are there only for a night. The most economical way is to have one slightly larger box than 2 separate ones. I have 3 double size nest boxes for 35. I have seen as many as 5 birds in one box at once No matter how many boxes you have they may have preference to go for particular box on any given day.

Originally I had no idea, walked into Wilco and Tractor Supply ( just to look ) and found myself coming coming home with 12 baby chicks. As they got older I quickly learned my mistake when those problematic behaviors began and had to give away a few. 8 was the max number I seem to be able to have with this set up and avoid issues.
I have 12 baby chicks now but they will be split between 2 coops and runs once they get older. 8 will be staying here and 4 will be moving to the new coop.

 

[Banana01]

I will definitely take a look at both these links…I appreciate it.

Can i bring up some issues with this setup? The heat lamp seems overly excessive. Does that stay on all night?

Your chickens would sleep better in the dark and even throwing a blanket over the cage would be an improvement. The light consumes a lot of elecrticity no? That could be eliminated with a little bit of effort.

 

[CLUCKING CHICKENS]

Be sure you crack the hatches with the heat lamp running while they are inside and enclosed. The moist air has to escape, and the warmth makes it more important to get fresh air. How long has this setup been working for you? The heat lamp is a fire hazard I would think.

I keep the top hatch cracked about 4 inches using a bag clip.
As far as putting the baby chicks in there, I just put them in there about 3 days ago. I kept them in my garage the first couple days and then moved them to the coop with the two heat sources. The heat lamp is secure to the top of the coop attached to a hook. I check on them every day and they seem to be doing fine. After a couple weeks I will remove the heat lamp and just leave the floor heater.
I have had this setup since June and have been making improvements periodically.

 

[CLUCKING CHICKENS]

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Can i bring up some issues with this setup? The heat lamp seems overly excessive. Does that stay on all night?

Your chickens would sleep better in the dark and even throwing a blanket over the cage would be an improvement. The light consumes a lot of elecrticity no? That could be eliminated with a little bit of effort.

I keep the heat lamp on 24-7... My garage is pretty cold since it is winter and with the new chicks requiring that 95 degree temperature the heat lamp does the trick. I keep the heat lamp on them for the first 4 weeks and then remove it. The cage they are in is bigger then it may appear in the picture. The heat lamp is 14 inches above their heads and I have read that 12 to 18 inches is what is recommended. Not sure if it is alot of electricity that it consumes. This is the 4th batch I have used this with and my monthly bill seems to be about the same.
I will reevaluate this to see if maybe I can just use the floor heater that I have out in their coop without the heat lamp. I appreciate all of your feedback...I am still getting the hang of this.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Is one nesting box enough? I was thinking maybe removing 3 nesting boxes and keeping 3. There would be 8 hens in this one.

I would keep 3, which would be one side of nest boxes.

I think 8 birds with this coop is pushing it due to overall amount of usable floor space as well as feasibility of putting enough roost space for the number of birds. You may need to shrink the flock a bit as they grow up, but that's something you can play by ear as the birds grow up, since you seem ok with rehoming birds if the need arises.