We're progressing slowly on a new coop. It is 10 x 12, and I have a few questions. Please tell me what has worked well for you in these areas, what you like, and what you'd change:
The coop sits on 4 x 4 p.t. posts which fit into cement blocks. The ground is uneven, with a variation from 8" to 20" between the bottom of the framing to the ground. I'm thinking that the thing to do is put 1/2" hardware cloth skirt around the whole coop, which will be yet an other added expense. And even then, I'm not the least bit hopeful that the skirt will keep mice or rats out of that space, and may in fact make the space more of a safe haven for them. On the other hand, I don't want chickens to have access to that much space that I couldn't access. So, looking for advice here: hardware cloth? Lattice? Chicken wire skirt?
The perches will be placed along the west wall, with a 2' h x 4' w clean out door centered on that wall. They will be 2 x 4's, upper edges rounded off a bit, placed on the flat to protect toes from frost bite. I plan to have them be removable. How far should the first perch be from the wall, and how much space between the 2 perches should I allow. I'm on the fence regarding having the perches both be the same height vs. having the back perch be higher than the front perch.
There is a storage closet 4' x 2' which will be accessed from outside (N wall). This will hold feed, and if there's room, there will be a shelf for a few chicken related supplies. This closet will not go all the way to the top of the coop, b/c I will use the space above it, inside the coop for a broody/rooster jail. The storage area under the cage will be accessed from the inside through a set of cupboard doors.
Nest boxes: 6 total, 3 boxes wide x 2 boxes high. Using white plastic dish pans, with removeable 1/4" plywood for privacy between boxes. Outside access. Do you favor doors hinging up or down? Any favorite ideas for latching mechanisms (predator proof). Weather proofing for the hinges?
The coop sits on 4 x 4 p.t. posts which fit into cement blocks. The ground is uneven, with a variation from 8" to 20" between the bottom of the framing to the ground. I'm thinking that the thing to do is put 1/2" hardware cloth skirt around the whole coop, which will be yet an other added expense. And even then, I'm not the least bit hopeful that the skirt will keep mice or rats out of that space, and may in fact make the space more of a safe haven for them. On the other hand, I don't want chickens to have access to that much space that I couldn't access. So, looking for advice here: hardware cloth? Lattice? Chicken wire skirt?
The perches will be placed along the west wall, with a 2' h x 4' w clean out door centered on that wall. They will be 2 x 4's, upper edges rounded off a bit, placed on the flat to protect toes from frost bite. I plan to have them be removable. How far should the first perch be from the wall, and how much space between the 2 perches should I allow. I'm on the fence regarding having the perches both be the same height vs. having the back perch be higher than the front perch.
There is a storage closet 4' x 2' which will be accessed from outside (N wall). This will hold feed, and if there's room, there will be a shelf for a few chicken related supplies. This closet will not go all the way to the top of the coop, b/c I will use the space above it, inside the coop for a broody/rooster jail. The storage area under the cage will be accessed from the inside through a set of cupboard doors.
Nest boxes: 6 total, 3 boxes wide x 2 boxes high. Using white plastic dish pans, with removeable 1/4" plywood for privacy between boxes. Outside access. Do you favor doors hinging up or down? Any favorite ideas for latching mechanisms (predator proof). Weather proofing for the hinges?