New coop ideas!

[Scott214]

I am currently working on converting an old shed into a chicken coop and run! I've set the posts and made the gate. The gate is made of two parts that open separately and together with just a switch of a latch just to make it easier if I wanna just throw in some scratch. I'm currently working on building a perch toy for them to play on and then a swing for my younger ones because they grew up with a swing and absolutely love it. I'm planning on painting the shed correlating colors with the house. Also I have dug out a spot for the dust bath and am planning on surrounding it with logs to keep the dust contained and when it looks like rain I can cover it with a tarp. I am looking for any more ideas to make my chickens more happy and safe. I'm contemplating on having the roosts in the corner or along the back of the shed. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. I will post pictures of the coop as we go. Thank you so much and I hope you have a great day!

 

[CapricornFarm]

Pictures, lots of them! What types of chickens do you have?

 

[3riverschick]

Hi,
if you have large fowl Birds, don't put your roosts higher than 18 inches off the ground. some people put their roosts up so high and if they get higher than 18 in., your birds can sprain an ankle flying or jumping down from them.
Best ,
Karen

 

[Scott214]

I will post more pictures in the am of all my chickens and the coop and run because the ones I have now where taken in poor quality. I have a mixture of silkies and Easter eggers with 1 light brahma pulley and a buff Orpington pulley and I'm looking to get into polish. The run is huge and the shed is a decent size. I've seen where people add a low roost in the corner and then get higher up. I will include a picture of the idea. Also I live in West Virginia so it does get pretty cold. They have ventilation at the very top in between the roof and the actual shed. I'm also getting more silkie chicks late this month and I'm throwing in some polish. This is why I'm making the coop bigger and better and hopefully appealing to the eye. Also thank you so much for your help I really appreciate it!

 

[Folly's place]

My roosts are anywhere from three to eight feet high, and my largest birds weigh in at about 8.5 lbs. They land on deep shavings, and do fine.
I do understand that really big birds, like standard sized Jersey Giants, can't manage high perches safely. My Jersies have been half-sized hatchery stock, and have no problems with high roosts.
Silkies and frizzles have very limited flying abilities, and also can't do higher roosts. It will depend on your breed selections!
Predator protection and ventilation are major considerations; you can't have the coop too safe, and well ventilated. Pictures!!! Mary

 

[blackdog043]

It sounds like you have a good plan so far. I would put the roost on the back wall with a roost board. Put 1/2 to 1 inch of sweet PDZ in it, It will keep your coop a lot cleaner, smell better and give you more floor space.

 

[Scott214]

I know silkies would have trouble so I wanted to have a variety of heights so eaveryone could be comfortable. Also does anyone have any boredom busters? I have considered making an article about it because I have a few neat ones myself and are always looking for new ideas! I have a swing and a perch toy on the run I give them frozen blocks of corn and mealworms and water for hot days and also the cabbage hanging balls and fruit and veggie hangers. I have a new one in mind because my nephew was over and he's big on trucks. He was driving his little remote controlled one and all the chickens seemed interested and not frightened. I've considered buying one to put treats in in the bed and drive it around stopping occasionally for them to get a treat or two. I wouldn't do it if I saw any signs of stress. What do you ladies and gentelmen think?

 

[CapricornFarm]

I know silkies would have trouble so I wanted to have a variety of heights so eaveryone could be comfortable. Also does anyone have any boredom busters? I have considered making an article about it because I have a few neat ones myself and are always looking for new ideas! I have a swing and a perch toy on the run I give them frozen blocks of corn and mealworms and water for hot days and also the cabbage hanging balls and fruit and veggie hangers. I have a new one in mind because my nephew was over and he's big on trucks. He was driving his little remote controlled one and all the chickens seemed interested and not frightened. I've considered buying one to put treats in in the bed and drive it around stopping occasionally for them to get a treat or two. I wouldn't do it if I saw any signs of stress. What do you ladies and gentelmen think?

Sounds like great fun!

 

[Scott214]

Here are the gate and the run and the outside of the coop

 

[rdcowman]

That's really cool!