Newbie! Free rabbit hutch as a Coop?

[freeformed]

A neighbor was throwing out a fairly new rabbit hutch and thought it may work for a 2 chicken coop.

My thought was to create two divided nesting boxes in the right side enclosed area.

Replace wire floor with solid wood.

Replace wire front with a drop down door.

I am going to try and let them free range, and see how that goes, if it doesn't work out, I'd build a enclosed run in the front of the coop.

Advice? Is this tall enough for chickens? Big enough for two?

 

[freeformed]

FYI - I did search and see other posts about this subject, but didn't find any definitive answers.

 

[freeformed]

I am also wondering if and how I could put some roosting bars inside, thoughts?

 

[canesisters]

YES! Great find!

It would make a wonderful coop for a pair or maybe a trio of banties.

 

[canesisters]

What are the dimensions?

An easy roost would be to take 2 small pieces of 2x4 - maybe 3" long and screw them to opposite walls. Then another piece of 2x4 sitting on top of them (screwed down of course).

 

[freeformed]

Dimensions are:

44" wide
22" Deep
22" Tall

I was thinking something similar for the roost, but using a 1.5 in. closet wood rod. How high off the floor should it be?

Also, should I have food and water in the coop? I was thinking of concocting a PVC waterer (chicken nipples) and feeder that I could refill from the outside easily.

 

[canesisters]

I've been told that they prefer something flat to roost on. Unlike song birds and parrots, they don't grasp the perch, they sit on it and use their bellies to cover and warm their feet. BUT, my girls are only 8weeks old and only use my roosts to play Queen of the Hill. They still sleep in a pile on the floor.

If you're only planning on 2 hens - then one nest box would be enough. They're probably going to argue over one anyway. So maybe you could find a way to put a feeder in the other 'inside' area??? Or maybe even use the space underneath. All of the 'garden coop' plans have a raised box for nesting & roosting and the food underneath so it stays dry.

Check out the 'COOPS' section - TONS of really great ideas. Ya know... this could become a really nice brooder too...

 

[freeformed]

If I make the Nest area single, should I make the doorway smaller?

 

[freeformed]

Photo update if anyone else is doing something similar. This seems to be coming along nicely.

I was able to retain the slide out bottom tray for easy cleaning.

Please comment with any recommendations or modifications.

Next is paint!

 

[canesisters]

Looking really good! You've done a great job with it so far. I can't wait to see it finished.