OK, Can't rebuild, what are my options (Realistic Please)

[Compost King]

wow, you are the type to get something done.

 

[aart]

That is something I need to finish tomorrow. A overhang of sorts.

Did you leave that gap for a reason...siding maybe?

 

[Buckeye2002]

Very nice job! Only thing I see is the roosts. They really should run the length of the coop and not the width. At 3 feet wide you don't have much roost space, especially considering they will fight over the top. I have a similar situation with a 16 x 5 coop and had to redo my roosts to run the length of the coop once the birds got big. I have an 8 ft long roost bar on one side and a 12 ft long roost bar on the other. I have 22 birds. Also, poop boards are a must. I don't have any yet, and I get sick of shoveling chips off the floor. Considering the height of your coop, I would definitely install poop boards before they get too big, or you will have alot tougher time and have to change bedding more often. I'm finding now that long narrow coops are kind of a pain, in regards to ventilation, roosting, clean out, etc., and I have walk in with a 5 ft wide door. I'm getting ready to cut a wall out of my shed and make mine 15 x 16.

What if I put a second set of roosts like the ones I already have, but at the other end. Would that interfere with the nesting boxes?

 

[Buckeye2002]

Did you leave that gap for a reason...siding maybe?

I am putting siding on the coop. The gap was not intended, but I will be putting an overhang over the nesting boxes so that rain/snow doesn't' collect.

 

[aart]

I am putting siding on the coop. The gap was not intended, but I will be putting an overhang over the nesting boxes so that rain/snow doesn't' collect.

If the gap was not intended, why not fix it?
Unscrew the L brackets and shove the nests in farther, reattach brackets.

 

[Buckeye2002]

If the gap was not intended, why not fix it?
Unscrew the L brackets and shove the nests in farther, reattach brackets.

I could lose some of the space I gained...but that isn't a bad idea...will try it and then see how it looks. Thanks

 

[aart]

I could lose some of the space I gained...but that isn't a bad idea...will try it and then see how it looks. Thanks

I think weather tightness is way more important than that inch(?) of space inside.
Tho an awning over the nest access is still a good idea, to protect the attachment points as well as shelter when collecting eggs(speaking of which, some chains on door might be nice, makes a shelf and protects from stress on hinges).

I feel kinda bad telling you to re-do yet another thing, but you seem to be open to it.
Buddy of mine used to say..."fix it now or it'll be fouled forever".
So, big Kudos to you for engaging the changes you have!

 

[Ghosty]

What if I put a second set of roosts like the ones I already have, but at the other end. Would that interfere with the nesting boxes?

It wouldn't hurt to have roosts at both ends if you have the ventilation for it. The problem you are gonna run into is that anything spanning the width of the coop is going to impede you gaining access for clean out. I couldn't deal with having to duck under, step over, and work around my roosts, not to mention it just wasn't enough roost space for 20 birds. Having the roosts along the length gives me space to get in the coop and work. Also, they need enough room between roost bars and walls that they can get up and down, and not be pooping on one another during the night.

 

[Buckeye2002]

NEW UPDATE:

Took some good advice regarding the nesting boxes. Not only got rid of the gap, but put a roof above the exterior of the boxes and put a chain on the door.

Thanks again everyone.

 

[Compost King]

WOW! if I was hiring and you lived around my parts I could only hope you dropped off an application.