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

[aart]

Sweet!
Ditto on covering nests.
Lights seem a bit high, and floor temp a bit low....watch them closely for piling tonite.

 

[cmom]

I agree with the other posts. The nest boxes should be lower than the roosts and you really don't need roost bars in front of the nest boxes. Originally I had roost bars in front of my nest boxes and I eventually cut then off and they get into the nest boxes ok.

 

[Compost King]

Great work.

 

[mudwallower]

Next, put a lean-to roof preferably on the South side so you can walk along the length of the coop out of the weather. Make it at least 5' wide. Remove the pen fencing on the same lower side of the coop, after you put up fencing on the outside of the lean-to to double the pen area to at least 4' wide, and as a bonus you have easier access to the underside pen now. Hardware wire all the way along the bottom of the fencing to keep predators from reaching in, and chicken wire all above that to keep the small chicks from flying out. Need the heavier fencing all over to keep out the meaner stronger predators out. Also helps to have access hatches all along that side to allow easy access into the coop.

 

[aart]

The nest boxes should be lower than the roosts and you really don't need roost bars in front of the nest boxes.

Especially now that the nests are lowered(not sure you read the whole thread) and the bedding almost covers the nest perches, perches could be removed for easier cleaning.

 

[mudwallower]

You can make a nicer looking coop and for far less than the plastic siding, by locating through Craigslist used cedar shakes for free from someone re-roofing their home.

 

[culturalinfidel]

OP- Way to get after it and make the changes that you needed to make! How is that lil runt doing?

 

[Buckeye2002]

URGENT URGENT
CAN/WILL chicks over eat chick grit if I just put some out on a dish?

Also, it’s supposed to be nice outside for the next few days (about 50 degrees). If I let my 5 weeks old chicks out of their coop, will they return inside when it gets dark/cold? They feel the nice weather and are getting rowdy.

 

[Cryss]

I always leave a dispenser full of grit and one of oyster shell for calcium. I don't feed layer formula because the rooster doesnt need it. The girls will eat grit and oyster shell as they wish. He will eat the grit.
How long have they been going in and out on their own?

 

[Buckeye2002]

I always leave a dispenser full of grit and one of oyster shell for calcium. I don't feed layer formula because the rooster doesnt need it. The girls will eat grit and oyster shell as they wish. He will eat the grit.
How long have they been going in and out on their own?

They haven’t as of yet. They have been cooped up in the coop for a week now.