I just ordered this coop tonight as my starter for 4 chicks I’m getting tomorrow. Question- is there already an existing spot on the inside of the coop to put the perch higher? Or will I need to macguyver it?
The original perch was to small for their large feet. They rely on their body heat to keep their feet warm. I upgraded their perch to a larger one as you can see in the photo. Yes, I had to come up with an idea to raise the perch because they like to roost up high, I just screwed holes from the outside and into the perch. I predrilled first to avoid split wood. Now my chickens get to sit next to the window and look out.
I'm on the fence on buying another one or not and here is why:
*Not predator proof-I only have hawks so this wont affect me.
*Not waterproof-If you get rain, you will have leaks. I live in CA desert, wont affect me.
*After 2 years, you will find that the tiny nails are no longer holding the coop together-no problem for me because I can fix and improve anything.
*The latch will need to be upgraded
*The ramp is fixed to the coop with thin plastic that eventually broke. The run under the coop was hard to reach with ramp in the way. I upgraded the ramp with hinges so that I could hook the ramp up for easy access.
*The run is not quite big enough for 4 chickens especially with a rooster constantly on them with no room to evade him. You will find that additional run panels are needed
and are easily made. I made an addition myself and is adequate at best, but I allow
them to free range.
* If you don't like the cedar orange stain that the coop arrives in (I didn't) You will want to paint it (before assembly).
My chickens had no shade, so I had to apply thin wood panels over the sides and top
of some of the run sections.
* The instructions are minimal, so you will have to rely on pictures.
*I believe that the wood was still damp when they assemble it, because after almost a year, there were small 1/16- 1/8 inch gaps in almost every plank of wood on the roof, sides and bottom of nest boxes. When I painted and assembles it, all the wood looked tight. Here it is 2 years later and now I can see my chickens and play peek-a-boo from outside.
