Pecking order - what is normal?

[Bigbluefrog]

That one in front has awfully big and red wattles.<cringe>

I think that is big red! She should be a hen it was said to be all females at TSC. The 3 black ones were a mixed group.
All the hens have bumpy little crowns sprouting. Two of the Doms have a wider red crown and less bumps. TSC said 90% accurate...maybe it is a rooster. I will take a better picture of Woody when the sun rises. Having all hens might be better for a beginner

 

[Bigbluefrog]

Being inside the coop most of the day and struggling with dropping screws and lots of grumbling!
I need to put a small launch pad in there. The box was a quick fix.

 

[Bigbluefrog]

The top picture is newer and sorry it was taken outside ( window glare)
That is with both roosts at same level. I closed off top shelf to eliminate them roosting up there! It was a pain to clean.
I will try to take a better picture tomorrow. And figure out a better launch pad than a box.
Coop measured 4.5 by 6.5! Seems even smaller when you are building in it!
And yes that is Woody trying to get the other black Dominque to move. What is so great about the far left side.

 

[aart]

And figure out a better launch pad than a box.
Coop measured 4.5 by 6.5! Seems even smaller when you are building in it!

I'll bet...so hate to tell you this, but.....

I would lower those roosts to just above the middle height of the nests,
then no launch pad needed.
...and put mesh to block the shelf, instead of that plywood, for better ventilation.

 

[Bigbluefrog]

I'll bet...so hate to tell you this, but.....

I would lower those roosts to just above the middle height of the nests,
then no launch pad needed.
...and put mesh to block the shelf, instead of that plywood, for better ventilation.

Good idea! I was rethinking that too! Never thought of mesh up there! That is a great idea! There is a gap at the top edge all they way around. The vent goes into the run. I Think we covered it like that because in a previous post a person recommended baffles or covered vent. I think the mesh would work better.

 

[Bigbluefrog]

Woody is quite the bird!

 

[aart]

There is a gap at the top edge all they way around. The vent goes into the run. I Think we covered it like that because in a previous post a person recommended baffles or covered vent. I think the mesh would work better.

Yeah, I noticed there was a gap all the way around, good move,
but I'm betting the run gives enough cover not to need a baffle there.
If you find it does need to be baffled, probably easier to do it from the run side.

 

[Bigbluefrog]

Lots of tips! Well today I will lower the roosts!
Now if I could just whip out some cool doors with inset screen and door closure like the Carolina coops! I be in heaven!
Getting an idea how it is for the hens!

 

[Bigbluefrog]

Roosts are lowered! So now they can hop right up!
I took Your suggestion!
I also think having both the same height is good! Gives them options!

 

[Bigbluefrog]

I'll bet...so hate to tell you this, but.....

I would lower those roosts to just above the middle height of the nests,
then no launch pad needed.
...and put mesh to block the shelf, instead of that plywood, for better ventilation.

Done! Done! Whew! I can see why you love a walk in coop! My knees are killing me