Question about a Coop

[WheatBread]

Hello there, newbie here. Long story short my daughter went to a flea market with her Mom and Memaw and we ended up with a Silkie. So we started building a tractor since we live in the suburbs. Our plan seems good but I'm wondering do we need to build a coop? We have basically the frame of the tractor built and a nice box with a 2 sectioned area for the birds to lay with a little hinged roof to lift up and get the eggs and clean, it has a vent for air circulation and a little door in the front with a little chicken ladder. After looking here I see there is another area I guess that is called the coop and what we have built is a laying box. Do the chickens need the coop area or can we stick with just the laying box type of thing we have built?

 

[4 the Birds]

If the only shelter is a nest box then they will roost in it and poop in it. Ideally you want a coop or tractor with a roost bar where they can sit in shelter and safety at night. Below the roost bar is where you will do most of your cleaning. A good design and the birds will lay most all of there eggs in the nest box and it will stay clean and that is typically a 12' square cube area. Usually about 1 nest box per 4 birds is fine.

 

[ldwheat]

How long does a roost bar need to be for 2 to 3 birds? And can it be in the coop close to the nesting boxes or can it be outside of the coop but enclosed by chicken wire and a roof?

 

[4 the Birds]

How long does a roost bar need to be for 2 to 3 birds? And can it be in the coop close to the nesting boxes or can it be outside of the coop but enclosed by chicken wire and a roof?

12" per bird is the general rule of thumb so about 3 ft long. A roost bar can be out in a covered run but ideally you want a bar in the coop since they are out of sight of predators and away from drafty air. Inside a shelter is best since it is protected from wind, rain, and especially snow if you are in a cold region. It can be close to the nest box(es) but up higher that the box since birds like to roost up high for safety.

 

[ldwheat]

Thank you!

 

[WheatBread]

How much headspace is needed between the roost bar and the ceiling?

 

[WheatBread]

Can anyone recommend the diameter of the roost bar? Whats the best size?