Question About Coop Design

[lmdengler]

Hello All - my husband is in the process of building me an awesome chicken coop. We are at a bit of a stall until I get advice from you all. As you look at this picture you can see where the nesting boxes will go. On the left side there. There is a big open rectangle shape. Our question is: on the inside do we have to put some sort of ramp or perch so they can get into it?
I also wanted to know - for the winter can I put their food inside the coop? How is it best situated so it will stay clean and dry?
This coop is 6 x 6.

 

[MillersFarm]

It's best to put perches in front of their nest boxes so they have easy access to them. And for the food we keep our feeders in the chicken hung a couple inches off the ground with some binding twine.

 

[junebuggena]

Looks great. Feed left overnight in the coop/run tends to attract unwanted visitors, like rats, mice, and even bears. So that is something you need to consider. Also, build in LOTS of ventilation. You've got a good overhang, so open up those gables.