Refurbished coop - what do I need?

[PollyWallyFrog]

So first time chicken owner and I’ve refurbished an old coop. It’s pretty big imo but anyways. My chickens are 11wks and 8wks, I only have 4. They kind of huddle together in the corner for now, which I read is normal for young chickens. But I also know they need a roost… I’m not completely sure the best place/way to put in some roosting bars but I know I need to sooner rather than later.

I also am trying to figure out if my lay box needs a ladder or anything, it’s only about 2 1/2 - 3 feet off the floor.

I am not opposed to building things if I need to! Any advice is super helpful.

Note: first picture is one I took tonight, second picture is from several weeks ago when they needed the heat lamp at night cause it was getting cold. Also the lay box has trim along the front (I should have gotten more updated pictures. I’ll grab some tomorrow)

 

[GodLovesU]

Here’s a cool thought!Build a perch “ladder” and build it leading up to the nest boxes.Then they would have somewhere to sleep and easy access to the boxes (which will need bedding or nest box pads)

 

[GodLovesU]

Something like this but a bit more horizontal.

 

[PollyWallyFrog]

Something like this but a bit more horizontal.

Oh that’s a great idea! I think that’ll work wonderfully with the space I have

 

[rosemarythyme]

Here’s a cool thought!Build a perch “ladder” and build it leading up to the nest boxes.Then they would have somewhere to sleep and easy access to the boxes (which will need bedding or nest box pads)

Most breeds of chickens don't think that way. They want to sleep at the highest point, which in your suggestion that would be the nest boxes.

OP: the nest boxes will likely need a landing perch in the front so the hens can fly up onto them and then climb into the boxes. Your roosts will need to be higher than the nest boxes, and set at least 12" from the wall, 14-16" horizontally apart (if more than 1), and placed with enough landing space in front to equal or exceed the roost height.

Given the fact that the coop is long and narrow, the roosts in this will likely need to go across the narrower width in order to provide the landing space needed.

 

[DobieLover]

Now that proper roost placement and design has been addressed, and although you didn't ask, let's talk a bit about security, safety and ventilation.

Although you did install 1/2" HC over the window, it is not done correctly to provide security. It must fully secure that window. The extension cord needs to enter the building at a higher point.

The heat lamp is not at all secure. Those clamps can and do fail. You need to have a chain secured to the lamp in the event the clamp fails or the coop will go up in flames. I also question it's presence in the coop at all. Both ages of your birds are fully feathered and in no need of additional heat.

You really need more ventilation. I would start by opening up the spaces between the rafters and then securing them with hardware cloth. I would also see if the upper triangular areas of the non-load bearing walls could be opened up. We can't see your roof overhangs to make recommendations.

I would insert a tight fitting block next to the threshold to keep this from happening again.

 

[PollyWallyFrog]

Now that proper roost placement and design has been addressed, and although you didn't ask, let's talk a bit about security, safety and ventilation.

Although you did install 1/2" HC over the window, it is not done correctly to provide security. It must fully secure that window. The extension cord needs to enter the building at a higher point.

The heat lamp is not at all secure. Those clamps can and do fail. You need to have a chain secured to the lamp in the event the clamp fails or the coop will go up in flames. I also question it's presence in the coop at all. Both ages of your birds are fully feathered and in no need of additional heat.

You really need more ventilation. I would start by opening up the spaces between the rafters and then securing them with hardware cloth. I would also see if the upper triangular areas of the non-load bearing walls could be opened up. We can't see your roof overhangs to make recommendations.

I would insert a tight fitting block next to the threshold to keep this from happening again.

View attachment 3876446

I appreciate the tips! However, the window has glass and has a crank that opens and closes it, it also only opens into the fully enclosed run, and the wire has been more secured (this was an old picture as I mentioned in my post ). This window opens almost fully and closes completely.

The heat lamp has a screw that was holding it in place but it is no longer in the coop and was only in there when it was cold at night a couple times in April/May which is when they were still getting their feathers. As the first picture shows if you can see the back a little lol it’s bit dark but yeah, no lamp.

But I’ll keep your recommendations in mind for the future