REQUEST FOR TOP TEN COOP FEATURES

[jrsckn]

The 2X4 board is so the chickens can cover their toes with their feathers in cold weather; a large enough branch will work as well but it's easier to nail a 2X4 than a 3" diameter branch

I second the poop board with PDZ, morning scooping takes 2 minutes tops. Too bad half my chicks are using the ladder to roost on instead of the actual roosts lol.

I liked the bucket nest boxes also but I used 50gal plastic barrels for dog houses at one time and no matter how much bedding I put in it some dogs always slid around in them like they were in a washing machine so I decided to go with wood instead. Not to mention I made a lot more nest boxes out of wood for cheaper than new buckets would've been.

 

[teesquare]

jrsckn- thanks for clarifying re: the 2''x4'' recommendation. Makes sense to me! Is there a way to eliminate the ladder? Is this somewhat dependent on the choice of chicken breeds? ( bigger heavier birds being less likely to fly up to the roost?)

What about the poop board being designed like a drawer or a pan with sides to contain the PDZ? ( think cat litter box...)?

I cant argue with you about the price difference on the bucket nests... They are pricey. But they would be easy to clean and sanitize too, no rot etc....I am thinking about making my own. I have access to a screw on lid, that could be easily removed. As well - making an easily removed plywood platform for the bottom so they do not become a "chicken slide". A lot of extra detail work,...still thinking.

T

 

[azvwbaja]

I like chicken tractors because they eliminate pens cleaning. Mine are four by ten feet. I have nesting box and a fully enclosed area on one end. I put four by four concrete wire on the bottom to keep pests out. I used heavy wire fence three foot high. The top is hinged with half inch hardware cloth on top. I bought 5/8 steel axles at Lowes and tires at Harbor freight. Chickens love the fresh soil when I move it. I keep 4 hens in each one.

 

[Cargo]

Quote: Deep Litter Method


Quote: Not much, I might clean mine every 6 months.

 

[Red Barn Farms]

Don't forget in design to make space for storage areas. I have a storage unit that sits on the bottom of my roost which has a double sliding door. 'Box type' It's about 8 x 4 foot, Two foot high. It's actually a store display storage unit. The poop tray lays on top of the unit which is actually fiberglass roofing. Makes it easy to just pick them up and carry them to be hosed off. It's great for storing smaller items you use often such as scrappers, hammer, nails, smaller bags of grit, extra feeders, small hand broom, odds and ends, etc. You can never have enough storage space as a flock grows!

 

[teesquare]

I like chicken tractors because they eliminate pens cleaning. Mine are four by ten feet. I have nesting box and a fully enclosed area on one end. I put four by four concrete wire on the bottom to keep pests out. I used heavy wire fence three foot high. The top is hinged with half inch hardware cloth on top. I bought 5/8 steel axles at Lowes and tires at Harbor freight. Chickens love the fresh soil when I move it. I keep 4 hens in each one.

I wish I had enough ground that was anywhere near level - Would love to use a chicken tractor.I live on a mountain, and even our yard is small and quite irregular in it's shape and slope.

 

[teesquare]

Don't forget in design to make space for storage areas. I have a storage unit that sits on the bottom of my roost which has a double sliding door. 'Box type' It's about 8 x 4 foot, Two foot high. It's actually a store display storage unit. The poop tray lays on top of the unit which is actually fiberglass roofing. Makes it easy to just pick them up and carry them to be hosed off. It's great for storing smaller items you use often such as scrappers, hammer, nails, smaller bags of grit, extra feeders, small hand broom, odds and ends, etc. You can never have enough storage space as a flock grows!

That is a GREAT idea! Do you have any pictures of this? I would love to see it, and the fiberglass roofing - trying to picture which kind that is....

 

[teesquare]

Quote:

Deep Litter Method

O.K. - got it!


Quote:
Not sure I understand the 2''x4'' preference - but for bigger chickens, it makes sense? Much poop collecting on the roost?

Not much, I might clean mine every 6 months.

Wow..that is pretty easy!

 

[ll]

- the closest perching/roosting bar not closer than 18" from the wall = no poop on the wall!
- designated storage space for your supplies

 

[teesquare]

- the closest perching/roosting bar not closer than 18" from the wall = no poop on the wall!
- designated storage space for your supplies

Thanks for the ''distance from wall'' tip!, and I am looking at the Rubbermaid storage systems for all of the maintenance and food supplies.

QUESTION:

I have read up on the use of zeolite ( Sweet PDZ) on poop boards...DOes anyone put it directl on the floor? Straight or mixed with anything?