Fortunately it doesn't seem to be a problem....I went out there this morning after the monsoon last night and it was dry as a bone except for right around the door. But I have considered putting some shutters that I can put down when it really gets cold or the rain comes from the East which it rarely does. Our weather typically comes from the West so that's why I enclosed that part.
Do you use the area under the poop boards for storage or something?
You never want to completely close all your ventilation, especially in the colder weather. Maybe some awnings, or adjustable top hinged shutters, at least you have them if you need them. The whole front half of my coop is open and covered in HWC with an awning, and I have never had rain get in the coop and I live in Central Texas, so we get some extreme weather
That is my brooder/sick bay/integration area. Most of the time the door is open, and they do as they like under there, but I have raised chicks in there, and my broody last year used it as her sleeping area with the littles. It's just nice to have if I need it
Good to know....I was going to make some hinged shutters if need be once I get everything else complete.
I look forward to seeing the finished product!
will lock the girls up inside the coop for a few days when they first arrive, so they get used to it being home before letting them out. I wish I had done that... Mine all flew out first morning and I spent what felt like a long time trying to calm them down. Next time! Girls will be indoors for 2 or 3 days before we explore the run. They are stressed enough by a move, keeping them inside will be a respite)
My plan is to put them in the coop locked up at 6-8 weeks weather permitting and leave them to do their thing and check on them periodically throughout the day. Hopefully they will have the coop figured out as home base after a few days then I will let them out into the run to explore. My run will be 10x20 with sand in the bottom that I will scoop up with my tractor off of our dirt road that looks like a beach in spots so it's free which is nice.Did I miss it? Did someone tell you that you need a "hospital room" aka "time out area" ? Ideally a space big enough for you to access completely if the patient is really feeling poorly. (Also to clean her or the space, as it will be an intense time when they are there) I make a space that I can split into two rooms if needed, and if not necessary is just a bigger area.
I don't have a rooster (stupid bylaws) but I think some people give the boy his own room (sometimes where he can be alone w his special girl)
Your coop is awesome, the only thing I want to add is the song I always sing... Make as many of your surfaces washable as you possibly can. Poo is your constant companion... old recycled materials like mismatch ceramic tiles or vinyl, anything you can wipe up.
Insulation from heat or cold or rain... Ventilation needs to be done in a way it is not a draft on them when they sleep.
You will want to set food and water in a way it can't be tipped over (and they WILL test your set up)
Some people feed/water outside, some can not (weather, timing, predators) they are most hungry immediately after laying, and if the bowls run low or are inaccessible at that moment the next days' eggs are impacted. ( Size or quantity)
Nice to have an automatic door... But new hens will need to be taught when to come inside, so don't expect much help from a door that doesn't count hens before closing for the night. Once they have the schedule down, then the door is helpful.
Oh, and some hen keepers
Some choose nest boxes with separate compartments, some make long ones and let them decide where to lay, both have advantages... My next coop I will make one long open one with a way to add sliding separators later (if needed), the choice (from what I have lived) is not one I make, but rather it is their choice and I just have to deal with it.
