Roost dimensions and designs...

[Intheswamp]

I'm still trying to get things together in my planning so that when I *finally* get some time to get my coop and run together I'll know in somewhat which direction to go. The coop will most likely be 8'x12' and I'm looking at building the flock to 24 large fowl chickens.

I'm looking at either using parallel roost poles or either building a ladder roost. Here's where the questions are...

For the parallel roost poles how far from the wall should they be? And secondly, how far apart from each other?

In regards to the ladder roost it seems that most people recommend the ladder leaning against the wall at a 45* angle. If this is the correct angle then how far apart should the rungs on the ladder be? ....I don't want chickens pooping on each other if I go this route, if you know what I mean.

For shading/heat-avoidance purposes (hot muggy south Alabama summers and the coop will probably be built in an unshaded area) it is normally best to have the narrow walls of buildings facing east and west. I'm already planning on having extended overhang that should shade the building adequately whether oriented east and west or north and south. Thus, I may situate the coop with the short sides facing north and east. Doing this I could install several windows down the east/leeward side. This side of the coop would also have an extended overhang and probably a partially covered run making it a good shady spot in the heat and also allow for fresh air during rainstorms without getting the inside of the coop wet. Along this wall is where I'm thinking of running the roost poles, either ladder or parallel poles.

Anyhow, that's some of my plans and questions. As usual, I appreciate all of ya'lls feedback.

Best wishes,
Ed

 

[CoopCrazy]

just trying to get some answers for you..

 

[patandchickens]

Quote:
Ideally 18" from the wall and at least that from each other; you can squish them a *little * closer to the wall if you really must, but I wouldnt' suggest tightening up the distance between roosts too much, unless you know you have a lot more roost space than the chickens need.

In regards to the ladder roost it seems that most people recommend the ladder leaning against the wall at a 45* angle. If this is the correct angle then how far apart should the rungs on the ladder be?

Ideally far enough that the rungs are 18-24" apart horizontally. IMO the easiest thing is to mock it up *in place*, rather than to get all pencil-and-paper calculator-buttons-y about it

For shading/heat-avoidance purposes (hot muggy south Alabama summers and the coop will probably be built in an unshaded area) it is normally best to have the narrow walls of buildings facing east and west. I'm already planning on having extended overhang that should shade the building adequately whether oriented east and west or north and south. Thus, I may situate the coop with the short sides facing north and east.

1) remember that overhang that is adequate on midsummers' day is *not* adequate in, say, late August;

and

2) I assume there is a typo and you mean short sides facing north and *south*? (just checking, sorry to be obtuse

)

Doing this I could install several windows down the east/leeward side. This side of the coop would also have an extended overhang and probably a partially covered run making it a good shady spot in the heat and also allow for fresh air during rainstorms without getting the inside of the coop wet. Along this wall is where I'm thinking of running the roost poles, either ladder or parallel poles.

Sounds reasonable to me. Although remember that some t'storms do have 'wrap around' where towards the end of the storm the rain comes driving in from the opposite, i.e. E or SE, side.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat​

 

[Intheswamp]

Quote:
Thanks for the bump, I need all the help I can get (in more ways than one!

).

Ed

 

[Intheswamp]

Quote:
Ideally 18" from the wall and at least that from each other; you can squish them a *little * closer to the wall if you really must, but I wouldnt' suggest tightening up the distance between roosts too much, unless you know you have a lot more roost space than the chickens need.

Well, I *think* I'll be ok as for as roost space...if I go with parallel roost poles I plan on having two that are basically 12' long. For 24 chickens that will hopefully be enough. I've no problem with giving them all the space they need between poles, though. As for a dropping board, how for in front of the outer pole should the board reach? 18 inches? Gonna be a big board, I'll have to break it up in sections.

In regards to the ladder roost it seems that most people recommend the ladder leaning against the wall at a 45* angle. If this is the correct angle then how far apart should the rungs on the ladder be?

Ideally far enough that the rungs are 18-24" apart horizontally. IMO the easiest thing is to mock it up *in place*, rather than to get all pencil-and-paper calculator-buttons-y about it

Ok, I guess the wider distance (24") has something to do with "trajectory" giving the chickens on the upper rung more "range". You're right, doing a mock-up in place would be the best...I'm just trying to mentally plan...trying to keep my business afloat in this wonderful economy has badly interfered with getting my coop going and when the time comes I want to have a good game plan.

For shading/heat-avoidance purposes (hot muggy south Alabama summers and the coop will probably be built in an unshaded area) it is normally best to have the narrow walls of buildings facing east and west. I'm already planning on having extended overhang that should shade the building adequately whether oriented east and west or north and south. Thus, I may situate the coop with the short sides facing north and east.

1) remember that overhang that is adequate on midsummers' day is *not* adequate in, say, late August;

and​

Yes, I'm aware of that. I've been working with an overhang analyzer that graphically depicts percentage of shade through the year at specific times of the day. It's a pretty nice caculator, here's a link to it... Overhang Calculator Link . I've actually been entering in wall heights rather than window height so that I can determine the amount of shading for the entire walls. I'm also taking into consideration that I will want some solar heat gain during the winter months.

2) I assume there is a typo and you mean short sides facing north and *south*? (just checking, sorry to be obtuse

)

You are right, that is supposed to read "north and south". Please...don't be worried about commenting on things to me, I'm too old to worry about getting my feelings hurt.

Doing this I could install several windows down the east/leeward side. This side of the coop would also have an extended overhang and probably a partially covered run making it a good shady spot in the heat and also allow for fresh air during rainstorms without getting the inside of the coop wet. Along this wall is where I'm thinking of running the roost poles, either ladder or parallel poles.

Sounds reasonable to me. Although remember that some t'storms do have 'wrap around' where towards the end of the storm the rain comes driving in from the opposite, i.e. E or SE, side.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat​

Thanks for all the feedback, Pat. I always value your opinions (maybe I don't always agree, but...

). I agree with the thunderstorms being somewhat unpredictable, we tend to have our share of them...matter of fact, it seems they're about the only time we get rain nowadays. Many come through doing just as you state...much similar to the way a hurricane changes wind direction as it approaches and leaves. My local town went through a "revitalization" a couple of years ago, tearing down all the old circa 1965 awnings. I saved ours from in front of our building...roughly enough to cover a 9'x50' area. I'm hoping to be able to have enough rain cover for those eastern windows so that I don't have to worry about them letting the coop get wet...the shade will be well received too!

But, all of this is in my head and on paper, and that doesn't get a nail driven or a board cut...hopefully I'll get a break soon and can get started on the coop and run. It's been a very long year.

Best wishes,
Ed