Roost/Nestbox question

[sklr112]

Hey!

I am going to start building a new coop this weekend to accommodate 11 new chickens. It is going to be a 4' by 8' coop. The walls will be 8 feet high, but there will be an extra 2 feet between the rafters and ridge in the roof. So, 10 feet at the highest point. Here's my question:
How high should i place the roost poles? I want to place them so they will be 4 feet across. Will placing them at 6', 7', and 8' be fine? Should I build them a ladder so they can get up easily... they are Barred Rocks. Also, how high off the ground should the nest box be? I know below the roost pole, but is between 4 and 5 feet too high? I didn't want to have to bend down to get the eggs... for my convenience lol.
By the way, this is my second coop i've built... the first one i built wasnt so large. Just a 4 by 4 that was 4 feet high. So i couldnt walk in it.
Anyways, give me your suggestions on my problems, thanks!

 

[darkmatter]

Quote:
See my BYC page for my Coop/Roost pics. I used a ladder roost that is pivoted so I can lift it up out of the way when I remove the deep litter compost or other internal coop chores.

 

[sklr112]

Oh neat idea, im starting to get some good ideas now, lol.

 

[sklr112]

I just built an awesome nestbox, in my opinion. for the new coop of course. ill post pics later or tomorrow.