Roost placement in small coop?

[dancingqueen]

My coop is 3x5 and one 5 ft wall has a large window and the other has external nesting boxes. One 3ft wall has the pop door and the other has a large door for cleaning etc. My coop was built by someone local who "specializes" in coops but I'm not sure about the original roosts that were running the length of the 5ft on both sides of the coop and only a 6 inch space away from the walls. I am new to chickens and I currently have 6 (RIRs and PBRs). I will try and attach a photo on the inside so maybe you all can help me with where, how high the roosts should be. My current roost is 2inches wide and only a foot off the ground since the girls are only about 11 weeks. Also I would like to have poop boards if possible and still maximize coop space is possible. Thanks!

 

[frogman]

My pre-fab coop is also small 3'x3' (4 hens) and the roost is almost level with the nesting boxes - right in front of them. By sitting there won't they poop in the nesting boxes?? I was thinking that the roosts should be perpendicular to the nesting boxes. Suggestions??

 

[cncottle]

My pre-fab coop is also small 3'x3' (4 hens) and the roost is almost level with the nesting boxes - right in front of them.  By sitting there won't they poop in the nesting boxes??  I was thinking that the roosts should be perpendicular to the nesting boxes.  Suggestions??

Yes they will poop right in there. I am currently having that problem. We end up with very dirty eggs because of it. I say rearrange those perches. Make it easier on yourself later.

 

[frogman]

Thought so! Thanks.

 

[Kikiriki]

My older girls (just turned 3) don't fly much anymore. They will hop up 1 to 2 ft, but they have a ramp. I take it down so it doesn't provide any help for unwelcome visitors at night. One hen usually waits for it to come back in the morning, and the other will fly down more often than not.

If you don't want to mess with that, leave a gap that the chickens can fly across, but that is too far for a predator or even rodents and snakes.