Roost Placement?

[NTBugtraq]

Hi Folks, first post...;-]

I'm converting an 8'x8'x7'H shed to a coop, and my current issue is the placement of roosts versus nesting boxes. My desire says to put the roosts above the nesting boxes, with these well made trays on top of the roosts to catch poop (they totally cover the roost are and extend beyond the nesting boxes by 12").

My question is, how should I create access to those roosts? I currently planned to build nesting boxes (2 rows above each other) Each row of nesting boxes has a roost attached to the front (making the entrance to the nest smaller). 4' off the ground is the first true roost (with a poop tray below it), and there's another 8.5" above that one.

I'm worried they are too high, but I thought about just building a ramp to the lower roost (or 1'' below it).

What do you think? Bad idea? No poop can fall on the nesting boxes, nor on any other roost. Suggestions please.

Cheers,
Russ

 

[Tommy12241]

Nah. My hens have clipped wings and they still make it up on a 2X2 roost about four feet high. You would be surprised how high they can hop! And your right to make sure the poop doesnt fall in the nests. That makes for a nasty mess! Good luck with your new coop!