Roost & poop board design

[aart]

I think that bucket is way too small for those 4 birds.
Probably don't need the dog pad either, they look pretty feathered out.

I'd opt for a huddle box instead:
Cardboard box with a bottom a little bigger than what they need to cuddle next to each other without piling and tall enough for them to stand in.
Cut an opening on one side a couple inches from bottom and big enough for 2 of them to go thru at once.
Fill the bottom with some pine shavings an inch or so deep.
This will give them a cozy place to sleep/rest, block any drafts and help hold their body heat in.

 

[EasterEggDrew]

Okay. Will switch out today. I guess a box without bottom is best, so it can just be picked up to change out shavings.


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[aart]

Okay. Will switch out today. I guess a box without bottom is best, so it can just be picked up to change out shavings.


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That would work....key is blocking drafts and holding some heat.
Tho they may be feathered enough not to want to use it for long if at all, it'll take more 'convincing' at first.

 

[EasterEggDrew]

Done.

Also, placed coop up on foundation today.

Gotta decide if I want to block off crawl space below.

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[aart]

That box looks prefect!
'Green' with envy of your tractor.
Were chickens inside when you move coop? ha!

Crawlspace:
.....can be a great place for birds to cool off in hot climates or shelter from rain/snow,
but keepers need access if birds have access in case of eggs laid there,
injured bird hiding, broody hen setting, etc.
......can be a great place for vermin to set up house keeping.
Either put it up high enough for you to crawl under or make it impenetrable to chickens and other animals from raccoons to rats.

My coop shed is up about 2 feet.
A portion of both my runs go under shed 2 to 4 feet...not too far for me to have to crawl and chickens get some shelter.
Dog can get under there to chase off chipmunks and I store some salvage deck lumber and some other things under the other side.

 

[EasterEggDrew]

So, you guys say Sweet PDZ is safe? My chicks seem to be eating it!

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[aart]

Yeah, but you don't want them to gorge and pack their crops on it.

Did they climb the ramp to get up there?

 

[EasterEggDrew]

Yeah, that old Deere gets a lot of use, around here. The chickens were not in it when I moved it from the shop to the lawn yesterday, but they were in it for the six-foot move from the lawn onto the foundation today. They were a little freaked out, but settled back down shortly after the move. I suspect the pneumatic stapler putting down the roofing felt and flashing was probably more startling, if anything.

This crawlspace is too small and inaccessible for the birds. I do think it might become a groundhog haven, except for our going out to the coop every day, which may keep them away. If it becomes an issue, I'll stone / brick over the openings. It also probably doesn't help with heat retention, having it elevated like that, but with four inches of pine shavings on the floor, they probably won't notice the cold plywood beneath. I did want to elevate enough to put a run beneath, but given the height and weight of this coop, decided to skip that. Maybe the next one...

The ramp... I think they'll be able to use it, with some wing flapping to aide. I think my 6 year old may have put them up there, but I guess I can't say for sure. He was out there with them a lot today, working on getting them used to their new digs.

 

[aart]

I've got a 79 and an 87 JD L&G tractor for mow and throw, have rebuilt much of both of them-kept the old one for parts, couldn't exist here without it.
Would love to have a 3pt on the back....but don't.

You might just put a 1/2" or even 1/4" (against mice) hardware cloth L-shaped apron to isolate the 'under coop'....
...looks like it might not be easy to make that tight tho, but at least you could see what might be going on under there.
Not sure daily human activity will deter everything, but probably those *&%^$# ground hogs tho, that might want to live under there.

Ramp looks rough, might want to sand it down to avoid any feet injuries.
Cuts/wounds on chicken feet can easily get infected...called bumblefoot, can be nasty.
Also looks too steep, propping up the lower end (about 12-16" off the floor) is an easy way to lessen the angle,
shoot for about 30-35 degrees off horizontal.
Might be better to install it on the opposite end of board.

Another thing I noticed is that you may need a perch about 6-8" out in front of nests.
It can be hard for them to jump up into openings, inhibits their wing spread, and they like to take a good look before entering nests.
You'll also want to block off the nest openings until closer to point of lay, so they don't make a habit of sleeping in them.

Sorry if I sound like a bossy knowitall.....really just want to help you make your coop be the best it can be.

 

[EasterEggDrew]

Awesome. I appreciate all of the guidance and advice. I'll block off nesting boxes tonight, and fix that ramp. I like your idea of propping up lower end, to lessen angle.

It is rough, which was intentional for better gripping with their toenails, but I didn't understand it could injure them! I'll plane it smooth tonight, and find a way to prop it up.

Thanks!


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