Roosting in run

[HeyHo]

From a chickens point of view it's a nice place

That's what Rosie thinks . The rest of the girls cannot get the height but take advantage when I put the step stool in the run on rainy days to use as a jungle gym.

but it's too tight for all your birds unfortunately.

Wait, what? We followed the chicken rules! 32 sf for 6 birds is OK? Isn't it?

 

[HeyHo]

I personally don't like the square footage rules. They are mostly for production birds and what's considered humane. They don't often match up to what good for the chickens. You may have a lot more troubles as the smaller birds mature.

Oh interesting! And I thought I was doing good by my flock! I'll be sure to be watchful of crowding issues.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

That's what Rosie thinks . The rest of the girls cannot get the height but take advantage when I put the step stool in the run on rainy days to use as a jungle gym.



Wait, what? We followed the chicken rules! 32 sf for 6 birds is OK? Isn't it?

Some say it is, I say it isn't. I have seen what crowded chickens will do to each other. They need room to move and hustle. I have also observed that many times a submissive member need to stay 5 feet or more away from a dominant member of else they get corrected. Your space doesn't allow for those flock rules. I personally wouldn't keep more than 2-3 standard or 4-5 bantam in your coop, but even than it's too tight. Sorry.

 

[HeyHo]

Yikes, OK, I will keep a close eye for problems! My head hen doesn't seem to be too dominating, so hopefully my girls can get along in the coop.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Yikes, OK, I will keep a close eye for problems! My head hen doesn't seem to be too dominating, so hopefully my girls can get along in the coop.

Having easy going birds, and keeping them busy will help. I might actually try to make it sorry the run can be used all winter. You aren't gonna want to lock them all in that coop during any blizzards you may get. You do get those in Massachusetts? Or is it a warmer climate?

I have seen people convert the run into coop on those smaller set ups, and than add a bigger run. Might be something to consider.

 

[HeyHo]

Yes, understood. I add leaves, bedding, weeds, etc. to the run regularly for them to scratch. And we will be adding those clear roofing panels to the bottom of the run so that the girls are protected from the wind in the winter. There will certainly be blizzards and nor-easters but I'll just have to wait and see how tough these girls are. They free range every day for 1-3 hours, depending on the family's schedule. So they do get recess!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Sounds like you are prepared. I always like to plan for and expect the worse and hope for the best. Hopefully I'm wrong and everything goes well for you. You just never know with chickens. When I think I got stuff figured out they always surprise me. They are fascinating creatures.

 

[aart]

The interior coop is 4x8 with exterior nesting boxes. Feeder and waterer are outside. So, that should be OK for 8 chickens (per the rules), right? I have 6. The run is 8x12 and goes under the coop, so that's technically sufficient for about 9 birds.

And yes (good memory!), you are right, I have had a few interior coop issues, posted before, and removed one of the higher roosts. But tomorrow I am taking out the rest of the higher roosts and leaving just the two lower roosts. So that will be 8 feet of roost for 6 chickens. Both remaining roosts will be about 16-20 inches below the opening of the window (cracked 2 inches at the top), a 1x2 gable vent and 4 feet of ridge vent.

The 4/10 rule is minimal guideline, IMO, may work fine for some and not for others.
I think your roost plans will work fine.
Where is the window you'll have "cracked 2 inches at the top"?
Making a coop page would be good
Ridge vent may be worthless once covered with snow.
Where is gable vent?
Under the run roof would be a great place for a gable vent.
Coop is kinda tight but might be fine especially if you tighten up the run.

And we will be adding those clear roofing panels to the bottom of the run so that the girls are protected from the wind in the winter.

I would cover most of run walls up to about 6" from top.
At least on back(opposite of door) and end...maybe even the one panel right next to coop on front, leaving door and adjacent panel to the right open or blocked low.
Looks like you have a bit of ventilation on eaves area?
Are circled area open to the outside?

It really is a lovely build, and looks like it could be easily extended with the skills at hand.

Something caught my eye, put your carabiners on chains so you don't lose them in the snow.

 

[HeyHo]

Thanks for all of the great suggestions (especially the carabiners). I will work on those. My girls are pretty low key at the moment and hopefully that continues. But they do have minds of their own (tiny ones, but still).

The slinky is still not working for Rosie, she nestles right in between the loops. I will have to install chicken wire on the rafters this week.

 

[HeyHo]

Just a little update. Before I could even attach chicken wire to the rafters, Rosie started going in by herself. For a couple days I went out to "chat" with them as they paraded into the coop and I shooed Rose up the ramp with the others. And now she just goes.