Roosts and windows

[rosemarythyme]

Looks like the apron is still in progress, but yes make sure to cover corners as well and not sure how you're attaching them to the coop itself, but consider screwing it into the coop trim for a good secure fit (note the screws and washers at bottom of my coop... since my coop is fully internal in the run I only put 1 screw per foot or so).



Adding ventilation via some louvered vents might work well for you, as they shouldn't be too hard to add (cut an opening, place vent cover, add hardware cloth on back side) and will help ward rain off the openings even without much roof overhang.

 

[Groovy Chick]

Also noticed the lack of ventilation in the coop.
Big roof overhang for soffit vents and to protect and windows for rainfall.

Roosts look to be too close together and to wall.
12" from wall and 12-18" apart.
You'll want some perches in front(~8") of the nests.

Looks like you are still working on the anti-dig aprons?
Don't forget to cover the corners and under the door.

I was wondering if we needed perches in front of the nests. I was afraid to add them because I didn't know if the birds would try to roost on them and block the nestboxes. Are you saying they should be 8" from the edge of the boxes?

Yes, we are still finishing the aprons. Once we finish those, do you have any suggestions on what to do on top of them? If I leave them the way they are will the grass eventually grow over them?

 

[Groovy Chick]

I appreciate all of the positive comments about our coop/run and loved all of the suggestions. I plan to talk with my husband about adding a few more windows and/or adding some vents to improve ventilation. You all have been very helpful! Thank you!

 

[aart]

I was wondering if we needed perches in front of the nests. I was afraid to add them because I didn't know if the birds would try to roost on them and block the nestboxes. Are you saying they should be 8" from the edge of the boxes?

Yes, we are still finishing the aprons. Once we finish those, do you have any suggestions on what to do on top of them? If I leave them the way they are will the grass eventually grow over them?

Perches on nests make it easier for them to fly up(wing space) and peruse which nest to choose. As long as nest perches are lower than roosts, they should choose the roost.
Can always rig a hinged cover if sleeping in the nests becomes an issue.
8" is a pretty good distance, just what I chose, but not carved in stone.


Pinning aprons down with landscape staples until grass grows thru works pretty good in most places. Make sure mesh is good and flat with no bulges or gaps.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I did not notice if you said what breeds or size you have, but my large-fowl hens have no problems hopping/flying up to get to these nests. The tops one are about 2-1/2 feet off the coop floor. If you look closely I put a short perch sticking out in between the top nests but I've never seen them use it. Mine also have no problems flying up or down from my 5 feet high roots. If I'm looking at that photo correctly your ramp is in position to be a perch if they want to use it that way. Or if you wish, slide the ramp closer. If you gather the eggs from outside it won't be in the way that much, maybe just when you are adding bedding.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Pinning aprons down with landscape staples until grass grows thru works pretty good in most places. Make sure mesh is good and flat with no bulges or gaps.

x2, though I'd leave it stapled down. Grass or small weeds can grow through the mesh pretty easily and will make it look "invisible". Of if you'd prefer not to have to mow it, a layer of gravel can also cover it up without interfering with the apron's function.