Second floor coop?

[Mysterybirds]

I am getting hens for laying (and to keep my roos company) and I am trying to figure out how to make the most of the facilities I have currently. I have a two story shed that I am going to be renovating for goats. They would be on the ground floor. This leaves the top, which is an attic looking place, tall enough to crawl about comfortably but not to stand. There are wooden doors that open on either end of the top.

I know that sizewise there is enough space for chickens but I am wondering if there is any chance of setting up a ramp and having them come and go out of a high space. They would have plenty of outside space as well, and it seems like they would be a little less susceptible to some predators if they are shut in a place high off the ground at night.

Any thoughts on this idea?

 

[michellerene]

Hmmm. If you're going to keep heavy breeds, I would be worried about them trying to jump to the ground & hurting themselves.

 

[MTchick]

Well, this is a crazy idea, but here goes. Maybe you can build something like those gerbil/hamster tunnels that little rodents have. I'm envisioning a nice wide ramp (20", perhaps) with a full covering of chicken mesh to keep them from jumping off.

This is really hard to explain. I'll draw my idea. On the top right is a cross section view of the ramp/tunnel, and then you can see how it would work in the bigger drawing.

Have fun with it!

-MTchick

 

[michellerene]

Oh yeah. Great idea!