Shadrach's Ex Battery and Rescued chickens thread.

[Perris]

Tax for coop talk: 3 roos queuing to get into the same coop at dusk

 

[kattabelly]

Yes, to deter red mites and other parasites. The poop trays cover it.

Is the texture different on those? I never got them because they're sold as an optional extra. Do they cover the (too small, in my opinion) drainage holes in the floor?

For what it's worth, I didn't see an issue with the roosts being able to shift very slightly or the small amount they stick out into the nest boxes and I'm happy to take your word for it that the door is fox-proof since that's not an issue here.

The coop getting full of rain was the big issue for me, and I know the weather here is more extreme than most of the UK (though I still think it was an issue even in weather that wouldn't be *that* unusual further south).

Some of my chickens, and others I've known here, do prefer to sleep out when the weather allows but all of them seek some kind of indoor shelter when the weather's bad.

 

[Perris]

Is the texture different on those?

Yes it's a different sort of plastic, still smooth and cast in one piece (so no joins for parasites to hide in), but chickens aren't running in the coop so slips don't occur; within one step from the door they're onto a roost.

Do they cover the (too small, in my opinion) drainage holes in the floor?

Yes they do, but any water, from rain coming in the open door when it's coming down diagonally, or condensation during long winter nights still drains through it adequately.

The coop getting full of rain was the big issue for me, and I know the weather here is more extreme than most of the UK (though I still think it was an issue even in weather that wouldn't be *that* unusual further south).

The area just inside the door can get very wet if the coop is facing into driven rain (easy fix with a mobile coop; just rotate to face a different direction). And it can even puddle at that end of the poop tray nearest. But it's not been an issue; the chickens are on the roost a couple of inches above it, and they don't get wet. Those who roost in trees sometimes - surprisingly rarely - appear quite bedraggled, and it doesn't seem to harm them or cause them to change habits.

 

[kattabelly]

Yes they do, but any water, from rain coming in the open door when it's coming down diagonally, or condensation during long winter nights still drains through it adequately.

What about the nest boxes, do you just accept nesting material getting wet and needing to change it regularly? (Sorry, not trying to be picky or negative here - just curious as to how you've found it works best for you)

I do get that they're able to stay dry when they're on the roosts. Just with all the fuss* that's made about humidity and respiratory issues it feels wrong for them to be in there with water all over the floor and dripping down the walls.

*Not really the right word as it implies it's unfounded but I'm drawing a blank on the word I do want!

 

[kattabelly]

Nestera tax