size of "stalls"

[mrbillwej]

I am new to raising chicks,
I want to add stalls on to my coop. I have 4 birds. 2 bantams, 2 Rhode island reds, How wide should the stalls be for each bird? What is the primary purpose of the stalls? Sleeping, or laying eggs?? I appreciate any help .
thanks.

 

[Judy]

Coops generally have roosts for sleeping and nests for laying eggs. I think you are talking about what people here call a nest. You only need one nest for four birds, about 12" on all sides. You can also use most any container you have around, and it can be open on the front or on top. The roost should have some width to it for their comfort. The wide side of a 2x4 or a thick branch work well. They like about 10" of roost space for each chicken. You don't want them sleeping in the nest because they will poop in their sleep, resulting in poopy eggs. Make sure the troost is higher than the nest, as they prefer to sleep in the highest spot they can.

Good luck, and enjoy your chickens!

 

[mrbillwej]

Thank you!! nests for laying, roosts for sleeping. My birds are still just chicks, but I want to be prepared for the near future.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Chicks grow up fast.
Good advice from flockwatcher and I want to add, make sure your coop has lots of ventilation.
Most beginners concern themselves with cold.
Cold doesn't kill chickens but heat and bad air do.
I have friends whose chickens opted to sleep outside this entire past harsh winter with a perfectly good coop available. They did quite well.

 

[mrbillwej]

I picked up a "Lil Duce Coop" from Cozy country coops, a local guy named Tony designs and fabricates coops. Here's a pic of it, It already has a place for roosting, Looks like it has plenty of ventilation too. I am going to add the nests to the rear of it. Again, I Thank you all for your help!!!!!

 

[Mother Hen 101]

Your Barred Rock and RIR babies are so cute, and look at your fantastic coop! Lovely!