duhrel
In the Brooder
Hi everyone! I'm planning for a small flock of 3-4 chickens in southern California (USDA grow zone 10b). I'm designing a 3.5' × 4.5' × 5.5' coop with an attached 15' × 4.5' × 5.5' run.
The coop will be under 16 sf and incorporate ~10" of space for the deep litter method (DLM) on dirt. About 8" above the DLM I plan for two side-mounted nest boxes and a couple of roosting bars ~8" above the nest boxes.
I attached a picture with my concept drawing and would appreciate any feedback or ideas.
I've read a lot of debate over the DLM and figured if it doesn't work or causes more problems, I'll have a relatively large access door (2' × 5') to conduct more frequent cleanings.
I'm also wondering if I should make the run so high at 5.5'. I've thought of dropping the height to 3' or maybe even splitting it into a two-story run (has this ever been done?). What do you all think?
At any rate, I look forward to sharing my small flock adventure with everyone.
Sincerely,
Duhrel
The coop will be under 16 sf and incorporate ~10" of space for the deep litter method (DLM) on dirt. About 8" above the DLM I plan for two side-mounted nest boxes and a couple of roosting bars ~8" above the nest boxes.
I attached a picture with my concept drawing and would appreciate any feedback or ideas.
I've read a lot of debate over the DLM and figured if it doesn't work or causes more problems, I'll have a relatively large access door (2' × 5') to conduct more frequent cleanings.
I'm also wondering if I should make the run so high at 5.5'. I've thought of dropping the height to 3' or maybe even splitting it into a two-story run (has this ever been done?). What do you all think?
At any rate, I look forward to sharing my small flock adventure with everyone.
Sincerely,
Duhrel