Some pics of my diy coop, and things I have changed/plan to change since joining byc.

[Tre3hugger]

So I built this coop last year, long before I got my chickens/joined this site. Overall it is quite functional and I like it, but may have done a few things different. Here are some photos of how it is now.

When I first built it, I just had that one closeable window for ventilation. I have since added two more permanent ventilation windows on two sides, and drilled ventilation holes along the top of the two short sides. These I covered with window screen to discourage insects.

I probably wouldn't put a coop of this size on wheels again. Believe it or not, I moved this coop myself by tottering each side a few feet at a time. This process messed up the wheels, deeming them ineffective.

I installed the long rope door thinking I could open it from my window early in the morning, saving me a trip outside until I've woken up fully. Upon further thought, I realized a critter could potentially slide it's fingers in there at night, so I decided to secure it nightly with a bungee cord. It's secure, but I don't trust leaving it unbungeed, so I nixed the window plan.

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The roost is a maple branch. I think I will add small barriers and perches to the entrances of the nest boxes, because I have never gotten an egg in a box. They all share a nest on the floor in a corner they've excavated to their liking.

I think I will add a little hatch door near that nest so I can grab eggs daily without opening the big door, which causes minimal straw loss daily from the coop. I plan to use this as compost so that is undesirable. I was also obsessing about ventilation, and thinking of adding even more, nixing the holes on the short sides and opening it up, but so far there is no ammonia smell at all and everyone seems happy so I don't know.

I would love opinions, critiques, and suggestons as I am really committed to keeping my flock happy. Thanks for reading!

 

[ColoradoPip]

Looks great! I think the roost bar is not wide enough based on what I've read. Everything says they like to flatten their feet and sit down on them, so a 2x4 sitting so the chicken can perch on the 3.5" plane is recommended.

I'm no expert though!! I also like the natural sticks/branches for roosts.


I agree you should enclose the boxes a bit to create a more private experience for them. Toss a golf ball or two in as egg look-a-likes and they might start heading in there to lay theirs!

 

[Tre3hugger]

Thank you so much for the input! It would be easy enough to change out. I could even split a small log if i still wanted to use something from my woods, providing them with a flat edge.

And yes, I think I will go improve those nest boxes now.

 

[ColoradoPip]

For the roost bar, don't think you need a flat edge, just grab a wider branch.

Heck give them both options and let them tell you what they like

 

[Tre3hugger]

I agree you should enclose the boxes a bit to create a more private experience for them

Just made these alterations based on your suggestions. Added a 1x1 piece of furring for a flat roost option. Also some scrap pallet pieces and broken broom handle to make the nest boxes more accommodating. Curious if they will figure it out. If not I will probably try some look alike eggs.

 

[ColoradoPip]

Looks a lot more nest like to me, let's hope the girls think so too! If they don't eat eggs you could always just put a real egg in there to encourage them to lay in a box.

 

[Tre3hugger]

They're pretty good about not eating eggs. I'm curious if they'll catch on though. Going to give them a few days to scope it out and see what they do.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

It's very attractive. Right now it appears that the nests are the highest point inside. If that's the case, I wonder if the hens might actually roost there. They naturally want to roost in high places. You don't want them to roost in the nests because they poop at night. So the nests will be poopy and if (when) they lay eggs in them, the eggs will be poopy too. The nests are pretty high, or so it appears to me. Can you lower them? Cover them with a poop board, and put the roosts above them?

 

[Tre3hugger]

Hm I never thought of that. They are the highest point. It may be possible, but would take some work. I will probably check it out and make adjustments next time I do a full coop clean out.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I have learned so much here. I made many mistakes, some I can't fix. I don't really have a roost in my coop, just a poop board over the nest boxes. That is their roost. It makes cleaning difficult and inconvenient! But at least they don't sleep in the nests! Good luck, stay well and enjoy your flock!