Started working on the coop

[debjnsn]

It looks great! I would suggest to ensure there is adequate ventilation...that's critical. As long as they don't get wind directly on them, chickens will generally be fine in the cold.

About perches...make sure they're not too small a diameter...that's really hard on their feet. For MN winters, I'd recommend a 2 x 4 with the 4" side up...that way their feet will be flat and they can huddle down so their feathers cover them. Since you have room, offering a few different types at different heights would be ideal...an old tree branch 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter is great.

Nesting boxes...make sure you can access them easily for gathering and cleaning...I'd keep them a few inches or more off the floor. Two would be plenty for your 5 girls, but leave room for more...chicken math will get you! Make sure they're covered (a slanted roof is good...they won't roost on it that way) and have a dark, private feel to them.

Good luck; you've got a really nice set up for them!

O.k. Thank you Mickey. I've actually got 7 hens so is 2 nesting boxes still enough?

 

[mickey328]

Sorry, I mis-read that! For 7, I'd probably go with 3 nesting boxes...2 might do, but you've plenty of room LOL, seems they often tend to pick just one but I think it's nice to give them a choice.

 

[debjnsn]

O.k. so I started working on the inside a bit today using things I had around the house. I will add 1 more nesting box & a higher perch (((somewhere))). The chicks are only 5 weeks old so I won't worry about eggs till spring. Will this set-up work do you think? Are the nesting boxes large enough?

 

[debjnsn]

OOpsee.... Forgot to add the pics

I am hoping to have the chicks sleeping in here by the weekend. Hubby if going to put in an outlet for me.