Treehouse Chicken Coop

[Amy A]

We have a treehouse that is very sturdy. There is a pathway to it from our upper level deck. It is about 10 feet off the ground. It could easily accommodate our chickeTo screen in underneath, however, we would have to have the chicken "ladder" or access 10 feet tall. Is that too high?

Would love to use this structure...but do not want chickens to sustain injury going up/down to the screened in area and run beneath.

 

[anniebeecee]

That sounds amazing. I think I would want them to have an intermediate "deck" with one ladder to that, then another ladder up to the coop level. Like a staircase in a house that has a landing in the middle.

 

[rosemarythyme]

You could probably build platforms up to it but coming down... my guess is half the chickens will hop down a platform or two and then fly. As long as there's enough clearance in front I don't see why they can't make it.

Definitely would have to stick to lighter breeds that are more suited to flight. Heavier birds like Orpingtons or birds that don't really fly like Silkies would have a much harder time with it.

Oh, almost forgot to add... how will YOU get up there to do maintenance on it? I can't imagine having to haul loads of bedding up 10'...

 

[aart]

Even flyers might have a problem, depending on landing area.

Pics please @Amy A ?
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[Amy A]

Thanks to all for the replies! We are completely NEW to this and definitely need the help. The "treehouse" is 10 x 10 wooden structure. It even has its' own balcony. It is weatherproof and has built in venting along roofline. There is direct access from our patio on the second floor of our house . (this is our main floor, as we live on a hillside forest over the river). Cleaning should be easy enough (I think) as the treehouse has barn doors that open straight out back and everything could be swept (or blown) over deck to forest below.

We live in NW IL . Forest area. More than enough land to free range, but also fox, possum, raccoon, cat, dog, and (probably) snakes just to mention a few of the reasons we want a good solid structure.

I think we are going to give it a go and use the platform/ramp with landing ideas. Wish us luck!

 

[K_UU]

We are converting our back yard "treehouse" into a coop as well. The kids don't play in it anymore so it makes sense to retrofit it into something useful. I'd love to see how your coop is progressing Ours also has a balcony and a slide (which could be useful for cleaning the coop lol)

 

[David61]

Go for it. Hardware cloth vents and openings. You will need to get in and out as well. I would be worried about wood root from poop is all.