WANTED: least crappy roost for small coop

[Bek]

Anyone have pics or links to good threads on creating manageable roosts in small coops?
Of course I've found some awesome ideas to add to my ever-growing Chicken Goals lists while sleuthing through BYC buuuuut okay, back to reality...

Need ideas to keep poop under control - board/hammock - while maximizing existing small space. I tend to my girls at least 2x/day, but with winter approaching, I'd like to keep "efficiency" on the top of my list when it comes to how I decide to remodel.

I'm concerned that adding poop boards will take up too much space ((12" board, even if suspended off ground, would leave only 24" leeway for girls to flop up and off...seems like not enough room to stretch wings without getting in someone's way)).

Or with this small of a coop, should I just clean up as I go? Rather, as THEY go?!

Here's what we're working with: 3'x6' coop/run modified into just a coop ((structure is lifted off ground to create run underneath; still in progress, good thing my girls don't mind the mess)). Their access to new run will be through a floor door in front right corner of what used to be the run.


Here's what the innards look like as of now:

((Yes, I'll be covering that vent or adjusting location of roost))
((Psst...I didn't even try for this panoramic type picture, but it looks spot on! I was actually just trying to dodge Bertha as she excitedly runs toward the door each time it opens.))

So I initially wanted to completely jigsaw out this dividing wall to have all open space...


However, I'd rather not mess with the structural 'integrity' of this pre-fab coop to that extent.

Made me wonder about cutting a hole out over the existing doorway, add a roosting bar to 'old run' area, then they can toddle between the two roosts through the opening. The doorway would help support the roosts...perhaps a poop board, as well...

Okay, it's your turn.
Aaaaaaand, GO!


thanks in advance, xoxo

 

[nchls school]

I have tried numerous ideas and always end up using the deep litter idea and clean under roosters as you go (since most of the poop seems to be under the roosts). For roosts themselves I like using natural fruit branches that can be discarded easily and replaced without scrapping/cleaning.

 

[aart]

Or with this small of a coop, should I just clean up as I go? Rather, as THEY go?!

That cracked me up.....

HooBoy......3' is tight to work with, even if you remove that wall.
How many birds?
Do they have a covered run?

Poop boards really need to be about 24",
with roost centered about 6-8" above the board,
cause you can't make them face the 'right way'.

 

[3riverschick]

Don't use a Roost .I never did. I just put a nice deep chips and the birds just nestled down in the chips. They were happy .who says you need a roost? Karen

 

[Bek]

I have tried numerous ideas and always end up using the deep litter idea and clean under roosters as you go (since most of the poop seems to be under the roosts). For roosts themselves I like using natural fruit branches that can be discarded easily and replaced without scrapping/cleaning.

I have read that DLM is done best on ground, rather than on plywood, so buggies can do their work, moisture can wick, etc...any knowledge/experience you have with regards to this?

I like the idea of using natural branches. We have plenty of good sized limbs from maple trees, could those work?

 

[Bek]

Gotta keep the humor in it all, @aart

Yes, 24" would be optimal. Currently using a rigged 18" board and it's catching a decent amount. So I'm sure I wouldn't want to go much more narrow than that.

I have 5, 1.5yr old production reds (plan to cull the one nonlayer soon), leaving me with 4.

The attached run below the coop will have some cover from coop itself, as well as some added weather protection, as needed. They will also have a metal dog kennel (approx 8' x 8'; 6' tall) which we will construct a cover of sorts - it arrives 10/12, look forward to setting it up and making it fun and cozy for the girls.

 

[Bek]

Don't use a Roost .I never did. I just put a nice deep chips and the birds just nestled down in the chips. They were happy .who says you need a roost? Karen

When I adopted my small flock, they didn't have a roost; therefore, they were sleeping in the nesting box. They were crammed in, putting a lot of strain on the exterior hanging box, as well as making a mess of things with all their...mess!
So my gals are definitely the roosting kind of gals now

 

[aart]

Currently using a rigged 18" board and it's catching a decent amount. So I'm sure I wouldn't want to go much more narrow than that.

If that's working....go with that?
Got a pic?

 

[Bek]

Got a pic?

Will snap one this evening when I "rig up".
Challenges are it's on an angle, so the girls are some times stepping up and down all over the board prior to me getting it cleaned up in am. I also haven't wanted to cut the board yet, as I'm a measure-5x-hopefully-cut-once kind of gal.

I suppose the additional space in the soon-to-be attached basement run might keep them from mucking through their own muck

 

[aart]

If it goes under the roost picture above,
it's protecting the floor right in front of the nests,
so poop won't get tracked into nests.