what would chickchick do?

[clucknpecker]

My coop is progressing, albeit slowly. And, it seems to have developed a mind of its own. While I've layed it out in excruciating detail, what ends up ain't exactly like whats on paper!

Whats done so far is this: i've built a big box out of plywood, 4ft d x 4ft h x 8ft l. The roof is one pc 4x8 plywood with 2x4 frame under it. 2x4s are flat and match a 2x4 wall top plate, also laid flat. The intention is to hinge the back edge of the roof so it can be elevated in front for daily use, adding slope for water runoff, plus having a pretty big wedge of top ventilation from 3 sides when open.

During crappy weather roof can be layed flat, sealing off the box top. When open, I'm hoping to use flexible nylon pool enclosure screening to help keep out rain and mosquitoes., which will fold up when roof is down.

There will be 2 big doors 30in x 30in each, on front wall for clean outs, maintenance, etc. And this brings me to my question: if I leave such big doors open all the time, how will the chickens react? Will they still view the coop as a good place for nesting and sleeping? Will it still appear like a secure coop/house for them at night or will it be better to keep big doors closed, and have just a small door for them.

My thought was big open doors means plenty ventilation without having to put holes in box ends.

The whole area will be fully enclosed in 1/2" mesh, so preditors won't be the issue if I leave doors open.

So bottom line, big doors open full time or not? Use a small door instead?

Note: 15 chickens, 6 nest boxes, 15 lf roosts.

Thanks from a more and more confused clucknpecker.

 

[cavemanrich]

Since you a;ready built your coop so far as you wanted, I will only give my views on thing that maybe should be different. Please only take these things as suggestions, and not that I am telling you what to do.

Just recently I got my behind scolded by the thread starter that I was suggesting radical changes, when I was clearly still asking questions. I jumped of that thread quickly not to engage in arguments.
1) I think your roof should be stationary, with a slant to run off rain water, and snow. I personally do like something between 15 degree to 30 degree slope.
2) I like ventilation at roof line, and an over hang to protect from rain/snow entering interior of coop. You would have to redo your roof, and since standard plywood size is 4' x 8' ,,,,, you would have to use wood in different arrangement and more than one sheet.
3) Since the coop will be in a secured run, the large doors are just fine left open. Chickens will feel fine roosting with open doors. During in-climate weather, doors can be closed.
4) If there is ventilation at the roof line, ventilation on the ends can be modified to be fully open during HOT weather, for cross breeze. Closed during COLD weather to prevent unnecessary drafts. Your coop is only about 4 feet in height, so cold drafts would blow too directly if ends were open. The ventilation at roof line is the safe one. in cold weather.
5) for 15 chickens,,, I think your coop is somewhat too small.
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and

 

[clucknpecker]

Since you a;ready built your coop so far as you wanted, I will only give my views on thing that maybe should be different. Please only take these things as suggestions, and not that I am telling you what to do.

Just recently I got my behind scolded by the thread starter that I was suggesting radical changes, when I was clearly still asking questions. I jumped of that thread quickly not to engage in arguments.
1) I think your roof should be stationary, with a slant to run off rain water, and snow. I personally do like something between 15 degree to 30 degree slope.
2) I like ventilation at roof line, and an over hang to protect from rain/snow entering interior of coop. You would have to redo your roof, and since standard plywood size is 4' x 8' ,,,,, you would have to use wood in different arrangement and more than one sheet.
3) Since the coop will be in a secured run, the large doors are just fine left open. Chickens will feel fine roosting with open doors. During in-climate weather, doors can be closed.
4) If there is ventilation at the roof line, ventilation on the ends can be modified to be fully open during HOT weather, for cross breeze. Closed during COLD weather to prevent unnecessary drafts. Your coop is only about 4 feet in height, so cold drafts would blow too directly if ends were open. The ventilation at roof line is the safe one. in cold weather.
5) for 15 chickens,,, I think your coop is somewhat too small.
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and

Yo, cmr!
Glad for the input, dont see argumentation at all, but, enquireing minds want to know...
One at a time, ya?
So why fixed roof position? my thot was, since so fl is hurricane prone, dropping the roof shut would be so much easier than either trying to make hurricane shutters for the spaces, or running after the roof down the street. I dont see whats lost by having it hinged, ir whats gained by fixed position.
Pls elaborate, ya? Thanks,
Cnp

 

[cavemanrich]

First,, I have no idea, of your location, so if you are hurricane concerned, that may work well for you. Of course the hurricane is also capable of relocating your complete coop as well. Smaller storms, and you may have the advantage of closing up the coop tight, for short periods of time.
My thought and concern is the full time ventilation a slanted roof with ventilation at roof line provide. It also sheds water without concern of remembering to open or close.
Ventilation is BEST when on top portion of any structure. Heat rises, as well as moist air. A small takin opening provides for a constant change of interior air.

 

[clucknpecker]

This is where i ended today. Put up on blox to better visualize final l placement out back. You can see roof up about 10in. Your ideas about runiff and ventilation have helped.
The front doors are next. Either one 4ft wide, hinged at top, cleanout and chicken access, or two 30in doors, each side of center.
I was just concerned if i left the doors open full time, would chickens say, heck so open, why bother going inside to sleep?
Thx, cnp