I am "designing" a coop for the 11 hens and a "grouchy" rooster that Grandpa has said the kids can have. I have a 10X12 concrete slab currently being held to earth by a pile of junk.
I think I have the design pretty much figured at least in my head, from what I have been reading here and other places, advice from neighbors and Grandpa and the materials at hand.
I am not sure exactly where, how, or how big to make the nesting boxes. I know that I want them to be accessed from the exterior so that I do not have to go into the coop. I am thinking of 3 or 4 boxes 1ft deep, 1 ft tall, and 2 ft side to side with about an 8 or 10 inch hole cut in the center of the 2 ft side. I have seen the "hang out the side" style with a hinged top, and the "built into the inside" style with a door on the back. Which is better? should it be close to the floor, or up a little so that I don't have to stoop so far to get the eggs? What are the advantages/disadvantages of each?
My first thought was a hang out the side style about 3 or 4ft off the floor because I have some knee wall sections that just happen to be about that height and are going to be perfect for a part of one end of the coop.
I know that I'll get some great help here!
Thanks to all
I think I have the design pretty much figured at least in my head, from what I have been reading here and other places, advice from neighbors and Grandpa and the materials at hand.
I am not sure exactly where, how, or how big to make the nesting boxes. I know that I want them to be accessed from the exterior so that I do not have to go into the coop. I am thinking of 3 or 4 boxes 1ft deep, 1 ft tall, and 2 ft side to side with about an 8 or 10 inch hole cut in the center of the 2 ft side. I have seen the "hang out the side" style with a hinged top, and the "built into the inside" style with a door on the back. Which is better? should it be close to the floor, or up a little so that I don't have to stoop so far to get the eggs? What are the advantages/disadvantages of each?
My first thought was a hang out the side style about 3 or 4ft off the floor because I have some knee wall sections that just happen to be about that height and are going to be perfect for a part of one end of the coop.
I know that I'll get some great help here!
Thanks to all