??? Will this be enough space ??? **pics**

[MamaJohnson]

Sigh. Awesome advice. Have to admit though, first thing hubby said when I told him about this was, "You know this isn't going to get finished in time!". Never-the-less, we're revising the plan (by the way, what does DH mean?). We'll (he laughs when I say "we"

) take out the nest boxes on the sides, leaving just the ones in the back (approx. 8), then remove the window and a portion of the wall on the left side to add a small extension (4X8, 6' high) that will be a roosting area. That will change the dimensions to approx. 8X12, minus nest box area space... and food area... I don't know. Think we're looking at approx. 3-4 sq. ft. per chicken. Here's sketch showing the changes. What do you think?

Oh, and

Quote:
What are collar ties (showing my ignorance here, I'm sure, but hey!)

 

[MamaJohnson]

Quote:
sonew123 - I would love to see pics of your progress. My progress is frustratingly slow, and expensive!! Who knew a little bit of this and that would add up so much! Got to start scavenging for more recycled materials for this extension. And, had to add, best of luck on your eggs! That sounds like such a delicate and patient process. I'm hoping next year to give a go myself, but, first things first.

 

[Catalina]

Nice looking coop.

You might have a little problem with the roosts right over the pop door, if you have your pop door open 24/7.

There could be a draft going right up their little chicken backsides, unless you can put some kind of cover over the pop door and funnel the air away from them.

 

[MamaJohnson]

Quote:
Hmmm... good point. Where to move it? Should it be in the other "room" where the nest boxes are? The "people door" is on the W side of the building, the direction from which most of our heavy winds blow, so I don't think anywhere on that wall would be good for a pop door. I do want it open 24/7... any suggestions based on my sketch?

 

[Chicken Fruit]

I'd sell some. Wouldnt want to risk all the pecking and filth.

 

[Catalina]

You could move your nest boxes underneath your roosts and move your pop door across from the people door.

You would get good cross ventilation and the chickens wouldn't be in a draft.

When I build my new coop I plan on doing roosts over nestboxes. It saves a lot of space.

 

[MamaJohnson]

Quote:
Question though: doesn't this fill the nest boxes with poop? Or do you use a poop board of some kind?

 

[Catalina]

My nest box is a recycled cupboard. I can access it from the outside and it's are nice and dark for the girls to lay in.

If you have a poop board over the top of your nest boxes and under your roosts you can use a plastic container underneath the roosts to collect the poo.

The chicken litterbox - This is the best idea ever -
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=91143

 

[doodledoo]

Quote:
It means dear (or other depending on circumstances) husband.

 

[sonew123]

I would love to show you when we are done-last night we built 2 beautiful next boxes-3 boxes to each section=with roost/poop bars. When hens are broody or are in their nest they dont typically poop in there. so we put a bar accross the front so they can climb out of bos and turn around and drop their poop on the floor...Il try and send you a photo-they are on my BYC page that I did for the first time last night!!!--DH is Darling/Dear Husband SIL-sister in law etc...