Coop critique?

robin416 said:

What is that cage space in the second pic?

Is the screened porch facing South? If it does then you're liable to find them out there most of the Winter. Little to no wind and the sun shining on the area would make it an ideal hang out spot without having to be under anything.

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The covered ‘deck’ area actually faces north, as does their pop door into the coop. The right side of the deck will be completely enclosed by wood and will have a popdoor to go to their ramp. There will also be a door for them to access the left side of the deck . That left side will have a roof (like the right side) and be enclosed with hardware cloth (no wooden walls). We’re hoping for next winter to put their heated water dish & food in at covered deck section.

B-u-r-r-r-r! No insulation? It's 10" snow out my front door, so I'm feeling it looking inside the coop (although I'm feeling it in my imagination and your weather may now be that white and windy).
But it looks good to me. Snug for warmth; diverse for chicken entertainment. And I love the drapery to keep out the wind.
Do you have plants in their run?

No plants in the run — they would freeze!
we are concerned with the humidity. Even though their coop is open at the top (being inside the shed), humidity reads 80% and up when they are roosting in a cluster! When spread out, normal humidity.

NYhillbillies said:

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Your roosting bars should not be flat like this. In the wild chickens roost on branches. They like to wrap their feet around and get a grip. Rotate the 2x4s and round the corners a bit.

NYhillbillies said:

👋 from upstate NY, on a windy, chilly hill.
We’re elder simple folk, homesteaders with a soft spot for God’s little creations.
We’ve built a new coop for our 6 chickens. Is it okay to post pics for critiquing purposes in the near future? We get crazy 🥶 winters, and we don’t want our chickens to be suffering in any way.
Thank you, in advance!

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It is not the temperature you need to worry about. It is drafts and humidity. Ventilation is KEY. By your pix it doesn't look like drafts are a problem. I does however look like you do not have enough ventilation to get rid of humidity.

Mouthpear said:

Your roosting bars should not be flat like this. In the wild chickens roost on branches. They like to wrap their feet around and get a grip. Rotate the 2x4s and round the corners a bit.

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No the flat bars are ideal. Especially in a cold climate. When the birds go to roost they're bodies will cover the entire foot and toes.

robin416 said:

No the flat bars are ideal. Especially in a cold climate. When the birds go to roost they're bodies will cover the entire foot and toes.

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You really can't argue with nature. I have never seen a flat branch. Chicken love to be able to wrap and hold on with their feet. As far as covering their whole foot, just think of all those birds in the trees they don't have issues with that.

Your illustration shows a 1X1. These are 2 3/4's wide. Which means the majority of the bird's foot is flat on the board and being covered.

Using 2X4's for roosts is more common than you're aware of.

robin416 said:

Your illustration shows a 1X1. These are 2 3/4's wide. Which means the majority of the bird's foot is flat on the board and being covered.

Using 2X4's for roosts is more common than you're aware of.

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Common doesn't mean the best. Honda Accords were very common, but were they the best car on the market? And yes I am very aware of this. That is why I will comment everytime is see them.

In the video below, I have rounded 2x4s and Clothes Hanger Dowel Rods, at 1 5/16" the birds really like them. I fact when I had my birds, I tested which they liked best. Rounded 2x4, flat 2x4, dowels, or bamboo. I would always find them on the dowel rods.

In any case here is a video of a folding roost made with both dowel rods and 2x4 rounded. Made it a while back for a friend of a friend.

robin416 said:

Your illustration shows a 1X1. These are 2 3/4's wide. Which means the majority of the bird's foot is flat on the board and being covered.

Using 2X4's for roosts is more common than you're aware of.

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Also, just wondering, how do you know it is a 1x1 in the illustration? It is not mine. It was found on pinterest. So, I don't even know. There is no dimensions on it.