Building a Chicken Coop – Roosts and Nests

Now that we have considered the 3 key aspects in Building a Chicken Coop, we need to ensure we have got the detail nailed!  Roosts and Nesting Boxes deserve a special attention as they are key to a chicken’s productivity.

Chickens prefer to roost above ground as this is their natural instinct to avoid predators.  They like to roost together, so be sure to give them around 25cm each on a wooden roost.  These should be kept at the same level otherwise the chickens will jostle for the higher roosts.   Chickens do around 50% of their poop at night so be sure to have poop trays under the roosts as this will make it easier to clean and re-use the manure.

Nesting Boxes on the other hand, should be kept in a lower, darker corner of the Coop.  Chickens are quite secretive when it comes to laying their eggs and do like privacy and a sense of protection.   These should be around 12cm deep.  Placing wood shavings and straw will protect the eggs as well as the chickens.

Related posts:

1. Nesting Boxes
2. What to look for in a Chicken Coop
3. Country Living in the City
4. 3 Must Do Tips When Building a Chicken Coop
5. Maintaining your Chicken Coop