Chicken McMansion
The final accommodation for the spring chicks is complete, and a little larger than expected I might add. 2 stories and 18 square feet on the main level (4 x 4 feet plus nesting boxes) and 8 square feet on the second level plus a perch. We built in an RV sky light for extra ventilation and light during the winter months and tiled it with lino flooring to make it easier to clean.
It's a lofty 10ft high and raised 2ft off the ground to allow extra roaming space and predator protection, the chickens took to the ladder on the first day! 3 doors, one hatch for the hens to enter and exit, one large main door for cleaning and access and one lid over the nesting boxes.
The original plan was to add on a frame covered in wire mesh as the outside area but plans changed, and we went with a poultry electric fence from Premier1, so far we've not had any incidents with the local fox and coyote population, I just have to remember to turn it off when climbing into the area ;).
