14 Most Frequently Asked Questions about Chickens, Coops, Deep Litter and More! | Carolina Coops

[@JaneWagman]

You need to take a vacation to Kuaii - go to the north end of the island and watch all the chickens running wild from the jungle onto the sandy beach where they beg scraps from the tourists. :)

[@heinz_beyers]

Hello and thank you very much for another inspiring video from Germany. From a chickens or farmers point of view I would like to suggest one little change. I was surprised to see, that all roost bars have the same hight. Rolex-chickens cannot bear Timex-chickens on the same level. The quite strict hierarchy requires roost bars on 2 (better: 3) different levels. If the bars have the same level it will certainly end up in endless discussions, disputes and even injuries among the chickens. Different heights will lead to more peace, more eggs, more meat an less stress. Cheers Heinz

[@gerrymatheson4020]

I agree with you! I see so many people claim that they should all be at the same height to prevent squabbles. Their argument is that chickens want the highest roost so they will always be fighting over it. No. Chickens establish a pecking order. Once that's established the top birds get their preferred spots. Having some differences is a good thing. I like the way you put it...lol... Rolex vs Timex 😂 Also, if you have a mix of breeds, the large heavy ones like Brahmas or Jersey Giants need to stay closer to the ground or have a stable path to climb to a higher one. Because of their size and weight jumping down from a high perch can result in a hard landing and foot or leg injuries, even broken bones. Not speaking from experience but from what I've heard and read...and it makes sense.

[@G4CEFITNESS]

Your coops are like a $5 million dollars condo in Manhattan. They're so freaking beautiful. It's time to save my pennies to afford one. As you say, you get what you pay for and I can't wait to get one. Thanks for your videos, your information and your love of chickens.

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

Thank you!

[@robloxmaster-bh8iq]

You guys are awesome thank you for your videos

[@audiomantim]

Matt, another quality video brother!!! You’re looking fit and healthy through this pandemic.

[@canadianlady777]

Great information...I want to manage a coop some day...

[@gerrymatheson4020]

Great Q n A video... I should probably share this article link on one of your deep litter videos... but you did touch on it here. I ran across this great article about the deep litter method, including some of the original research done on it. Maybe you've already seen it before but incase not thought I'd share the link...and for your viewers that might not have seen/read it. One of the best articles I've read on the topic. I've been trying to learn all I can about it, and have appreciated your videos on it. I think you're the only ones I've heard address not adding diatomaceous earth into your deep litter (not touched on in this article). Makes sense that microscopic diatoms that mess up bugs like mites and lice will also damage the smaller micro organisms/decomposers that break down the wastes and create the beneficial balance/biome on the coop floor. (Limit your DE to your dust bath.) www.plamondon.com/wp/deep-litter-chicken-coops/

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

thank you for your comments. We have a few videos about the deep litter method as all our chicken coops come with deep litter beds. It's not only a set it and forget system, but it's healthier for the chickens. Thanks for watching.

[@Khmat]

Love this video and thanks for sharing all these valuable information and tips. I have a question please: In your coop designs, I can see that you have two versions of ladders; one with a base board and steps on top and one with steps only. Which one you prefer and why? Thanks

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

Hi Alex. Excellent question. In our original designs we had a plank with 1"x2" steps on that board on our coops. Then we designed the ladder version that is removable for one of our custom coops and we liked the design better so we've kept that for all our coops going forward. We like it because we find our customers like that it's removable with hooks, since the ladders get so dirty. But we love the design because it allows us to use pieces of wood that normally would go to waste. So now that wood is out of the landfills and being used in a productive manner on our coops. Thanks for your question and for watching our video.

[@Khmat]

@@CarolinaCoopsVideos Thanks for your response and keep the good work. Big fan 👍🏽

[@sharkeishatwerks1731]

Matt you look so so good!!

[@monicaperez2843]

Matt, I love your live KZbin chats. Hope to see more of them. Can you announce the time a day before?

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

Hi Monica, you're assuming we are that organized. LOL. Where would you like us to announce a new video coming out so you would see it?

[@canadianlady777]

...why not subscribe and hit the bell to let you know when the next video is loaded...

[@gerrymatheson4020]

@@canadianlady777 for live videos it's nice to know ahead of time...or it's just luck of the draw to catch it. Announce it the day before here on the channel, and on your Facebook page or other social media...

[@PT-mi9gh]

Hi Matt, can we see a close up of how you attach the mesh to the run and windows?

[@trackrat62]

It appears that it is stapled to the frames and in this coop the hardware cloth is then sandwiched with another layer of 1x in the run.

[@PT-mi9gh]

@@trackrat62Thanks Greg

[@davidgarrison5270]

Great info!! I saw in one video that you had a duck apartment added on. What if I also want Turkeys? THank you.

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

Many people have turkeys in their flock, if you wanted something just for turkeys, we can do that too.

[@ОлегМалахов-ц4е]

Отличные chicken coops восхищаюсь вашими проэктами Россия

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

Thank you! благодарю вас

[@tinacarmichael5649]

Great video thank you 😊

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

Thank you Tina!

[@BigHossGun74]

Will you ever have building plans for sale?

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

We hope to one day, there are just so many logistics to work out. Thanks for watching

[@CH-mu6kf]

What about alpaca fur in nest box

[@kathleenernstpurpledragonk7800]

Can you have a coop with the room on one side and a hen house on other side with under part that you can have dust bath

[@ashleyhenry4820]

I am an avid follower of your videos. Thanks for all you post. I’m curious about the one foot/bird rule. What if you have space to run two roost bars parallel to each other? Does that double your available coop space for more hens?

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

HI Ashley, thanks for following us. Except for the California Coop, all our coops have at least 2 roost bars running parallel. We determine how many roost bars by the size of the henhouse because we want to give enough space between the two so the chickens aren't on top of each other (and pooping on each other). So for our 4' deep henhouse we put in two roost bars that are as long as the width of the coop, and for our 6' deep henhouses, we put in 3 roost bars that are as long as the width. (which is usually at least 8 feet)

[@kellyjenny1000]

I bought a beautiful chicken coop from a family owned company and their coops are made in Pennsylvania the Amish way I received my coop not very convenient for me. The chicken door opens from the inside of the coop which makes all the pine chips fall underneath have to get inside the coop to clean it out with a 3-ft height to get in. I think they have very small vet holes but I can't see them and don't even know if they have them they have windows which screens that you can open help please spend a lot of money on this coupe.

[@deniseroy589]

How can i keep my chicken warm in a Canadian winter.

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

Hi Denise. Chickens do fine in the cold, you want to protect your flock from snow, sleet, and cold winds. Our coops have covered runs, so that's the first important step, so they have a dry place to get out of the elements. We also sell our winter storm shields (which can be cut to any size, but we make them for our coops mostly) and it's polycarbonate that screws onto the coop frame to block out the winter elements, while not introducing heat to the coop. Thanks for watching

[@darrenbrown7568]

Just wondering if it’s good idea to have a deep litter system in the summer or is this a winter meathod only ? Some answers would be helpful, Thanks

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

The deep litter method is for all year round in all sorts of climates. The key to making it work is the right balance of droppings to hemp (or whatever substrate you are using), not overloading your henhouse with chickens, and to have plenty of ventilation in the henhouse. Hope that helps

[@clarapappas1829]

My hens got used to perching outside in the run. Can't seem to get them to go into the coop. I live in upstate NY and it gets pretty cold. I did cover the back wall to help with the wind. But not sure if I should worry.

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

It would be best to get them to roost in the coop where they are protected from the elements and predators.

[@clarapappas1829]

@@CarolinaCoopsVideos thank you for your response. Not worried about predators because run is very solid. But how do I get them in the coop. Should I bring them one by one each night and then close access door? Concerned that I may have too many chickens (you know chicken math). 28 chicken coop is 4x8 with 3 2x1 bars across the length.

[@John_Malloy]

@@clarapappas1829 Take the roosts from out of the run temporarily until they get used to roosting in the coop. Then the first thing I would do is what you suggested, i.e. bringing them in one by one. A broom can help you herd in any skittish ones. Also, if you can get food and water in the coop, holding them in there for a couple of days is a surefire way to establish their roosting habit. BTW, I like 2x4's, flat side up, or even 4x4's as roosts. I believe these are more comfortable for the hens. I will scrape them off every morning if necessary and apply "Sweet PDZ" horse stall refresher (powder not granular), and then brush it off later. This keeps them clean and dry.

[@jimgrady9905]

I keep hearing that ventilation needs to be higher than the roosting bars so the birds don’t get hit with a draft. I notice your windows are the same height as the roosting bars. Is this not a problem?

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

The windows on all our coops close, so in cold weather you can close the windows so there isn't a draft. Even with the windows shut there is still lots of ventilation, through holes under the eaves and the ridge cap and the sheer volume of the henhouse.

[@Pam_Doddridge]

Chicken math, it is very real.

[@laurafedora5385]

I totally agree, better to have more space than less. They are intelligent and inquisitive birds. The run is where most people short change their birds for space. If they are packed together it creates a breeding ground for parasites, disease and bullying. I have been a victim of chicken math, you really have to be disciplined to not overcrowd and help keep your birds happy.

[@jameschristian2966]

Hi Matt, I am wanting to use industrial hemp, but the shipping is more expensive than the product, is there a way to beat the shipping? I’m Cheap, what else can I say?

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

We are offering flat rate shipping on our website. Check it out.

[@الال-ج3ر]

Love from Pakistan

[@craigcook7589]

hi im busy building my coop its 2m wide x 1,2m deep and it has a flat roof slopping to the front where can i send my pic to . thanks for your inseration.