pop hole size?

[shadegrow]

Our coop is now at the cladding stage (only took 4 month's ). Just wondered what is the best size pop hole for ex-bats? & what is best material for the actual cover. TIA

[janeyo]

Hi ours is 30 cm square and we have some largish hens, one the same size as a battery. They all get in and out fine.
Our roof is covered in marine ply, and the nest box has some onduline over it too as it was leaking.

janeyo

[shadegrow]

Thanks for the advice!!! One more question, does plastic pipe make good perching? If not what do you all recommend ?

[janeyo]

I wouldn't use plastic, too shiny and they won't be able to get a grip. Same with a broom handle or the like.
We used 2 pieces of wood (don't know why we made 2 as they all huddle together on one perch) about 2inches wide and deep - ish, OH would know the proper dimensions and then rounded off the edges slightly, and they grip on it just fine

janeyo

[Sky-Dreamer]

Mine is about a foot square but my old coop had an even smaller one and my larger hens still fitted through that really well [think their feathers make them look far bigger than they actually are]

All of my roosting bars are wooden as although plastic it easier to clean it is a bit slippery for them and makes it difficult for them to grip. I bought some round dowel wood from our local DIY centre for about £2

[JackieAt]

you would be suprised how small a hole they can get through - we have Orpintons and made the mistake of half shutting the door (18"x12") to clean out their house. it dint take them long to join me and HELP!!! :-}