Informative and thought-provoking! I appreciate your citation of several sources, and this reminds me of a university course I took somewhere about 14 years ago (am I that old? ) titled “Behavioral Neuroendocrinology.”
Fascinating topic, and I will keep my eyes peeled for research on backyard flocks!
So, a little over 1 year ago I purchased a prefab coop (“on sale!” “pre-Easter rush!”) and got so overwhelmed I left mostly everything in boxes.
This article gives me the insight I need for not just assembling it, but also for protecting its integrity from the elements once I do put it together (most likely as a broody chamber/chick grow-out yard).
This was so much fun to read!
I know the cost of raw goods today is much higher than when this was posted, but the creativity and quality are both excellent.