Coop delivered, help me customize?

[Tracyree]

Hello all. My 6x8 coop was delivered today. We put it in the shop so I can add some things like a board across bottom of doorway to hold deep litter in, a better roost system and cut a chicken door (I wanted to be sure and put it where I wanted so asked the builder not to cut one)

What would you suggest for the space circled in red. I suspect the chicken will get up there and poop if I leave it open.

Any other ideas for customizing?

 

[wrathsfarm]

Hardware Cloth it or if there's enough space, frame it/add doors and use it for storage? Still add venting tho like to the doors maybe to keep your air flow going.

Edited to add...on second thought, you know their probably gonna wanna roost in them rafters also.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I'd consider adding vents like this: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/texas-heat.1540139/page-2#post-25998208

And then I'd put chicken wire or taut bird netting straight across the bottom of the rafters to keep birds from roosting up there.

To hold litter in I simply have a 1x6 across the door way that's held in place with bricks. No fuss and just remove it during cleanouts.