Description
The Moa Coops rise proudly on sturdy stilts carved from salt-weathered driftwood, standing tall enough that even the highest king tides pass harmlessly beneath them. Built upon one of the most stable Spine Bars, these structures house the settlement's flock of hardy jungle fowl, descendants of birds brought by the Vaitafe people on their ancient voyages. The coops are constructed in the traditional architectural style, featuring peaked roofs thatched with layers of dried pandanus leaves that shed rain efficiently while providing excellent insulation from the tropical sun.
Each coop is divided into two main sections. The enclosed roosting house features multiple levels of bamboo perches where the birds settle each evening, protected from wind and rain by walls woven from palm fronds and reinforced with horizontal driftwood slats. Small ventilation gaps near the roofline allow air to circulate while keeping out predators. Carved wooden latches secure the doors at night, and traditional protective symbols are etched into the doorframe to ward against evil spirits that might disturb the flock.
The second section consists of an open-air run enclosed by woven coconut fiber netting stretched over a framework of bamboo poles. This spacious area allows the moa to scratch, dust-bathe, and forage during the day while remaining safely contained. The floor of the run is covered with clean sand mixed with crushed oyster shells, which the birds consume to strengthen their eggshells. Several logs and low branches provide perching spots, and shallow wooden bowls hold fresh water replenished from the settlement's supplies.
Inside the roosting house, nesting boxes line one wall, each filled with soft, dried seagrass and positioned at a comfortable height for egg collection. The boxes are slightly tilted to prevent eggs from rolling out, and woven grass curtains provide privacy for brooding hens. A small storage area beneath the elevated structure houses supplies including dried fish scraps for supplemental protein, baskets for egg collection, and spare netting for repairs.
The entire structure is designed to withstand the harsh coastal environment, with regular maintenance ensuring the coops remain secure against storms and high tides. The accelerated growth within the dimensional bubble means chicks reach laying age remarkably quickly, and the hens produce eggs more frequently than their counterparts in the outside world. The constant sound of soft clucking and occasional triumphant crowing adds a pleasant, homey atmosphere to this section of the settlement, reminding inhabitants of the Vaitafe homeland across the seas.
Benefits
The chicken coops can house up to 20 jungle fowl (approximately 15 hens and 5 roosters). The flock produces eggs for the Duke and his family plus an extra 12 eggs per day. These excess eggs are sold for 12 gold each month. The settlement gains access to a reliable protein source, reducing dependence on fishing and foraging. This building provides 1 prestige, but can be purchased up to 10 times, increasing the flock by 20, spare eggs by 12 and income by 12gp as well.