Some Things To Consider Before Building Your Own Poultry Coops
Building your own poultry coops is a project the average handy person can tackle with basic tools, accessible supplies, and a simple plan.
It is essential to have a safe and comfortable coop for them to reside before obtaining chickens.
Poultry coop plans are available across the web and in project books.
Choosing a plan can be difficult with the wide range of styles, sizes, and material choices.
However, the most critical requirements to consider are location, size, predator protection, and basic chicken needs.
Location The location of the poultry coop is a key consideration when building your coop.
Most chicken houses are permanent structures and will need to be in an area that will not interfere with future expansion or building projects.
Additionally, think about the distance between the coop and the house.
If it is too close, the smell of chicken poop can become overwhelming, and noise from clucking chickens and crowing roosters can be disruptive.
Too far away, and the trek out to the coop will become a chore, especially in cold months.
Building a coop within incorporated areas requires following easement and building codes.
Lastly, the location should allow for proper water drainage and prevent standing water, which can affect the chicken's health.
Size Coop size is determined by flock size.
The minimum space requirement is two square feet per bird, and four square feet per bird is optimal.
Chickens that are overcrowded become susceptible to disease and fighting.
Maximizing their area with runs makes for healthy and productive chickens.
Predator Protection Chickens can easily become the target of predators such as neighbourhood dogs, coyotes, hawks, and raccoons.
The materials used to build the chicken coop will need to be sturdy and secure.
Wood or metal creates a strong frame for chicken wire.
The chicken wire should cover all openings, corners, and should wrap under the floor of the coop, or be buried three-to-four feet under ground around the entire cage.
The roof should be firmly attached to the coop and potential entry points will need to be secured.
Lastly, chickens will need a coop that satisfies their basic needs.
• Proper ventilation and light.
Small, openings covered with wire prevents stagnant air buildup.
Chickens, especially layers, require adequate light to stimulate egg production.
• Nests and roosts.
Provide at least one nest for every three to four hens.
A nest box should measure one-and-a-half times the hen's size.
A slanted roof prevents roosting on top.
Straw or shavings make a soft landing spot for eggs.
A roost for night time should hang approximately 36 inches off the coop's floor.
Building your own poultry coops, either simple or complex, will need to satisfy these key requirements and features to ensure healthy chickens.
It is essential to have a safe and comfortable coop for them to reside before obtaining chickens.
Poultry coop plans are available across the web and in project books.
Choosing a plan can be difficult with the wide range of styles, sizes, and material choices.
However, the most critical requirements to consider are location, size, predator protection, and basic chicken needs.
Location The location of the poultry coop is a key consideration when building your coop.
Most chicken houses are permanent structures and will need to be in an area that will not interfere with future expansion or building projects.
Additionally, think about the distance between the coop and the house.
If it is too close, the smell of chicken poop can become overwhelming, and noise from clucking chickens and crowing roosters can be disruptive.
Too far away, and the trek out to the coop will become a chore, especially in cold months.
Building a coop within incorporated areas requires following easement and building codes.
Lastly, the location should allow for proper water drainage and prevent standing water, which can affect the chicken's health.
Size Coop size is determined by flock size.
The minimum space requirement is two square feet per bird, and four square feet per bird is optimal.
Chickens that are overcrowded become susceptible to disease and fighting.
Maximizing their area with runs makes for healthy and productive chickens.
Predator Protection Chickens can easily become the target of predators such as neighbourhood dogs, coyotes, hawks, and raccoons.
The materials used to build the chicken coop will need to be sturdy and secure.
Wood or metal creates a strong frame for chicken wire.
The chicken wire should cover all openings, corners, and should wrap under the floor of the coop, or be buried three-to-four feet under ground around the entire cage.
The roof should be firmly attached to the coop and potential entry points will need to be secured.
Lastly, chickens will need a coop that satisfies their basic needs.
• Proper ventilation and light.
Small, openings covered with wire prevents stagnant air buildup.
Chickens, especially layers, require adequate light to stimulate egg production.
• Nests and roosts.
Provide at least one nest for every three to four hens.
A nest box should measure one-and-a-half times the hen's size.
A slanted roof prevents roosting on top.
Straw or shavings make a soft landing spot for eggs.
A roost for night time should hang approximately 36 inches off the coop's floor.
Building your own poultry coops, either simple or complex, will need to satisfy these key requirements and features to ensure healthy chickens.
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