The type of
chicken coop you decide to build depends
mainly on the number of birds you want and the area
you plan on building your coop. A small backyard may
only support two or three chickens, whereas a larger
backyard could support up to a dozen birds. Be aware
also, of the number of birds that you local council
or jurisdiction allows you to keep if you live in a
city or town. Whether you are buying a chicken coop
or plan to build your own, the basics remain the
same. Use this chicken checklist to make sure you
have the best coop for your chickens.
- Ensure the wood has been treated to maximize
the life of the coop
- The chicken coop should be well ventilated
ideally just under the roof. It should not be
drafty as chickens are susceptible to illness
- Ensure the roosts are higher enough for the
chickens to roost at night but also they are
wide enough so the birds don't fall off at
night. Allow 23 to 25cm per chicken for your
roosts. You should keep the roosts at the same
height to avoid the chickens competing with each
other for the highest perch.
- Make sure there is a dropping tray
underneath the roosts as chickens do around 50%
of their poop at night whilst they are roosting.
- The
chicken coop should be robust enough to
protect the chickens from predators in your
area. If you have foxes or weasels the coop must
be sturdy enough to withstand these.
- The nest boxes should be private enough for
the chickens to lay their eggs, but accessible
enough for egg collection.
- The chicken coop should be easy enough to
move, particularly if it is the mobile kind.
This will ensure the chickens get fresh ground
regularly.
- Ensure the coop is built for the
environment. If you live in a very windy area
for example, don't build a tall chicken coop.
Likewise if your area has frequent rain or
floods then you need to ensure your hen house is
raised off the ground. This will also discourage
pests like rats from stealing the chicken food.
- Make sure the feeders and drinkers are
easily cleaned and accessible so they can be
changed every day. Chickens like fresh water. If
you have a mobile unit, it is advisable to
attach these to the unit to make it easier to
move.
By ensuring you have the above basics when
building your buying your
chicken coop, you will
ensure you maximize your investment and enjoyment in
your chickens.
