Chicken Coop Plans: 4 Important Considerations When Building A Chicken Coop
If you’re thinking of building a chicken coop and you’re not sure what to incorporate, there are certain must-have features of any good chicken coop plan that you should consider before you begin. Below are 4 important considerations to keep in mind.
1. chicken pen size
This is particularly important. Happy hens produce more good quality eggs and it has been shown that hens kept in crowded conditions will not lay as well as those given space and possibly some freedom. You should allow 3-5 square feet of space within the enclosed sleeping/nesting area and ideally 15 square feet of space per bird within the racing area. However, this can be reduced by allowing the hens to roam freely a few times a week. As for the height, there must be enough space for them to jump, since although chickens do not fly, they like to flap their wings. A minimum of 3 feet should be allowed, but the more the better.
two. waterproofing
As chickens are outdoor animals and will be outside in the most extreme weather conditions, this is an important factor to consider. Good chicken coop plans will incorporate various forms of waterproofing. When building a chicken coop, it is important to ensure that waterproof materials are used for the roof of the sleeping/nesting area. Also, you’ll want to make sure this area has doors/windows that can be closed at night or during particularly bad periods of severe weather. Some people also like to provide a temporary cover for the race (such as heavy-duty polyethylene sheets), as some people insist on being outside despite heavy rain. This is a characteristic of ex-battery hens in particular that are unfamiliar with normal hen habits!
3. protection against predators
Many chicken farmers have been devastated by the loss of their chickens to a fox or raccoon and animal proofing your pen should be an important consideration. Therefore, you should make sure that any plan you are considering specifically states what features are built in to combat this problem. Predators are very cunning and will sometimes go to great lengths to get to your hens. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that all materials used are strong enough to resist the given bites, and this includes any mesh for the runs. Also, foxes are notorious for digging in a chicken coop, so look for plans that give you options to protect this aspect. For example, you can line the base with mesh or consider driving stakes into the ground around the pen.
Four. Ease of cleaning
Although you’ll probably be surprised at how much waste a few small hens can produce, there’s no reason why your pen can’t be kept hygienic! Look for features in chicken pen plans such as multiple access points, such as front and back doors to bedrooms, so you can easily remove waste. In addition, there should be advice on sealing cracks and crevices to prevent red mite infestation. Another useful feature is the top handles, to allow the coop to be moved around the garden, as this provides an opportunity not only to allow your soil to recover, but also to scrape up debris which, when it rots, can be put to use. as fertilizer for the garden.