A beginner guide for building a chicken coop

Masses in many countries are getting inclined towards the idea of backyard chicken coop. The idea of raising your own chicken can be used as a very interesting hobby and it also allows you to attain fresh eggs that these chickens produce. There are various aspects which you need to study about chicken coops to build the most suitable coop. Now the basic ingredient of raising chickens is a chicken coop which can be made by a person at home or can be easily acquired from the market. Making a chicken coop at home is though not simple for the one who has no idea about the technicalities involved and the features which need to be incorporated in the coops. You can use various plans to build a chicken coop but some important factors need your consideration. So here are some important pointers for the beginners who are going to give this idea a go:

1.Characteristics of chicken coop

There are various characteristics which need to be considered while going for an easy to build chicken coop. First of all decide the size which you need to come up with as this will decide the number of birds which you can keep in it, and it also gives you the idea of the space requirement. The other features or characteristics of a chicken coop are the proper provisions of ventilation, provision for natural sunlight, perches, nesting boxes, feeder location, windows and mobility etc. All these characteristics are must to be incorporated in a coop.

2. Design of a house(moveable or fixed)

Before making a chicken coop, one needs to understand the designs which can be used for this purpose. You will find that manufacturers are making chicken coops in unlimited designs but all are based on the idea of making them viable for healthy growth and productivity. So care should be taken while you design e.g. proper location for the feeder so that it is easily reachable by the birds. Now chicken coop or houses can be made both fixed and portable but the portable ones are more preferable as you can easily change its location whenever you need to. The purpose can be achieved by incorporating tires beneath the structure.

3.Space requirement for chicken

Building a chicken house comes with proper space requirements because you not only need the primary area where they will be kept but also a chicken run area where they can roam, as it is a necessary exercise for their growth and productivity.  So, building a chicken run with suitable space is mandatory.

4. Proper lighting

When building a chicken house, always be aware of the fact that proper availability of light is very important for their egg laying ability and their proper health. So always incorporate a proper window in your chicken house and make your chickens happier and healthier.

5.Ventilation requirement

Being amazing producers of ammonia, heat and moisture which they surely are, chickens need proper provisions for  ventilation in their houses as it removes humidity and dampness. They get rid of the water they drink in the form of vapors through their breathing and this makes the environment in the coop air-humid or unhealthy for easy breathing. So, proper ventilation is something which is vital.

6. Roost

When making plans for chicken coop, also keep in mind that chickens like to sit or perch on limbs or rods, this is called chicken roosting. So always incorporate a rod into your chicken coop and make sure that the rod has enough space available for all your chickens to roost. These little things may sound irrelevant to you but all have their impact on the chickens growth and productivity.

7. Nests

Now this factor is what complies with the basic aim of building coops i.e. eggs production. Chicken for laying eggs need to have nesting boxes placed in their coop. Always provide at least one box per two to three chickens and ensure that the roof or top of such nesting boxes are not in the access of the chickens or else they will use it for the purpose of perching.

8.Fencing requirements to protect from predators

Skunks, raccoons, cats and untamed dogs can always pose a threat to the chickens as it is always a good dinner option for them. Mere chain linking fence is not a proper ploy as raccoons and skunks can easily sneak in through the wholes which are normally found in an average fence of chain links. So always go for the ones with small holes. Here are 15 tips to protect your chickens from predators.

9.Protection from uncongenial weather condition

Now this is subject to the region in which you live in. if you are at a place which receives plenty of rain, place the coop at a higher position to prevent them from flooding because wet chicken can result in a seriously ill or dead chicken. Similarly the climate will decide the breed that you can keep or the breed which can survive.