Whatever chicken coop you decide to build, the main function is to protect your chickens from harm. And that means predators. These predators can be foxes, coyotes, rodents, large dogs and nasty people!
It's heartbreaking to see your chickens get hurt. And if your children are involved with raising the chickens, I don't have to tell you the grief they will feel.
If you don't know what predators are in your area, ask your neighbors. Get in touch with your local Natural Resource Departments. You must be informed. Only then will you be able to take the precautionary measures.
LOCATION
You've already decided on proper land placement but if you can place the coop within close distance to your house, so much better. If you can look outside and see the coop, you can ensure the chickens are safe.
This is where having a mobile chicken coop comes in really handy since you can easily transport it to wherever you are going to be to really keep a watchful eye on them.
FENCING
When you know the predators you'll be dealing with, you can design the proper chicken fencing. If digging animals are of concern, you must build the house low enough to the ground so they can't burrow underneath it.
If you are looking at larger predatory animals, then you're going to need a fence that's incredibly sturdy in order to keep them out effectively.
This is why having a good guide to follow will help - it's vital that you pair your needs with the variety of fences. If you don't, you may think you're protecting your chickens, but you really haven't done much but added a bit of decoration to your chicken coop.
Since you've spent money on your chickens and building a chicken coop, it's crucial to provide the best fencing to protect your feathered friends.
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Showing posts with label poultry shed designs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label poultry shed designs. Show all posts
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
Raising Chickens: How To Create A Hen-Happy Home For Your Feathered Friends
Before your chickens arrive, you want to make sure they will be happy in their new home. During the chicken coop building process, you'll want to figure out the most important chicken housing tips.
Chicken farmers can make mistakes which costs them time and frustration in the coop building process. If you have a good plan to follow, there will be less mistakes and more happiness.
Chicken housing tips:
Build A Large Enough Chicken Run
This is so important. Your chickens need to get enough exercise. This is why we're so against the industry that keeps the poor chickens caged in small quarters. (don't want to think about it) So you'll want a large chicken run so they don't feel overcrowded.
Even building a bigger run than you'll think you'll need is wonderful. They will love the extra space and any predators will be even that much farther away. Naturally, you'll have a chicken fence!
Build A Good Base
Make sure you have a good, solid base. This determines the structural integrity of your overall coop and you don't want to skimp on this.
Consider A Mobile Chicken Coop
Consider mobile chicken housing options. These are becoming more popular since then you can transport the chickens to wherever they need to be.
It will be easier to build a mobile chicken coop if you’re only planning on keeping a few birds since the smaller size is easier to move around and will be less prone to wear and tear, so be sure you’re keeping that in mind also.
Location, Location, Location
Decide on the area you'll be building the chicken coop. Don't place it in a low-lying area because water can collect around the base and cause big problems.
Set up in an area that gets a good amount of natural sunlight. That's important for getting fresh eggs on a daily basis.
So keep these points in mind. Building chicken housing doesn’t have to be overly complicated if you have a good plan to follow and take your time.
For chicken coop designs and plans to assist you in your chicken housing, Click Here!
Chicken farmers can make mistakes which costs them time and frustration in the coop building process. If you have a good plan to follow, there will be less mistakes and more happiness.
Chicken housing tips:
Build A Large Enough Chicken Run
This is so important. Your chickens need to get enough exercise. This is why we're so against the industry that keeps the poor chickens caged in small quarters. (don't want to think about it) So you'll want a large chicken run so they don't feel overcrowded.
Even building a bigger run than you'll think you'll need is wonderful. They will love the extra space and any predators will be even that much farther away. Naturally, you'll have a chicken fence!
Build A Good Base
Make sure you have a good, solid base. This determines the structural integrity of your overall coop and you don't want to skimp on this.
Consider A Mobile Chicken Coop
Consider mobile chicken housing options. These are becoming more popular since then you can transport the chickens to wherever they need to be.
It will be easier to build a mobile chicken coop if you’re only planning on keeping a few birds since the smaller size is easier to move around and will be less prone to wear and tear, so be sure you’re keeping that in mind also.
Location, Location, Location
Decide on the area you'll be building the chicken coop. Don't place it in a low-lying area because water can collect around the base and cause big problems.
Set up in an area that gets a good amount of natural sunlight. That's important for getting fresh eggs on a daily basis.
So keep these points in mind. Building chicken housing doesn’t have to be overly complicated if you have a good plan to follow and take your time.
For chicken coop designs and plans to assist you in your chicken housing, Click Here!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Raising Chickens: Cleaning The Hen House
Of utmost importance in raising and tending chickens is to keep their housing clean! You want happy and healthy birds so here are some tips to keep in mind.
Dropping boards should be used and cleaned daily so your weekly cleaning chore goes easier and faster. These boards are used to collect the bird's droppings. Birds produce most of their droppings at night while roosting so if you place a board or tray under their perch, the clean up is a snap!
... Clean weekly
When building a chicken coop, make sure you have a good-sized doorway. This will make your cleaning job much easier. Having the right tools is essential. A short-handled shovel and a hand-held hoe is very useful. This way you can remove the old litter from the corners as well.
If you have more than one hen house, be sure to spray-clean the tools so you don't spread parasites between the houses.
Replace their bedding. Provide a good layer especially during winter months.
Wash their feeding troughs and water fonts regularly. If the fonts are raised off the ground, the hens won't be scratching dirt into the water. A purpose-built hopper will give them a regular supply of food without the birds being able to scatter it around.
Many things can be done for you and your hens to help you both be happier and more contented! For more advice on raising chickens, I highly recommend...
How To Raise Chickens Successfully!
Dropping boards should be used and cleaned daily so your weekly cleaning chore goes easier and faster. These boards are used to collect the bird's droppings. Birds produce most of their droppings at night while roosting so if you place a board or tray under their perch, the clean up is a snap!
... Clean weekly
When building a chicken coop, make sure you have a good-sized doorway. This will make your cleaning job much easier. Having the right tools is essential. A short-handled shovel and a hand-held hoe is very useful. This way you can remove the old litter from the corners as well.
If you have more than one hen house, be sure to spray-clean the tools so you don't spread parasites between the houses.
Replace their bedding. Provide a good layer especially during winter months.
Wash their feeding troughs and water fonts regularly. If the fonts are raised off the ground, the hens won't be scratching dirt into the water. A purpose-built hopper will give them a regular supply of food without the birds being able to scatter it around.
Many things can be done for you and your hens to help you both be happier and more contented! For more advice on raising chickens, I highly recommend...
How To Raise Chickens Successfully!
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