People keep chickens in their backyards for a variety of reasons.
Some see it as a popular activity and hobby.
Meanwhile, others aim to have a source of fresh eggs and promote small-scale sustainable farming.
A few consider fowls as a household pet akin to other domesticated house animals such as dogs and cats.
In this article
What Is Chicken Coop?
Properly structured and well-planned chicken coops also allow chickens to feed and roost at peace.
Dont know anything about making a coop via do-it-yourself or DIY?
No problem, as there are manyfree chicken coop plansavailable online that you could browse to help you out.
Importance Of Chicken Coop
Think of a chicken coop as a house that shelters your beloved brood.
Just like a home, a coop should meet the needs of its users to ensure a meaningful stay.
Below are some reasons why you need a well-built coop for your pet chickens.
It also allows chickens to roost while retaining their social hierarchy.
This helps to reduce territorial behavior, which can lead to conflict within the flock members.
Itll also ensure that your chickens are well-rested and protected from the elements during nighttime.
Your coop will make it easier for your flock to stay warm and healthy during inclement weather.
Making A Safe And Comfortable Coop
Creating a well-constructed and appropriate chicken coop is no herculean task.
Thus, start with a number of considerations.
Consider your coops usability.
Take note of the ventilation needs, and consider installing some sliding windows for the hot season.
The doors must be opened inwards rather than outwards, or your birds can find a way out.
Lastly, you must determine the number of birds you want to keep in this coop.
An overcrowded coop may negatively affect each birds health.
For a backyard chicken coop, some experts advise using plywood.
Plywoodisnt only inexpensive, but it is also highly durable.
For a long-lasting chicken coop plywood, youll need to use paint and primer to protect it.
Mice, rats, and even snakes are among the most common predators of backyard chickens.
In most situations, having a well-done floor in your chicken coop is a good idea.
Your chickens would be protected from burrowing predators who gain access by digging under the coop.
Winters are often a little colder on a surface than on dirt.
Having a natural floor might also be the best option for some.
Dirt floors are also great for keeping your chickens cool in hotter climates.
Natural floors are inexpensive and need little maintenance, aside from some hardware cloth to keep pests at bay.
To avoid ground parasites, they tend to roost off the ground.
Its believed that they sometimes dislike sitting on their feces.
Additionally, chickens are said to also dislike being too close to the ground when roosting.
Thats why you must create designated roosting poles that are at least two to three feet off the ground.
double-check each chicken has at least six to ten inches of roosting space.
5.Ensure Good Ventilation
Experts believe that a coop should have one-fifth of its total wall space vented.
For air circulation, you should cut openings into the walls near the ceiling and follow this cardinal rule.
The holes should rise above the roosts.
Predators wont be able to penetrate them if theyre sealed with a half-inch hardware cloth that is secured tightly.
Consider using the most appropriate and cost-effective material to use.
Remember that your goal is to provide a comfortable and safe space for your flock.
