Did you know How to Make a Chicken Coop ?

As more and more people take to keeping chickens as pets, the first and foremost thing a person has to think about is where to keep them. Chicken coops come in many different designs based to suit people who have different needs. A person who is worried about predators that may lurk near by would opt for a coop with a closed environment whereas a person who does not have to worry about them may opt for a coop with an open environment. The one thing in common is that all chicken houses are not that difficult to build and even though some companies like Omlet are now manufacturing ready made coops; many people still prefer building coops themselves.



The first and foremost thing to be taken into consideration before building the coop is making sure there is ample room for the chickens. One should leave 4.5 to 5 sq feet space per chicken and also a perch space of 9" should be kept in mind. It is vital for the health of the chickens that their chicken house has ample space and does not leave them cramped for room. Secondly, one must keep a space kept aside for nest boxes. Another feature which a chicken house can have is an outdoor run. Both, the insides of the chicken coop as well as the outdoor run should be covered with a material such as straw or wood chips which can not only contain the waste but also ensures fewer hassles during a clean up.



Ventilation is also another important thing one must remember while building the coop. Many people who build coops also build certain additional features such as windows for this purpose. Some build their coops with just connecting wire to ensure their birds gain access to sunshine n fresh air. Before one starts on construction of the coop they should really mainly focus on the needs of the birds. The chicken house can be as simple or fancy as you like. However a simple coop does not mean that the chickens will be less comfortable. Even someone equipped with a few simple tools can build a box shaped coop and connect it with a wired chicken run.



Every chicken coop must have a few basic requirements and must be kept in mind even before considering purchasing a ready made coop. The most important thing to keep in mind before starting the coop is planning the coop’s dimensions carefully. Giving the chickens enough space is the most important consideration one must take. Healthy chickens are more productive throughout the year and thus this is the most important factor to consider before building the chicken house.



That being said, not everyone can give their chickens’ unlimited space and so it is important to give at least 4 – 5 feet per bird. Something important to be considered is that the amount of space required by the flock will vary as the flock matures. This means that efficient coops are those built with keeping a long term in mind. As explained before the healthier the birds, the more productive they will be. Also, one should remember before building the coop is to ensure that there is a hole big enough to allow a person to go in and clean the coop. A damp and unclean coop will be prone to diseases and thus the health of the chickens will be compromised greatly.

For more information on how to make a chicken coop, please visit http://www.chickencoopanswers.com.