If you own chickens or are looking into get down chickens , you ’ve most definitely done some enquiry concerning your crybaby ’s comforter . felicitous , comfortable chickens live longer and are more generative , whether you keep them for egg or meat production . So , what is a chicken coop?Here are some design ideas and other tips to help oneself your crybaby live their best life .

This abbreviated article provides a quick rundown of uncomplicated plans you might desire to consider for improve upon what you might already have , or to assist you get started . It also take into account the security you should bid against both atmospheric condition and predators for your own personalized hen house .

The Definition of a Coop

A coop is simply defined as the structure your chickens , and/or other poultry live within . It is a protective space for them to rest , log Z’s and lay their egg within , and is ideally connected to a rivulet for them to exercise , eat , and tope in . A run is an enclosed place that extend out of door and can be receptive to the component or embrace for further protection against weather and predator .

What Coops Are Made From

Coops can be made froma wide salmagundi of materialsand be designed in a wide change of expressive style . When wonderinghow to set out a chicken coopyou should think first and foremost about the living conditions you will be creating for them . This is important no matter what you are raising chicken for since a well-fixed chicken will yield more green groceries .

Repurpose with a Purpose

Prefab sheds , children ’s playhouse , and cold frames can all be repurposed to work as a cage . You also can practice pallets , pallet woodwind , or design your own coop , bribe lumber , and build your own . Repurposed chain nexus fencing also is a bang-up option for creating runs , but hog panel and volaille wire , and other enclosing materials with small openings crop just as well .

Consider Mobility

poulet tractors are a mobile coop alternative that allows you to move your hen house and run where you want it . This is often a popular option to provide your chickens fresh basis to fray and feed upon .

Personalized Details

coop , whether you decide to buy a outfit or establish your own , allow you to personalize them to fit your landscape . They are well-off to paint , mode , and add to make it all your own . you’re able to use them as an addition to your garden and provide live plantings to the exterior if you care , and you’re able to also provide fiddling item such as lookout fencing to your streamlet .

What Coop Size is Needed?

The size of your coop should be hooked on the routine of chickens you have . A oecumenical principle of thumb is to allow for at least 2 square feet per animal , but this also include the erect space of a coop since chicken rest and opt to perch .

Since chickens will in the main only use the cage to sleep and set their eggs , you need to ensure that you also providenesting boxes . One nesting box for every 3 to 5 chickens is recommended as they will deal their laying space . The more you tender , the more they have to choose from since some hens will prefer one infinite over another .

What Protection Does a Coop Provide?

Even though some mass let their fowl lead easy to roost and lay where they will , a chicken coop will allow for long term protection to keep your beast good for you and let you lie with where they are at all times ( including where they have place their eggs ) .

Protection Against Weather

Most domestic fowl breeds can easy handlesub - zero temperaturesand are surprisingly hardy . Even on the dusty wintertime days , you ’ll be surprised to see them running around pecking and scrape and basically going about their regular business . But despite this , you really do want to give them the best you’re able to against both cold and oestrus . A place to roost together for warmth , a place to stay teetotal , and a place to get out of direct sunshine is something you want to allow in a roost .

Protection Against Predators

Chickens are pretty much unable to defend themselves . They ca n’t run away fast , they do n’t fly farseeing distances , or at all , and other than a nozzle does n’t have much to fight with ( unless you have roosters- theirspurs can be pretty wicked .

There are quite a few affair out there who would like to make a repast out of your chickens , egg , or both before you do . Household frump , fox , raccoons , mink , bird of night , coyote , hawk , some snakes , and even skunks can work mayhem on your investment funds when you do n’t take care to protect them . Having a noesis of the animals in your area and their habits can allow you an idea of how to stop up your coop , and go , needs to be .

Although a coop closure and run covering fire may not be needed , you should at the very least provide for a full four - sided security for your animals while they are outside , and a solid roof over their heads when indoors .

Harvesting sage from the herb garden

Conclusion

A chicken chicken coop is a protective indoor space that let your fowl to rest unbothered by weather and predators , and also give them a dependable space to lay eggs if egg production is your principal reason for keeping them . You have many options for eitherpurchasingor design your own chicken coop , repurposing fabric , and personalizing your chicken ’s home in any direction you see primed .

Hosta edging along the garden border

An image of a colorful tire fence

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red chicken coop made of wood and metal screen

red chicken coop made of wood and metal screen

Small chicken coop and fenced area for egg laying fowl

Small chicken coop and fenced area for egg laying fowl

An owl eats a little chick on a branch.

Aivituvin 69in Wooden Chicken Coop, Outdoor Large Hen House with Nest Box Poultry Cage, Rabbit Hutch - Waterproof UV Panel