By Ann Thompson
General rules to building a chicken coop!
Chickens are by far the easiest most low maintenance animal to care for. All you need to do is provide them with a basic home, food and water and soon enough you can have a flock of your very own.
If you're considering building a chicken coop option please be aware that there are a few things you MUST consider in building a chicken coop:
SPACE: You should allow 3 to 4 feet per chicken. Just like people, chickens need room to breath, roost, nest and above all move!
VENTILATION. This is a very important part of your coop. Without the proper ventilation you can have toxic fumes build up, which will not only be a hazard to your health when cleaning and feeding your chickens, but consider what it is doing to the chickens and the eggs that they are laying. You of course are building your own coop for all the right reasons so don't risk leaving out this very important aspect of building a chicken coop by risking the health of your chickens.
INSULATION and LIGHTING is another very important factor. Your chicken's health will also depend on this. Your chickens must be keep kept dry and warm, so consider what climate you live in and what would be a comfortable environment for them. Provide them with some natural sun light if at all possible inside the coop, but also include some light source for yourself for cleaning and feeding your chickens, you will want to see where you're stepping. It is also a good idea to provide light over the feeding and watering areas.
Remember to provide a RUN for your chickens, all pets needs a place to exercise. Make sure at least part of the run is shaded to provide a comfortable place for you pets to roam. Also be sure to include a place to roost, nest and feed/water. Keep this in mind when considering the size of the coop you will need.
Always consider PREDATORS (dogs, cats, coyotes). These animals would be happy to reap the benefits you are sowing, so make sure your coop is designed to keep the chickens in and the predators out! I know many of dogs that would love to play with chickens, and as humorous as that could be, it could also be quite dangerous for you new found pet.
I know building a chicken coop is starting to sound like a lot of work, but trust me it's not! Your chicken coop doesn't need to be elaborate. I did say that basic housing is enough to satisfy any chicken. And you don't have to spend a fortune to do it. Some people are using old recycled materials, dog houses, dog runs and even their own garages. This does not need to turn into a major event. However if you're in it for the long run, consider building a nice looking coop to please your neighbors (and remember this will be right outside your window also). If you're serious enough to start building your own chicken coop, here are a few ideas you also might want to consider:
Build the coop so that you can remove the eggs from the outside of the house (this makes your job a lot easier).
Have a perch for them in front of where they nest.
Build your coop high enough to prevent flooding or puddles, but don't forget a ramp for you chickens to access their home.
A portable chicken coop is a great idea. A portable chicken coop allows you to move it around the yard so that not only your chickens but you can reap the benefits.
However you like your eggs, scrambled or sunny side up you are sure to enjoy the benefits of raising chickens in your own back yard. And even though that's probably enough for you to consider building a chicken coop there are many other benefits you will enjoy such as:
* Fresh eggs taste great!
* Organic. Which means healthier.
* Very low maintenance. There is no walking or grooming these pets.
* Extra income. You can sell your egg, that is if you're willing to part with them.
* Pest control. Chickens love to eat bugs.
* Entertainment. Hours of entertainment can be had watching your very own chickens.
* Chickens themselves do not smell.
* Natural fertilizer for your yard/flowers.
I would like to wish you good luck on your adventures in building a chicken coop and raising chickens, I have no doubt you will enjoy it for years to come. Just remember to always purchase your chickens from a local farmer, not only to support your community but to make sure you know what you're getting, and from where.
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar