How to build the right features for your chicken coop?

Chicken coops are extremely varied, with no real limit on the design, complexity and features some people will consider. Everything from a simple wooden hut with chicken wire fencing, through to elaborate dens with high security and fancy egg dispensers.
Either way, there’s no need to spend a lot of money and frustration building the perfect chicken coop. Once you know how many chickens you’re planning to farm, you’ll have a good idea of the space required.

From there, you can go ahead and pick out the key features of the coop that will be suitable for your situation.

So, what features are right for you, your land and ultimately your chickens?
For suburban areas, security needs to be heavy. Not just because of predators, but because of escaping chickens too. You may also consider the look and design of the coop too, to better fit in with the surroundings.

Rural chicken farmers would likely be more concerned with space, practicality and again, security. Remember – dogs, wolves and other creatures of the night can dig fast, and be under that fence in just a few hours or less.

To make the coop secure, make sure you cover the top of the coop, even if it is a high fence. Furthermore, try to avoid traditional chicken wire as the holes are large enough for smaller predators to climb through and get a free lunch.

Also, make sure you bury the chicken wire fencing deep under the ground where the coop is situated. Try to do 12 inches into the ground to prevent those midnight diggers from massacring your flock.

Finally, make sure you are prepared for the eggs! Laying hens, which are very common for most domestic chicken owners and farmers, need adequate space when laying. You’ll need around 4-5 boxes per hen.

You will also need to give laying hens space to roost, because that’s what they like to do most! Roosting space should be around 6-10 inches per bird, and around 2 feet off the ground (the same applies for nest boxes). Finally, make sure the nes boxes are around 1 square foot in diameter to give each hen the space they need to cohabit.

Learn more about Building Chicken Coops
on your own and why it´s the better option instead of buying one, visit my Build a Chicken Coop Review
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