How To Build A Chicken Hutch

If you’re only planning on keeping one or two chickens total, you might want to build a chicken hutch rather than building an entire chicken coop, since this will get the job done and be a much cheaper and less time consuming option. Some people will also consider building a hutch to place in their coop, so that’s something to think about as well.

If you choose to build a chicken hutch you’ll find that it’s much easier to take care of and that you’re able to find a good location in your yard for it very easily. For those who are also just getting started with raising chickens, this is usually the perfect option to choose.

Here is what you need to know if you want to build a chicken hutch.

Be Sure You Build A Good Sized Door

Since you need to give your chickens easy access inside and out of the hutch, it’s important that you make sure you’re building a good sized door.

Don’t make the mistake of building only a tiny door that the chickens struggle to get in and out. You’re better off creating a larger door and then attaching a wooden door flap that they can get in and out of.

This will help to keep them protected from predators still but allow for easier access on their part.

Make Sure It’s Raised Off The Ground

Second you also want to ensure that you’re raising the hutch off the ground. While chicken coops are built right on the ground, if you choose to build a chicken hutch you need to raise it off.

Usually you want it raised somewhere around a foot off the ground, but don’t be overly concerned if it isn’t exactly this measurement. As long as it’s not placed right on the floor and your chickens can access it with a ramp if it is higher, that shouldn’t be a problem at all.

Be Sure The Lid is Easy Opening For You

Finally, the last thing you must be doing is making sure that you can easily open the lid to give you easy access to the chickens if you need it and also for cleaning purposes. Since it is a much smaller place where your chickens are going to stay, if you aren’t cleaning it regularly you are going to run into problems with how it looks overall, so taking the time to clean it weekly is a very smart move.

If it’s harder for you to actually access the inside of the hutch though, the chances that you do decide to clean it regularly will be a great deal lower.

So be sure you’re keeping all of these points in mind as you decide to build a chicken hutch. By taking the correct action steps and having a good plan to follow throughout the building process; you'll have a great chicken hutch in no time.

How To Build A Chicken Coop

Keeping Chickens Healthy

As the old adage goes, "health is wealth", and it brings home the point when one considers the importance of keeping our bipedal companions free from diseases or any debilitating illness. After all, we constantly require eggs and chicken meat from them, so it goes to show that the general health of the poultry can be important to sustain our own.

THE PERFECT ENVIRONMENT

The general well being of a chicken starts with the environment. While it's true that chickens adapt real well to both cold and hot weather, constant exposure to harsh climates can still get the best of them. That's why a coop or a hen house should be set up, while making sure that it's well ventilated and free from draft. Make sure that the perches are not too high to prevent any foot injuries. Keeping the chicken house devoid of moisture also helps prevent diseases that result from ammonia and other toxic gases.

And of course, you have to maintain cleanliness in the coop and its surrounding environs to prevent the proliferation of mites, lice and other critters. These pests can cause serious health risks if left alone. Regular cleaning through the use of clean water and disinfectants should always be undertaken to maintain a healthy environment for your chickens.

PROTECTION FROM PREDATORS

Chickens are delectable treats for any predators prowling the area around the coop. To ensure the safety of your hens, make sure that the coop and the fence around it is well sealed. Do not settle for just any wire to build the fence, and use one that is durable. The fence should be high enough that even high leapers can't jump over it, and its bottom buried deep enough (20 inches at the very least) under the ground to prevent predators from burrowing underneath.

PROPER FEEDING AND WATERING

Just like with any livestock, chickens need a well-balanced diet and a daily intake of water. A waterer device is a great tool for providing drinking water due to its timer and operant conditioning capabilities. Chickens have a formulated diet that depends on their needs as befits their age and what they're meant to provide. You might do well to do some research on the recommended diet for your chickens to ensure that they are getting the proper nutrition they require.

GIVING CHICKENS THEIR SPACE

Not giving chickens enough space to move about or "free-range" can induce a lot of stress in them, which in turn becomes detrimental to their health. Crowding can also lead to lots of fighting inside the coop, and will eventually run the risk of some chickens getting seriously hurt. Remember that each chicken should have a two square foot of shelter and a three square foot of run area, so take note of the amount of space you have in your back yard when choosing the amount of chickens you want to raise. If there's not enough, then make sure to clear enough space for them to run about as soon as possible.

Answers To Raising Chickens - A Complete Guide To Keeping Chickens

Keeping Chickens In The City

Chickens could be kept in many urban areas, in some chickens are less welcome. If the intention however is to keep one as a pet, that is already accepted practice. Some are even keeping reptiles for pets but just to be on the safe side, check for local laws and regulations. The local animal control office in your municipality would know how many you can keep and whether that would include a rooster. The main deterrent here is that these birds may fall under noise ordinances and so check out first as it is very easy to be emotionally attached to these birds. In Urban areas that used to be a farming community, the ordinances are more relaxed. Either way, keeping chicken in the city does not require a license.

When the issue of ordinances is out of the way, decide the kind of chicken that you want and for what purpose. If pets are what you want, you would settle well with bantams. Bantams are chicken breeds that are about one fourth of the size of a regular chicken. It is very much like having toy dog breeds. Example of the bantam breeds that are good for pets are the Barred Plymouth Rocks and the Rhode Island Reds as they are mild tempered. If you want a good layer bantam, you would do well with a Cochin. The Buff Orbington on the other hand is a larger bantam breed and is very friendly too. These are only some of the excellent choices. There are many more choices to select on when you surf the net.

You may want your pet chicken to roam around the house, even sleep in the bedroom but the chicken would pretty much prefer its own coop to roost and its own nest box to lay eggs on. You can always build one using the materials that you already have or are readily available at a local farmers market or hardware. When you do, allow a two feet square space for every bantam. The chicken will also need a place to roam; they could be cranky when they do not besides it is good for them. Allow eight square feet for the bird. Chickens are very sociable.

They prefer to huddle together with other chickens. Having that in mind, keep at least two chickens. Likewise, double the spaces allotted to them because even when they are sociable, they could be cranky at times especially when they feel crowded and might start pecking at each other. Remember also that chickens do not need a rooster to produce chicks. Expect then and make provisions that they would multiply soon if you would not need all the eggs they produce.

Remember also that keeping chickens in the city will attract predators. Bantam chickens have no way of defending itself against cats. If you love cats, it would be most likely that you know your cat is not the kind that would attack and could live side by side with a chicken. Rodents however are a different issue. When you build a chicken coop, insure that the coop is very well secured and could never be accessed by these predators.

Incredible Chickens! The Complete Guide To Raising Chickens At Home!

Chicken Raising Tips: How to Choose a Chicken Breed

Chickens are wonderful animals. They are like the coconut. You see, the coconut can be used in many ways- from the leaves to the roots. In more ways than one, chickens are bred and raised because it entails a lot of benefits. In Asian countries, chickens can be eaten from beak down to its funny-looking feet. Thus, making it one of the sought after poultry products in the animal community.

Yet, chickens aren’t used only for food but for ornamental purposes. It all depends on the owner of the poultry farm if he’s going to raise chickens for food or for exhibition. Whatever the purpose is for these critters, you can settle on one simple question…what breed should you get?

There are actually four ideas to consider when choosing a breed – egg production only, eggs and meat combined, exhibition, and meat only. Aside from these four, people also account chickens as a hobby and they very well enjoy watching and caring for their chickens.

Egg Production

If you are concerned with only the eggs and are not really a fan of chicken form and features, white leghorns or Red Sex Links and Golden Cornets fits the job. These breeds lay eggs in a very excellent way. There is a point to ponder upon though, if you wanted white eggs, choose a chicken breed that have ear lobes that are white. But if you wanted brown eggs, choose a chicken breed that has red ear lobes.

Meat

In meat, you have to purchase a breed that grows quickly and weighs big like the Cornish Cross. It is a cross breed between a White Cornish and a White Plymouth Rock. These breeds weigh four to five pounds in six weeks and weighs more than 6 pounds within 8 to 12 weeks.

Eggs and Meat

Breeds that are dual purpose is a combination of a breed that is both having the talent of vast egg production and grows larger and faster than the rest of the species. One typical and popular example is the Plymouth Rocks, Wyandottes and Sussex. They are both English and American breeds.

Exhibition

These are the kind of birds that are appreciated for their eloquent beauty and features. Every part of their feather-covered body must be exceptional. Usually those that are chosen to wind up in exhibition during fairs are those that are crossbred. Exhibitions shows for poultry raising are most popular in places like the Midwest and Indiana.

Usually, chickens are judged based on their color, breed type that’s supposed to be ideal, their body weight and shape, etc.

Bantams are one of the chicken types that outnumbered larger fowls during shows. They have a characteristic that a judge would adore – takes less space, easier to feed, eat less, and easy to handle. Their eggs are also expected to be small but are pretty much good for eating like other ordinary eggs. Some of the popular breeds of bantams are the Wyandottes, Cochins, Old English Game and Plymouth Rocks. These bantam breeds can most likely win in exhibitions.

Bantams are not the only birds that can have the right to the throne. Larger fowl breeds also hog the limelight. Some of these breeds are the leghorns, Rhode Island Reds, and Black Australorps. These breeds vary in their type, size, color, comb type and shape.

Easy D.I.Y. Chicken Coop Plans

Raising Chickens 101: Where Do Chickens Live?

Chickens are domestic birds. Dogs and cats are also domestic. You can usually find chickens on farms. They provide eggs and meat for the farmers.

On many farms, chickens can roam free during the day, and sleep peacefully inside the safety of a chicken coop at night. This keeps them away from foxes and other hunger predators. There are several different shapes and sizes of coops, each having different advantages. Some coops have runs. Runs are fenced in areas connected to the coop which allow chickens to roam in a certain amount of space given. All chicken coops protect chickens from the cold and wet weather outside and have nesting boxes for hens to lay their eggs.

Sometimes, farmers decide to let their chickens live outside. Chickens that are allowed to do this are called free-range. They get plenty of sun and fresh air during the day as well as shelter when they need it. These chickens are fed by farmers but also have the ability to search for food on their own.

Chickens are sometimes even kept in large chicken farms where thousands of chickens are crowded together in factory-like sheds. These chickens live in here their entire life and never get to feel the warmth of the sun or see the wonder of seasons. This is very unnatural.

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Raising Chickens: Chicken Sour Crop, Prevention and Treatment

A chicken's crop is just below its neck and at the center of its chest. This is the chicken's food storage and also where the first stage of digestion takes place. Often, a chicken eats more than it could digest, when that happens the chicken develops a sour crop.

Detection and Symptoms

You would know if the chicken has sour crop if there is a bulge at the center of the chest of the chicken (often bigger than a gulf ball) making the chicken very uncomfortable and moving the head in a funny sort of way. When you open the beak, there is often a sour, foul smell. When you touch the chickens crop and there is that hard yet squishy feeling, sour crop is setting in if it is not yet impacted. What complicates this is that even when the chicken appears to be lethargic; it will still try to eat even when the crop is full, then the chicken suffers more.

Prevention of Sour Crop

The crop is a vital organ in chicken that you have to keep a close watch on. As chickens are likely to eat just about anything, sour crop usually occurs. When chickens feed, the crop will normally bulge. But then a healthy chicken with a crop that is working well will have emptied the crop overnight. If the crop has not, there is something wrong with digestion. To aid digestion, the chicken feeds on grits. Grits are bought in any farm and poultry supply store, the grit is then mixed with the chicken feed that aids digestion.

Normally, healthy foraging chickens will swallow small pebbles. They know what to select and what is good for them. However if the chicken is not let out of the coop for long periods, they miss this digestion aids. Another thing that is common to most animals is to eat a particular grass for a particular illness. When the chicken has sour crop, the chicken feels the illness and will forage for grass. This often complicates the sour crop, as long strands of grass are harder to digest.

To prevent the onset of sour crop, check the chickens once in a while as the crops are likely to be empty every morning before they feed. Observe also the kind of grass that the chicken feeds on when they have a sour crop so you can chop the grass into smaller sizes and feed this to the chicken to treat the sour crop or when a similar problem occurs in the future.

Once a month, mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to every liter of water in the chicken's water supply. When you do, buy the vinegar from farm shops and not those sold in the supermarkets.

Treatment

Hold the chicken upside down to induce vomiting. Massage the crop gently to release the food that is stacked. This should be done with rest times to prevent the chicken from choking and the liquid from entering the respiratory system. Feed the chicken with live yoghurt mixed with chopped grass, pellets and apple cider solution. You may repeat this for a few days until the chicken is relieved.

Chicken Keeping Secrets - Guide To Keeping Backyard Chickens

Building A Backyard Chicken Coop

Every design in building a backyard chicken coop will involve three issues, how it will affect hygiene, chicken productivity, and cleanliness.

Ample Spaces

In designing a chicken coop the normal method for chicken raisers is to allow 3 to 4 square feet of space per chicken. The correct space will provide the chicken enough room to mill about and to keep them more productive. Chickens are very social animals, they enjoy having other chickens around, but they could also be cranky. When they are at their best behavior, chicken will huddle together, scratch together and stay put if not feeding. When something fancies them though that they regard as little treasures, they could peck at another when an intrusion happens. It may not be much.

It could be a little droplet of water running across a wire, a territory that they are foraging even when there are no signs of potential food morsels, just about anything. The chicken sometimes could be cranky enough and peck at another sometimes to the death. This is sometimes complicated as when other chickens see blood, they could help peck the hapless chicken until most feathers fall or seriously wounded.

Ample space rules that out. When building a backyard chicken coop then it is important to determine first the number of chicken intended for the coop. When that is decided already, raise the planned chicken coop above the ground to keep them healthy and for easier cleaning and maintenance.

Consider Ventilation

Chicken droppings contain ammonia and create dampness inside the coop. Aside from that every animal and bird has their own unique odor that stales the air. The design of the chicken coop must allow proper air ventilation to keep the air inside the coop circulating. Choose the materials in the coop well as it could affect the proper circulation of air inside the coop. Chickens are survivors but they are not exactly hardy. One death, often caused by dampness will affect the other chickens to die also. Aside from ventilation, the chicken coop must be insulated to keep the chickens handle cold climates.

Food and Waste Management

Chickens leave dropping everywhere. When not well managed, the droppings emit gasses that are not good for the health of the chicken but could also bother people. When building a coop, provide perches designed along a feed spot. Chickens are one of those animals that are likely to poop while feeding. The perches and feeders should be designed for easy cleaning. When designing the feeders, raise the elevation as high as the chickens back to prevent the chickens scratching their feed and creating a mess when feeding. This design is also the same for the water pans. Clean water must be available to the chickens every day.

These are the basic elements when building a backyard chicken coop. However, light sources are also important consideration as well as the appearance of the chicken house. These however depend largely on material choices and aesthetics. For chickens, so long as they have a clean and steady feed, ample space, dry and with good ventilation, they are content.

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Chicken Raising Tips: Chicken Feeding Worries

For people who are getting started with raising chickens one of the main issues is the right chicken feeding proportions, the heating of some of the feeds, the kind and the quality of the feed. Another worry considered seriously is the chicken actually starving because the feeding failed in one way or the other.

No. In fact it is not. Chickens may be very low maintenance birds but they have survived longer than us and their population is several hundred folds over ours. True they are prone to diseases and pests but their population is a testament that chickens are survivors. More so with hands that care.

Chickens will eat just about anything. They will scratch for worms, they are happy with people leftovers, they love pellets, seeds and vegetables, peels, bugs and slugs. They are just as happy eating bread while pecking at a cockroach, and when something is not right with them, they will eat grass and even pebbles. They are most content when they range around for food and they will know what to eat and what not to every time. On the other hand, people could prepare the fanciest feed preparation for them but if they do not want it, they will avoid it.

So once in a while, if the size is manageable, let the chickens roam around, with supervision of course. Because if chickens are caged their diet is only as varied as those that are fed to them.

While the chickens are in their pens, there are two types of feeds. The first and most important is the corn mixed with other seeds. The second is the pellets. There are three kinds of pellet feeds. The layers mash, the crumbled pellet and the pellets. These variations typically have similar composition. The different names are only to identify the grade of the milling. Layers mash for example is crushed to almost powdery consistency to make it easier for chicks to peck and digest.

The crumbles are milled to rough consistency and are ideal for young chickens and the pellets for the full grown. Chickens could get by very well with one measure of mixed corn with one measure of pellets. If you can throw in other food, they will pretty much eat that too and if they do, there is no cause for worry.

Chickens eat grit too. They need grit to aid their digestion. If you do not provide them that, they would be pecking pebbles. If you want that prevented, you could purchase that at farm supplier but you could very well make grit yourself. To do that, roast eggshells in your oven until they are brown, pound it (not too powdery), and mix it with their meal. One of the few things that you do not have to feed chickens is preparing grit from oyster shells. Oyster shells, even when prepared in similar fashion to those of the eggshells will always have rugged and sharp edges.

Chicken feeding is never complicated. Simple steps like this could provide eggs for the table or for hatching. You will know if something is wrong when eggs are getting scarce but then you would easily find a way to correct whatever the cause may be.

Chicken Keeping Secrets - Guide To Keeping Backyard Chickens

Review: Chicken Coop Guide - Learn To Build Cheap Chicken Coops

For a long time, people who wanted to start a chicken coop had to renovate an old shed or buy a pre-built one. A pre-built coop costs $500 upwards and this does not include the cost of installation. The cost of a pre- built chicken coop with installation is usually over $1000. According to Jim and Ann, who have put together ‘The DIY Chicken Coop Guide’, you can build your own chicken coop for just $100 if you do a little extra work of collecting materials.

The process of making the shed is explained in a manner that it will be easy for anyone to follow. People who don’t necessarily consider themselves the do it yourself type can also follow the step-by-step instructions and if you need support with the process, that is also available.

With the help of the diagrams and schematics you will be able to see how the coop is built. Video library provides you with videos related to chicken coops. You will also be able to pre cut and pre label your wood with the help of the wood cutting diagram shown in the guide.

The material used in the building of these coops is also important because you want to save as much money as possible. The guide shows you how to build the coop from inexpensive materials that can be easily bought from your local hardware store. Also, special consideration has been given to keep the chickens safe from predators. The shed is raised from the ground level to provide protection and another benefit of this is that they will not be affected by the cold damp soil.

You can also give the shed your own touch by customizing and you can also scale the plans to accommodate more chicken if required.

The products that you will be able to get in this package are: ‘The DIY Chicken Coop Guide’: this guide shows you how to build small, medium and large sized coops. Special Reports) Chicken City Ordinances Guide: From this guide you can learn what the rules and regulations are in your area for building coops.) 6 Things You Must Do Before Building a Chicken Coop: This book explains all the things that you need to do before starting your DIY project.

There is also bonus material available for you which includes a Video Library and books that help you learn to talk chicken (A-Z), learn which chicken breed is best for your Lifestyle and Climate, how to build an Incubator and incubate your Chicks and how to build a Chicken Brooder and requirements of Brooding Chicks. The price of the whole package is $39.97. In case you don’t find the plans useful you can return the package within 60 days and get a full refund.

I Gotta Have The DIY Chicken Coop Guide Now!

Raising Chickens 101: A Chicken's Diet

Chickens that roam free mostly find food for themselves. They use much of their body to do so.

Picking worms from the ground is easy for chickens because of their sharp beak. Grubs and other little insects from the ground can be eaten by chickens. Chickens don’t have teeth so they can only eat smaller pieces of foods. Chickens kept mostly in a coop need to be fed grit to help them digest their food.

Their claws help also help them pick out their food from the ground. Chickens tear out weeds and gently dig for something to eat. Many farmers take advantage of this and make sure they tear out weeds that are in the way of what the farmer needs to get to. Then he/she doesn’t have to.

Chickens that mostly live in a coop or kept inside a run, eat some other foods too. They will eat grain, seeds, fruit, other vegetation, or insects. Chickens aren’t very picky when choosing what to eat so just giving them some leftovers from lunch is a very nice treat.

It’s very important for chickens to get enough calcium. A good amount of calcium for a hen will lead to healthy newborn chicks or yummy eggs, which leads to a happy farmer. The calcium helps for a harder egg shell.

Build A Chicken Coop In 3 Days

How To Build A Chicken Enclosure Properly

One of the most critical aspects of a chicken coop is to build a chicken enclosure properly. If you’re not taking action steps to protect your poultry house from predators, there will come a time when one may just wipe out your entire coop.

Many chicken farmers figure they are safe from this but they assume too quickly. Next thing they know they are suffering an attack and are really paying the price for not taking the time to build a chicken enclosure.

Here is what you need to know in order to build one properly.

Build At The Right Height

The first thing you must make sure you’re doing as you build a chicken enclosure is building at the right height. Remember that there are a number of larger predators out there that can easily climb over a shorter fence, so if you live in an area that these are found in, you need to build taller.

Go taller than you ever think you’d need too just to be safe. You have no idea how vicious some of these predators can be until they are right there attacking your chickens.

Use Strong Enough Materials

Second to the height issue, also make sure you’re using strong enough building materials. If you aren’t, expect that to also cause problems. Many predators weigh a considerable amount so often all it will take is them coming at it with a decent speed to knock it over.

In many cases, a solid wooden fence will be your best option.

Build Deep Enough

When you build a chicken enclosure, pay attention that you’re also going to be building it deep enough. While some animals primarily will try and climb the chicken fence, others will choose to dig underneath.

You must protect against this as well so be sure you build at least a foot into the ground if possible. This will make a big difference over time in how well you stay protected.

Get A Secure Door Closure

Finally, make sure you’re using a secure door closure. You would be shocked at the number of chicken farmers who put a great deal of time and effort into the process to build a chicken enclosure, but then put on an unsecured latch.

You will be going in and out through this door on a regular basis and that constant motion can eventually cause it to become lose, making it an easy ‘in’ for any predators.

You may even consider getting a lock for the latch if you’re really worried about predators, but this will be a unique and individual decision based on the area that you’re living in.

So, keep all of these points in mind as you build a chicken enclosure. This is one part of the process that you must not leave out – the health and life of your chickens depends on it.

How To Build A Chicken Coop

Raising Chickens: Precautions During Winter and Summer

Even though it seems like chickens are fragile creatures, they have certain characteristics that can let them survive through whatever weather may come. But you have to take note that not all chickens are alike.

While some can withstand winters, others preferred to sun bathe during summer sunshine. It will all depend on the weather that you are having when you decide to purchase the right kind of chicken so as not to waste money and time raising them and just have them end up in a chicken graveyard.

Winter

During wintertime or in cold weather days, never try heating your chickens just because you fear that they might catch a cold or freeze. You may find your flock dead in the morning. F.Y.I., chickens can adapt to extreme cold conditions because their body can change the metabolism as the cold weather approaches.

If you live in a place where winters are more prominent than summer or is literary winter all the time, you might as well take certain actions for your chickens that will not put any of your chicken’s lives in danger.

a. There is a risk that a chicken’s wattle and comb can be affected by frostbite. To avoid this, you can rub some petroleum jelly or any moisturizer every other day.

b. Look out for frozen water supply. You can’t deprive them of water. They will not drink from a frozen water outlet. Chickens can’t take water with impurities. It must always stay fresh and clean. You can take out a water heater so that the water stays in its liquid form. Or if you don’t have one, better bring the waterer inside the house then return it in the morning.

Summer

If you live in places where summer is the only known season, your chickens are prone to be exposed to excessive heat all the time. With this, they might be in risk to dehydration. The only thing that you have to look out for during summer is that their water supply never runs dry. It must always have clean water. Don’t let your chickens roam around without providing them a sort of shade. If there is no run, you can provide ventilation inside the pen.

During heat waves, hens would lay lesser eggs. If this occurs, it is a typical sign that your chicken is stressed because of the excessive heat. Their egg laying tendencies will go back to normal once the heat recedes.

If things get worse, you have to observe the behavior of your chickens. What are manifesting? If you’ve seen that one catches a cold or is acting a bit odd, isolate the chicken instantly to prevent further spread of the disease. Don’t forget to provide water and feed to the isolated animal.

Then, when things are manageable, consult with your vet. Tell him or her how your chicken/s are reacting. Are they having:

1. mites
2. abnormality in the stool (blood, worms and white droppings)
3. sneezing and teary eyes d. depressed
4. unable to mingle with the flock
5. loss of appetite

Tell your vet what you actually see so that he or she can give you the appropriate answer to your dilemma. These are only bits of areas that you have to ponder upon regarding raising your chickens in winter or summer atmospheres. It’s better to be safe than very sorry.

Easy D.I.Y. Chicken Coop Plans

Chicken Housing Tips

Figuring out some of the most important chicken housing tips will help you ensure that all the things you’re doing during the building process are ones that will help you out in the long run.

It’s quite frequent that chicken farmers make a few critical mistakes in the building process that eventually ends up costing them a great deal of time and frustration in the long run, so it’s a must that you get it right the first time around.

Having a good plan to follow will help guide your path so you’re much less likely to make mistakes along the way, but there are also a few other main things to consider.

Here are the chicken housing tips that you need to know.

Build A Large Enough Chicken Run

The first thing you need to make sure you’re getting right is building a large enough chicken run. The chicken run is going to be the primary way that your chickens get exercise so you don’t want them to be feeling overcrowded in this area.

You’re better off building the chicken run slightly larger than you think you’d need it since this will help give them a bit of extra space on top of what they actually require. Another advantage to doing so is it will help keep predators a farther distance from your actual chicken coop (of course you must also build a chicken fence as well).

Be Sure You’re Building A Good Base

Next, also be sure you’re taking the time to build a good base. This chicken housing tip is important because one of the largest areas that people run into problems with is the base they are using for their chicken coop.

Since this will determine the structural integrity of your overall coop, it’s something you don’t want to skimp out on.

Consider A Mobile Chicken Coop

Next, also think about mobile chicken housing options. This is becoming more and more popular among many people since then they can transport their chickens to wherever they need them to be.

It will be easier to build a mobile chicken coop if you’re only planning on keeping a few birds since the smaller size is easier to move around and will be less prone to wear and tear, so be sure you’re keeping that in mind also.

Don’t Overlook Location

Finally, also be sure you’re not overlooking the location when thinking about chicken housing. You want to build in an area that’s not too low lying otherwise water may collect around the base and this can cause big problems.

Also, be sure you’re building in an area that does get a decent amount of natural sunlight since that too will be necessary if you are to get fresh eggs on a daily basis.

So keep these points in mind. The process of building chicken housing doesn’t have to be overly complicated if you have a good plan to follow and take your time. You can save a great deal of money in the process so definitely don’t be frightened off by the thought.

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Keeping Chickens: Right Choice For You?

Raising chickens has become popular not just in farms, but also in many urban areas. It’s hardly surprising considering the amount of benefits one can have with the endeavor. You get a regular supply of eggs for food, not to mention that their manure has proven to be one of the cheapest and most effective organic fertilizers around. Chickens are also very potent when it comes to getting rid of pests in the garden.

It is important that you familiarize yourself with some facts and general guidelines in raising chickens before making a decision. I’ll enumerate them all one by one.

Raising Chickens Is Illegal In Some Cities.

You might do well to call your municipality and ask about the city laws that involve the matter of housing poultries. Doing a research on the internet can also yield some results. There might be limits on how many fowls you can keep, or how many square meters your hen house can occupy. You should also take into account the designated locations where you are allowed to raise poultry. Take heed of all these and make sure that you aren't breaking any laws in the process of raising your chickens.

Ask Your Neighbors First.

Chickens can be bothersome with their constant clucking, after all. If you're fortunate enough to get their approval, some conditions might also be raised and you'd best ensure that you meet them once you already have chickens prowling your backyard. Asking for approval is a very noble gesture, and prevents a rift from developing between you and your neighbors.

Choose The Breed Of Your Flock Wisely.

Most would prefer hens instead of roosters, for they are not as rowdy and noisy, not to mention that hens don't require roosters for them to lay eggs. Hens are the ultimate feminists, since they are very much comfortable without their male counterparts. As for breed selection, the "bantam" is more popular for their docile nature and gorgeous plumage. Their small size also makes them easier to handle. You also have to consider the size of a chicken's comb and wattle since these extra appendages are prone to frostbites during winter, which can cause health complications if not treated properly.

Set Up A Coop To House Your Pets.

A strong and high fence should be built around the vicinity to prevent potential predators from harassing your domestic fowls. The hen house should be warm and bright, has enough ventilation, but no draft. Placing a dirt pen is also essential for the chickens for their dust baths. A roost is also required since hens love to sleep off the ground, and nesting boxes (you can use any pliable box) to store the eggs as they come. And finally, a water dispenser and a food tray must be set up so they could feed and have their daily intake of water.

These are inexpensive and can be found in any feed store. Once your hens are settled in their homes, you have to feed them regularly and keep their surroundings clean.

Incredible Chickens! The Complete Guide To Raising Chickens At Home!

Building A Chicken Coop For Keeping Chickens

A chicken coop is instrumental in many important aspects of keeping chickens in the back yard. In this article, we're going to lay down the groundwork on how to build one that guarantees the safety of your poultry.

Building your own chicken coop shouldn't be expensive. Some owners spend up to $300 by purchasing a ready-made chicken coop, but keep in mind that you don't really have to spend that much if you are aware of all the important elements that a fully functioning coop requires. More often than not, you can get everything that you need in your own house!

Before you start building, it is advisable to do a sketch out of your design on a piece of paper. A little creativity can help, but if you are not the artistic type, you can find a lot of blueprints that you can use as a framework for the coop you are about to install. A site I would recommend for this is buildingacoop.com.

Once you are ready to install the coop, make sure that it is set up in a way that will make cleaning and disinfecting more efficient. For instance, a floor that is slightly sloped downwards towards the door can make it easier for water to flow outside when you hose down the coop.

If built correctly, the chicken coop can be very effective in protecting your chickens from outside elements. A coop should be safe from cold drafts, but also well ventilated. Too much moisture can cause ammonia to accumulate within the shelter and cause diseases. The general rule of thumb is to set up the door in a way that it opens inwards, so that the air can freely enter the shelter. Another technique is to position the coop in an area where it faces the sun. This allows the sun's heat to dry the ground and prevent too much moisture.

Having proper insulation installed around the walls can also help the chickens warm in winter and cool during summer, as well as keep them dry. This minimizes the chances of your chickens from getting sick. This is most important when the chickens you are raising are specifically meant for egg production.

The best way to keep your poultry safe from predators is to surround the shelter with strong chicken wire. Even the doors and windows should have a screening system for double protection. In the case of those that burrow or dig under the ground, burying chicken wire around the coop at least one foot below the soil should be able to prevent entry.

The waterers and feeders should have designated spots in the coop that are easily accessible. Keep in mind that chickens love to scratch with their feet, which can create quite a mess on the coop's surface. You can avoid this by setting up the waterers and feeders at the same level as their necks. This should keep spilling at a minimum. And don't forget to replace the water and food daily!

There are still many ways to improve on the living conditions of your poultry, but following what has been advised on this article should place you in the right direction.

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