Keeping chickens at home for eggs

Choosing a chicken coop - a guide in what to look for

Raising and keeping chickens as a hobby or as a small micro-enterprise can be fun, but it is important to buy a coop or build one properly in order to reap the full benefits.

Wooden chicken coops

Check the timber. Look forward that is not to thick or thin; 2 to 3 cm in thickness is ideal. Weight is a consideration, you do not want your henhouse to be so heavy that you cannot move it. Wheels attached to the base of the coup can be used to move the coop around.

Select Tanalized, protimized or cuprinoled would because wood treated with these products can better withstand weathering conditions. Look for pressure treated woods as these will have the maximum degree of protection. If you are building a coop , make sure that you choose dry wood and that any toxic materials have dried completely. If you are going to protect the wood yourself, by a product that is not harmful to the animals. You should check the toxicity of any products that you use with the salesperson specifically about any environmental laws in the UK concerning whether rising products. Take note that the product that is not harmful to bats as they are protected by law in the UK and builders are required to use products in roofing timbers that will not harm them.

Below you will find a few helpful hints about other features of a chicken coop. Just like humans, chickens need a good roof over their heads and a nice clean floor.

Roofs and installation

When constructing your roof, allow enough wood to overhang over the walls of the coop. Create a pitch aiming towards the rear of the house so that water can throw away from the entrance. Use a product like Onduline which is quite an attractive, tough and light corrugated product to cover the roof and include sufficient installation so that the roof is pest free - you do not want the roof space to be a home for ticks and mites. Another tip is to make sure that there are hinges on the roof as this will help you get easy access to the coop.

Flooring

Pay attention to the floor. It warmth is what you are after, use a solid wooden floor. For cleanliness, consider placing slats so that the faeces and waste can drop through. Why am mesh can be helpful to keep rodents away.

Windows and doors

Windows and doors are essential to any coop. The entrance to the coop, called the "pop-hole" allows the birds to enter and exit their home. Make the pop hole at least 25 cm x 30 cm or 30 cm 38 cm for bigger hens. You should be able to for some any doors, windows and holes securely.

Create a ramp that can be opened and closed like a door to keep our and invited guests out. You will also want to create mesh covered windows so that nice cool air can enter during the hot periods. Again, for protection from the elements and predators, build the ventilation system that can be closed when necessary.

Perches and nest boxes

To the best part of any house -  the bedroom and living room. Just like humans, chickens love to sleep and hang out, so perches and nests are essential. Allow 20-30 cm per bird on the perch and make sure that the perch is big enough and high enough for them to perch up on. You do not want your hens feeling that they are walking a tightrope, perching on their nests or sitting above another chickens head. Hens like a little privacy when laying, allow one nest box per three hens and place your nest box in a dark area. Use non-toxic wood and shavings for the nest box so that you are event mite, mould, toxicity and a disease called 'Farmer's Lung' (Aspergillus fumigatus). Farmers lung can be harmful to both chickens and humans.

Just like your roof, pitch your nest box backwards so that the collecting bay protects the eggs from the hens eating or picking them and that it is easily accessible for you to collect each day.

Easy henhouse cleaning

Finally, a word about building with cleanliness in mind. Buy or build your chicken coop with wheels or slats so that you can move it around if necessary. Construct the walls, roof and perch so that it breaks down or slides down easily for cleaning. By adding a board or thick plastic underneath the perch, you will catch all the bird droppings which will save you lots of cleaning time. Construct a box with a cover to hold the chicken droppings as it makes excellent fertiliser! Lastly, keep a good sturdy brushed or dustpan handy for daily cleaning tasks.

I hope that these cleaning tips will save you a lot of time and effort so that you can enjoy your chickens more.