As part of the growing trend toward locally grown food and self-sufficiency, people living in towns and suburbs are choosing to keep chickens in their backyards. This hobby combines the enjoyment of caring for lively birds with the satisfaction of producing fresh, healthy eggs. If you’ve decided to keep poultry, you may wish purchase one of the many flat-packed chicken coops for sale online. These vary in terms of design, size and materials with some models providing better ventilation and lighting.
The design of the coop can make a big difference to you and your chickens. The hen house should be raised off the ground to prevent damp and to keep rodents at bay. An attached ramp will allow the chickens easy access. A pull-out tray beneath the nesting area facilitates cleaning. A nesting box with a lift-up lid that opens from the outside lets you check for eggs without disturbing your hens.
The size of coop you will need depends on how many chickens you intend to keep in it. In a coop consisting of an enclosed nesting area and a covered run, each laying hen requires about 6 square feet of space. A coop that is 6 foot long by 4 foot wide is 24 square feet and can comfortably house 4 chickens.
A coop made from top quality materials will be sturdy enough to protect the chickens from wind and weather as well as predators. The wood panels should be at least half an inch thick and treated with a water-repellent wood preserver. The sides of the run should be made of galvanized steel wire.
Good ventilation is vital in a chicken coop. It allows moisture to evaporate, helping to prevent poultry diseases brought on by damp conditions. It also prevents gases such as ammonia from building up to toxic levels. To keep chickens from being subjected to cold drafts, ventilation panels should be located under the roof of nesting area.
Exposing the nesting area to light will encourage the hens to lay more and better eggs. The coop should have at least one glass or Perspex window which will provide the chickens with sunlight all year round. Ideally this should be on hinges so that it can be opened in summer for extra ventilation.
When comparing the prices of chicken coops for sale, be sure to take the materials and features into account. A well-designed, sturdy coop which will protect your hens from predators and increase their length and quality of life will cost more than a basic model. Keep in mind that a compromise on quality at the outset can lead to further expenses in the long run.
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