Chicken coops have become a fairly common staple in backyards everywhere. The allure of having pets that eat pests and provide fresh eggs is appealing. Chicken coops require significant upkeep and must be maintained and cleaned to ensure your hens are safe, healthy, and happy. Here is what you need to know when creating the perfect paradise for your new feathered friends.
Chicken Coops: Build or Buy
Chicken coops vary in shape and size depending on the number of inhabitants and available space. Whether you choose to piece together a prefabricated coop or get crafty and build your own, it’s important to ensure that your chickens have a safe space to live.
Buy
Chicken coops can be built with prefabricated pieces just like any furniture that comes in a box. These chicken coops are inexpensive and may not last very long, but they provide an easy way for new chicken owners to raise chicks and get used to caring for them as they grow. Be sure to check the product dimensions when shopping for a chicken coop. Many coops are intended to house baby chicks and are too small for more than 1-2 full-grown hens. A coop should have roughly 4 to 8 square feet of floor space per chicken in addition to one nesting box for every three chickens. This 80-inch coop is an ideal size for two or three chickens.
Build
If you are feeling handy and want to commit to caring for chickens long-term, you may want to build your own coop. It may seem like a daunting project, but it is fairly simple and allows you to create a customized space for your new feathered friends. There are plenty of how-to guides and videos to guide your project. Constructing your own coop also ensures that the structure is made with quality materials that will withstand weather conditions.
Talk To Your Township And Neighbors
Townships have unique regulations regarding who can and cannot have chickens on their property. Be sure to check with your township before you begin your journey with chicken coops. Also, let your neighbors know about your new adventure, and consider offering them fresh eggs in the future!
Fun fact: Female hens will produce eggs without a rooster. The eggs will not be fertilized and cannot produce chicks.
Stay Tuned
There is a lot to learn when starting your journey as a new chicken owner. Once you have your chicken coop assembled, it is time to do some interior decorating. Stay tuned to learn what you should put inside your chicken coop to create a cozy home for your new feathered friends.
