Chicken Coop Basics

There are certain things that every chicken coop should have to make sure you are raising happy and healthy chickens. Nobody wants to have a bunch of unhappy chickens running around, part of the reason of raising chickens is because they are so much fun! So let me get into some of the basics that every chicken coop needs to have.

First off, you need a roost. Chickens love to sleep in the highest place in the chicken coop because it makes them feel the safest. Your roost should leave the chickens enough head room also so they aren't bumping their heads when jumping up or down. Don't worry about having excess space on each side of your chickens while sleeping, because they like to huddle up with each other to stay warm and feel safe.

If you do not have a floor you need to have fencing buried under the dirt so no animals can dig their way into the coop, and make sure the coop and chicken run are all fenced in, especially if you know there are predators in your area.

Proper spacing for each chicken is required so they can lay their eggs and just feel comfortable. So make sure you have at least 3 square feet for each chicken you have living in your coop, most people give them at least 4, but if you are cramped for space, 3 is alright.

You will also need a water heater so their water does not freeze if the temperature falls below freezing levels.

The Other Basics of Chicken Coop

There are not many, but there are definitely a few requirements that all chicken coops should have if you are intending on keeping your chickens happy and healthy. So pay attention to these requirements or you will have some unhappy and probably unhealthy chickens!

First off, you need a roost. Chickens love to sleep in the highest place in the chicken coop because it makes them feel the safest. Your roost should leave the chickens enough head room also so they aren't bumping their heads when jumping up or down. Don't worry about having excess space on each side of your chickens while sleeping, because they like to huddle up with each other to stay warm and feel safe.

If you do not have a floor you need to have fencing buried under the dirt so no animals can dig their way into the coop, and make sure the coop and chicken run are all fenced in, especially if you know there are predators in your area.

Another very important feature to your chicken coop is proper spacing. Your chicken coop needs to have at least three square feet for every chicken you have. Your feeder should be placed around the height of your chickens' backs. You will also need a water heater so their water does not freeze if the temperature falls below freezing levels. Make sure that your coop has good air ventilation. You need to have a couple windows or vents to keep fresh air flowing through your coop, this will make sure your chickens don't get sick from bad air. As I have said before, your chickens will go to the bathroom a lot, so if there isn't a nice air flow it will get unhealthy in your coop.

Basics You Require To Know Regarding Large Chicken Coop Plans

You'll find that many chicken coop plans differ from size to size and shape to shape. The size of your yard and the number of birds you plan to keep should be the determining factors in your choice of large chicken coop plans or small ones. Make sure to choose large chicken coop plans if you're planning to own more than 6 chickens at a time. Choosing the design of the chicken coop is the next step since the size of the coop has now been chosen.

Choosing large chicken coop plans really isn't that hard if you know what you're looking for. Even choosing the materials you'll use to build your coop is totally and completely up to you. No matter how you choose to create the coop chances are you won't need many more tools that the nails and hammer.

Something that's cool about making your own large chicken coop plans is that you can sell them for profit after you've made your own coop! Simply create a website and put it up so others can visit to purchase your already made chicken coop plans. Local hardware stores might even be interested in selling your plans too. Whether it's small or large chicken coop plans you choose to go with, the bottom line is affordability and usefulness. Grab your plans, your tools and your materials and make your birds a great chicken coop today!