How Do You Choose The Perfect Chicken Coop For Your Chickens?
To start raising chickens, one of the first actions will be to acquire a suitable chicken coop, where the birds can rest and take refuge. This choice must consider the number and size of the chickens, as well as the characteristics of the environment in which they will be raised. Here are some tips for choosing the perfect chicken coop for your chickens:
5 tips for choosing the perfect chicken coop for your hens
If you’re thinking about having fresh eggs every day, remember the following tips:
1. How many chickens do you intend to raise in each chicken house?
Planning is everything when it comes to choosing the right chicken coop for your chickens. One of the most important steps will be to define the number of birds that will be in the coop.
After all, there are chicken coops of various sizes available on the market and it will be necessary to choose one that provides a comfortable space for the animals.
In general, it is recommended to calculate a minimum space of one square meter for four or five chickens. In specialized stores, you can find everything from mini chicken coops that are ideal for 8 to 10 birds to large, heavy chicken coops that can house up to 30 chickens.
Remember that birds need space to develop and maintain balanced behavior. In addition, we recommend that you prefer chicken coops constructed of strong and highly durable materials.
2. Where will your chicken house be located?
Chicken house location and environmental conditions also play a key role in choosing the best product. If the chicken coop is outdoors, it should have a covered place where the birds can protect themselves from the rain. Furthermore, it is essential to pay attention to your region’s microclimate.
Chickens are sensitive to climate change and cold, and can get sick easily if they do not have adequate shelter. Therefore, if your region has very harsh winters, it is essential to have a chicken house that has at least a warm environment.
Currently, many brands already produce variations of ‘winter’ and ‘summer’ chicken coops, but prices are generally high. There are plywood chicken coops that are very attractive due to the price. However, they are only suitable for warmer climates.
3. Consider the need to move the chicken coop
Eventually, it may be necessary to move the chicken coop, either for a move, a possible renovation or to carry out a more thorough cleaning. With that in mind, many experienced breeders choose to purchase mobile chicken coops to be able to move them more easily.
In specialized stores, there is an important variety of mobile chicken coops, some more compact, others more elaborate. However, the most successful variety are wheeled structures.
Another excellent option, but a little more expensive and larger, are trailer-style chicken coops. These structures are manufactured with small wheels that facilitate their transport, being used even for the export of birds between different establishments.
4. Don’t forget to complement your chicken coop
Depending on the purpose of your chicken rearing, the chicken coop must be complemented with certain accessories. Undoubtedly, the most important of them is regarding the laying of eggs, an essential process for these birds.
Hens need shelter inside the chicken coop, where they feel comfortable and safe to lay their eggs. Therefore, it is necessary to install nests that must measure at least 25 x 25 cm and contain straw inside.
The chicken house must also have an environment where the birds can rest to recharge their energy. For this, a type of perch where the birds usually sleep must be installed. In addition, it is necessary to define the eating area and ensure that it is at a minimum distance from the rest and stool areas.
It is also recommended to incorporate a good size litter box in the chicken coop, as the hens have fun and clean themselves in the sand. Furthermore, it is a very easy accessory to install.
5. Plan your budget with time to choose the right chicken coop
To choose the perfect chicken coop for your chickens, a certain economic solvency will also be essential. To give you an idea, purchasing and equipping a chicken coop can cost between 1,800 to 4,200 reais, depending on size and quality.
All this without mentioning the cost of purchasing the chickens and the necessary care in terms of hygiene and health.
For this reason, before deciding to start this activity, remember to plan your budget well and analyze the pros and cons of investing in raising chickens.
