Building a Chicken Coop Checklist
A list of things you need to check off before building your new chicken coop.
If you are seriously considering raising chickens in your yard, it is best to read and carefully evaluate each one of the following factors before you get your feet wet.
This is to make sure that you are prepared, willing, ready and able to do what needs to be done in order to get the most out of backyard chicken raising.
Space: Although you don’t have to build chicken coops as big as your home, chickens do need enough space to roam in. Make sure that there is enough space in your yard where they can do their thing.
Time: Although chickens need very little care you need the time to lock then in their coops safely at night and let out again in the morning. They also need to be given fresh water and feed daily. Coop cleaning can be done on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis depending on the number of chickens you have.
Cost: Although the initial investment may seem high due to feed costs and bedding expenses, chickens usually pay for themselves several times over with their daily eggs, poultry meat and the hours of enjoyment they bring as pets.
How Many: The number of chickens actually depends on the space you have available. The rule of thumb is to have 3 or more because of the quirky group mentality of chickens! And if you want roosters as well, the recommended ratio is 1 rooster for every 10 hens but you have to know that roosters are not necessary for hens to lay eggs!
Neighborhood Restrictions: Check if your town or city has restrictions on keeping chickens in your property before you start to build a chicken coop. As a courtesy to your neighbors, it is a good idea to tell them of your plan (especially if they are next door neighbors, more so if you have a rooster).
Free Ranging: As much as possible, make sure that your chickens can enjoy free ranging but ensure that their free ranging area is secure from predators, including your neighborhood dogs. If your chickens do not have a big enough area wherein they can free range, build them a secure pen since they need the fresh air and exercise.
There you are! These are the first steps towards raising chickens and building a chicken coop in your yard.
This is to make sure that you are prepared, willing, ready and able to do what needs to be done in order to get the most out of backyard chicken raising.
Space: Although you don’t have to build chicken coops as big as your home, chickens do need enough space to roam in. Make sure that there is enough space in your yard where they can do their thing.
Time: Although chickens need very little care you need the time to lock then in their coops safely at night and let out again in the morning. They also need to be given fresh water and feed daily. Coop cleaning can be done on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis depending on the number of chickens you have.
Cost: Although the initial investment may seem high due to feed costs and bedding expenses, chickens usually pay for themselves several times over with their daily eggs, poultry meat and the hours of enjoyment they bring as pets.
How Many: The number of chickens actually depends on the space you have available. The rule of thumb is to have 3 or more because of the quirky group mentality of chickens! And if you want roosters as well, the recommended ratio is 1 rooster for every 10 hens but you have to know that roosters are not necessary for hens to lay eggs!
Neighborhood Restrictions: Check if your town or city has restrictions on keeping chickens in your property before you start to build a chicken coop. As a courtesy to your neighbors, it is a good idea to tell them of your plan (especially if they are next door neighbors, more so if you have a rooster).
Free Ranging: As much as possible, make sure that your chickens can enjoy free ranging but ensure that their free ranging area is secure from predators, including your neighborhood dogs. If your chickens do not have a big enough area wherein they can free range, build them a secure pen since they need the fresh air and exercise.
There you are! These are the first steps towards raising chickens and building a chicken coop in your yard.
Building a Chicken Coop
A guide on building your own coop.
A guide on building your own coop.
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