subject: 7 Critical Areas for Hen Ark Plans [print this page] 7 Critical Areas for Hen Ark Plans 7 Critical Areas for Hen Ark Plans
In this article we will review the basics of hen ark plans. If you have been following my original articles online about hen ark plans, I have covered different aspects of building small to large sized arks. I have also covered basics like what materials are to be included in your materials list. A complete material list will be important for calculating your cost for your hen ark construction.
In your hen ark plans you will also need to plan for functionality as well as your materials. In our previous articles we covered various functions like safety, access, egress, square footage per chicken, ventilation, housing, weather protection of various types. I will touch a little about each of these basic functions for a quick overview.
Safety
When you are reviewing hen ark plans you must think of safety. Chickens are very susceptible to predators because they are very docile animals. A lot of predators such as foxes, weasels, dogs, cats, hawks, owls are some of the predators that will prey on your chickens if left unprotected. In your plans I would recommend adding latches with locks if not included. I would also check for the gauge of wire and increase the size if you are in a higher risk area.
Access
The access of your chickens and the functionality of maintenance should be considered. You are going to need access daily to clean and feed your chickens so the easier you can get in and out of your ark the better.
Egress
The egress in your ark should allow for you not only to be able to get in but to get out of your hen ark. Have you ever put your hand in a cookie jar and grabbed a hand full of cookies and couldn't get your hand out. If you can picture that example then you can understand what I mean about egress of your ark.
Square Footage
Your hen ark plans should also include the square foot per chicken formula. The general rule for egg laying chickens is 2 square feet per chicken or more depending on your available space. This square footage will allow for your chickens to be comfortable enough to be productive egg layers.
Ventilation
Ventilation is as important as any other component when you are building. New chicken ranchers might forget that chickens kept in an enclosed hut or housing unit need proper ventilation. In adequate ventilation could cause toxic fume build up from the waste produced by the chickens and be harmful enough to cause sickness and sometimes death.
Housing
The housing style you are going to choose should allow for your chickens to have the use of all the square footage it can get. Chickens don't need a fancy structure, but they do need adequate space.
Weather Protection
I would recommend that your hen ark plans are weather protection compliant. Depending on the region you live in be aware of the weather conditions and make sure your hen ark plans allow for your area's weather changes and your chickens needs.
