subject: Raising Chicken Tips: Requirements For Building A Coop [print this page] A coop is what you usually call a chicken's house. It is their kingdom! A hen's castle. So you need to make sure to keep their house maintained at a four star accreditation for this will help the chickens grow healthy and happy. Consequently, to keep it the way it ought to be, you will find particular requirements to cope up with to construct a coop that will gratify both you and your chickens. You, the poultry owner, of all people ought to understand this.
Requirement #1
Concerning its design, the coop should be safe from any kind of predator. Each single angle in the pen - sides, below and above, should be set up to endure the wrath and longing of predators who are constantly on the lookout for a free meal. When selecting a wire mesh, be certain it's the correct one. Predators are more than one. They search within the area of your coop unnoticed just waiting for the time when they can attack. You need to make sure that the coop is impenetrable because a few predators like raccoons simply reach out for their prey, effortlessly.
Requirement #2
In connection with requirement number 1, this is really a continuation. Apart from predators, you have to protect the coop from those awful rats. They burrow through the ground and surface from below. If the coop floor isn't blocked, these rodents will slip into the hen's quarters. Rodents are attracted to the food you're giving your chickens and also the droppings they excrete.
Requirement #3
The way in which you build your coop must not be drafty or breezy. Eventually, seasons will alter and so would the weather. That's why; your coop should be able to endure any type of natural effects.
Requirement #4
Roosting poles should be provided for your hens to slumber. It must have an approximate 2-inch wide rounded edges. You allocate an 8 to 10 inch area between every bird. Put nest boxes to promote egg laying. One nest box is comparable to three to four chickens. Position the boxes inches above the ground. Don't allow it touch the soil. Put these nesting boxes somewhere private where no one can bother them whilst they're doing their thing. Safety is the very first policy one should follow.
Requirement #5
Your coop should be roomy. Spacious. You need to allot at least 3 square feet for every bird. There ought to also be space where the feeder and the waterer can hang to which is 7-8 inches above the ground.
Requirement #6
The coop should be accessible for the owner's sake ONLY. Predators and rodents not allowed. Easy accessibility can help you clean the coop to ensure that bacteria and bugs don't fester.
