Keeping backyard chickens is one of the fasted-growing hobbies in America.
Have you considered jumping on the bandwagon and adding a flock to your backyard?
There are so many benefits to having chickens beyond just the eggs. They can provide a great learning experience for your children, act as food recyclers, and keep insect populations down.
Keeping chickens can be simple once you have the right set up. Let’s take a look at permanent and temporary chicken coop housing options for your birds.
Basic Design Considerations for Chicken Shelter
Housing for chickens can come in all shapes and sizes, but there are some basic considerations you’ll want to keep in mind when you design your coop.
The basic functions of a chicken coop are to provide adequate shelter, sunlight, ventilation, and protection from predators.
Firstly, you’ll want the coop to be big enough for how many birds you have. If your birds have access to at least three square feet of outdoor space per chicken, you’ll need at least one square foot per bird inside the coop. Remember to anticipate future growth if you intend on having more chickens in the future.
It’s highly recommended to let your birds have outdoor space, but if they don’t, you’ll need to allow three square feet per chicken.
The door to coops for chickens should be at least nine inches tall and nine inches wide.
Inside the coops, you’ll want to provide things like nest boxes, perches, and dust boxes.
Types of Housing for Chickens
Depending on how big your yard is, you might opt to have both permanent and temporary chicken coops for your flock.
Permanent Chicken Coops
One of the most common ways to keep chickens in your backyard is by having a static coop and run. In this style, the coops have a floor and must be mucked out by the owner. The run area can become contaminated by too much manure and the vegetation can get depleted quickly.
Another permanent chicken coop option is a greenhouse during the winter in cold climates. The sides will need to be boarded up at least two feet to contain deep bedding, and a four-foot fence will be necessary to protect the plastic.
Temporary Chicken Coops
A common form of a temporary chicken coop is the chicken tractor. These coops don’t have floors and are small and movable. These coops can either be sized in order to house a certain number of chickens or to fit over garden beds.
Other temporary coop options are pastured poultry pens and mobile chicken coops. There are plenty of designs available online if you want to build a coop yourself.
A Temporary Chicken Coop Might Be the Right Solution for Your Flock
There are several drawbacks to having a static chicken coop and run for your birds. Having a temporary chicken coop can be best for both the health of your flock and your yard. Choosing an open-air chicken coop design can help provide proper ventilation and ensure you have happy chickens.
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