Sunday, October 23, 2011

Chicken Coop Plans - 3 Essential Tips For Choosing Chicken Coop Plans

By Eric Moore


So you're ready to build a chicken coop but aren't quite sure where to start. This is a common problem that you can easily address by looking for chicken coops plans either online or in the store. The problem is that there are so many different things that need to be done in order for the chicken coop to be a success. For one thing, you need to make sure that there is a place for the chickens to nest.

When you are looking at chicken coops plans, they tell you to place roosts in the coop, but they don't tell you whether you should use homemade roosts or if you should but them. You can do whatever you want, but when you are building a chicken coop you might want to consider building the roosts yourself. If you buy them from the store they will be made of thin metal, and are therefore prone to having jagged edges. These edges could prove hazardous for your feathered friends, so take this into account when you are building.

Ask about the wood used in the structure as well. Pressure treated wood that is proof against termites will often have arsenic in it. If you order a run with your chicken coop kit, make sure it won't be made of chicken wire. Predators can often easily tear through chicken wire.

Beginning Your Project
Once your new chicken coop kit arrives, count all materials against the shippers manifest. It might seem silly, but many people forget this and find themselves halfway through a chicken coop project with missing parts.
Rather than risk high blood pressure during your hen house build, it is easier to catch the problem early and get it corrected.
Be sure you consider the chicken coop's location in your yard carefully. A spot that is protected from the elements is important. Even portable "chicken tractors" need a place to park in bad weather.

Finally you will need to devise a way for the chickens to leave their coop. This is a very important part of a chicken coops plan because the chickens need to be exposed to natural light throughout the day. You will also need to decide what type of wire you want to use for the pen. There are various types of chicken wire and you will want to choose something that your chickens cannot easily poke their heads through.

Have Fun
Keeping chickens is a popular, growing hobby. Many people find that chickens not only pay for themselves in eggs, but are great pets too. Not only is it a lot of fun for the family, but it can become a business as well.
First timers are amazed at the variety of beautifully feathered and exotic birds available, and what started as a hobby can quickly become an obsession.
Be sure to make your first chicken house as large as space and budget allow. You will probably end up with more hens than you expected and they'll appreciate the space.
If you have a bit more confidence in your construction abilities, you might want to take a look at Chicken Coop Plans.




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