For those short on time or unsure having a hammer, a hen home kit is usually a terrific solution to get began on a backyard flock. A set of plans show you the best way to put the kit together, which comes with wood cut to specs, all hardware necessary, etc. Some kits are so inclusive, they consist of everything needed, down to the paintbrush!
The size of the kit you purchase ought to be decided by the number of chickens you program to residence. A normal 4'x4' coop will home 3-4 normal sized hens comfortably. Each and every adult chicken requirements about 4 square feet of space and you can figure square footage by multiplying the number of feet (4 by four = 16 square feet).
Hens also necessary access to exercise so they are able to get fresh air and sunshine. So you need to have a chicken run as component of your coop.
Most coop kits do not include the chicken run, which is mainly fencing. The run can in some cases be bought separately or you could add one your self working with a simple wood frame and beneficial wire.
Pay attention to the specs of your kit prior to buy. Ensure the manufacturer didn't consist of space in their measurement which is not useable space for the hens. Just as your home's living space doesn't contain measurements of bathrooms and closets, a coop's nesting boxes and roosting spaces aren't included in the hens' living space.
Be sure to ask about the wood used in the structure. There is arsenic in pressure treated wood . If your kit includes a run, be sure the walls of the run aren't made of chicken wire. Chicken wire isn't proof against predators like dogs and raccoons.
Be confident to check all materials, once your kit arrives, against the manifest. It is better to catch a problem now than to find out halfway through your project that you might be missing parts.
Rather than risk high blood pressure during your hen home build, it's easier to catch the problem early and get it corrected.
Choose the coop's location carefully. Unless you are utilizing a movable "chicken tractor", you are going to want a place that is going to deliver protection from the elements.
Chickens require both sunshine and access to shade inside the summertime. In cold climates, they will also require protection from weather.
Think about protection from the known predators inside your location as well. Raccoons and skunks that smell chicken won't be deterred by a straightforward slid lock. Something more secure, like a padlock, may well be necessary to maintain the raccoons out.
Keeping chickens is a popular, growing hobby. Hens might be both great pets as well as a source of fresh eggs. It is fun for the whole family and could even become a small business.
The number of breeds available generally surprises first-time chicken keepers.
Be confident to make your first hen house as big as space and budget allow. You'll probably end up with more hens than you expected and they'll appreciate the space.
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You really should take an appear at chicken coop plans when you are beneficial at building things oneself.