Cattle

Archive for August 7th, 2009

There are a number of factors involved when considering your chickens’ health and your chicken coop plans are an integral part of keeping them healthy.  For the most part, chickens will take care of themselves, but they do need to be checked on regularly the make sure the basic necessities and temperature are taken care of.<p>

Chickens produce the best when they are clean, safe and happy. Having automatic water, that is well placed, would be ideal, although not necessary and placing the food at the right height for feeding will help with the mess (chickens will put their feet up on, or in, the food if not set up high enough and create a large mess on the floor with the droppings).  <p>
 

By supplying electricity you create not only warmth but adequate light in the winter months so that your hens continue to produce the eggs that you want more consistently.  Lighting is also key if you are considering raising chicks.  They will need extra attention and lots of additional warmth in the winter.

Adequate ventilation, without being drafty, is a must for the health of the chickens as well.  You need to keep it ventilated to remove the methane from the droppings while keeping it from being drafty and getting your chickens sick.  Insulation is also very important in certain climates.  Chickens are very similar to humans in these respects. 

Also include a chicken door and ramp to enter, enough perches for your chickens as well as nesting boxes and easy cleaning, when you are choosing from the chicken coop plans. This will help you keep the smell to a minimum, save yourself time and keep your chickens healthy.