Show Some Imagination When Building Chicken Pens

When building chicken pens there is plenty of room for innovation. Before starting however, ensure that the local authorities allow you to keep chickens in your area. There may be building bylaws which will need to be complied with.

The number of chickens you wish to house will determine the size of the coop. Some breeds can be quite nervous. If they are good fliers as well and you intend to build a large, open pen, you may need to put wire over the top. It is a good idea to bury the sides of the pen into the ground. This will stop predators from digging under the fences and gaining access to your birds. Alternatively, netting can be placed over the floor.

Chickens should not be over-crowded. Birds with a gentle nature will be intimidated by more aggressive breeds. They will be bossed away from food, water and nest boxes. If too many birds are crammed into a coop they will not produce as well as they might otherwise.

Part of the coop needs to be covered to provide protection from the elements. There should be a nest box for every four hens. In really cold weather, it is possible for the combs of birds to show signs of having been frost-bitten. A warm hen-house is very important in really cold areas. Good ventilation is also necessary if birds are not to get sick.

Chickens will become ill if kept continually in damp, muddy conditions. Make sure the hen-house is dry. Install roosts so the birds have somewhere to perch at night. It is a good idea to build a pen which can be moved onto fresh ground from time to time. This will allow the occupants to scratch and forage for themselves. Most breeds enjoy being allowed to range freely. Once they have become accustomed to their coop, they will return of their own accord each evening.

If you have plenty of room you can design a hen-house in the center of a circular area with several pens radiating out from the coop. The hens can scratch and feed in one yard for some weeks then be moved to the next. The yard they've just left can now be planted with vegetables. It will be devoid of weeds and vegetation and will be manured with the droppings from the birds. After harvest, the birds can have the pleasure of cleaning up the vegetable garden.

You can build a hen-house from cheap timber from lumber or salvage yards. Offcuts of chicken netting may also be available. By placing second-hand carpet on the roof and walls, the hen-house will be well insulated. Wood shavings or straw can be used on the floor and as lining for the nests. When eventually it is time to clean out the hen-house there will be plenty of fowl manure mixed with the bedding. This will be of great benefit in the garden.

Be sure to have plenty of fresh water. An automatic watering system will make life easier. Chicken hoppers can be used to ensure the birds are never without feed. Commercial chicken coops may incorporate a small covered area and a floorless covered yard. These are often called 'chicken tractors' and are easily moved. Building chicken pens can be a lot of fun.