While there are people who build their chicken coop, others want to buy the same. Today, you can browse online and choose from the readymade coops online. These coops get built in a way that it can keep a flock of two and six birds. To know more about this, you can get in touch with www.thatchickencoop.com.
Today, you will find several online service providers that specialize in chicken coops. Before you make a purchase, ensure that the coop has the best features, such as:
- The coop should secure the chickens from wind, rain, and sun.
- The coop needs to be spacious. The coop space needs to be about 4ft and 2 inches and the run space about 6ft and 2inches for every bird.
- The coop should also provide security from the predators. You feel that predators like raccoons and coyotes don't frequent your locality. You need to check once again. Chances are the moment they sense a chicken's presence; they might make themselves visible. Hence, the coop needs to be predator-proof. Ensures that the doors lock securely. The coop openings should get covered with a stiff wire. In place of chicken wire, go ahead and use a small opening to keep the predators away. The run fencing wires must go underground for keeping the diggers out.
- The coop should be well ventilated. The correct air flow inside the coop will minimize heat, moisture, and ammonia. Humidity is usually more during the cold weather, which can lead to frostbites and respiratory ailments. Hence, it is essential to ensure that the ventilation in the coop is close to the roof to facilitate oxygen flow and avert draft.
- Generally, the chickens tend to sleep off and up the ground. The wooden dowels and boards, tree branches, and old wooden ladders are a good option. Do you stay in a cold climate? If yes, then it is essential to ensure that chickens rest flat on their feet when they roost. That helps them to cover their feet with the body and stay secured from frostbite.
- You should also manage the nesting boxes! Hens need privacy to lay eggs. You should provide the nesting boxes and keep it off the ground. It will give them a secure and quiet location for laying eggs. Usually, the nesting boxes are dresser drawers, buckets, wine barrels, and milk crates.
- Make sure that the coop has clean bedding. When you release the waste, it minimizes parasites and illnesses. If you want, you can customize the bedding as well.
