Whether you have a farm or simply want a few animals, many homeowners are purchasing chicken coops. These smaller buildings are built in order to properly house chickens and other similar animals. However, it can be understandably confusing for someone to set up a chicken coop for the first time. With that in mind, here are five tips for successfully setting up a chicken coop.
- Selecting the Right Coop Style
One of the most important coop decisions is choosing the right style. While you’ll have many options, many prefer a Quaker style chicken coop. You’ll find that Quaker style chicken coops feature a unique roof style. In turn, this provides ample space for your animals. In addition, Quaker style chicken coops provide plenty of ventilation which is beneficial for keeping animals healthy. - Elevation is Important
While you might purchase and install a chicken coop during the summer, conditions might soon change. Therefore, it’s important to have your chicken coops elevated a few feet off of the ground. In turn, this helps to ensure that your chickens remain dry during rainstorms. Building or installing a simple ramp will allow your animals to easily get in and out of their coop. - Try to Place a Coop in the Shade
You’ll likely have several potential areas for your chicken coop. With that in mind, it’s important to find a spot offering lots of shade. If possible, try to place your chicken coop near a large tree in your yard. Your animals will receive plenty of sunlight while also having shady areas. - Choosing the Right Type of Coop Lighting
It’s important to ensure that your coops have proper lighting. However, it’s tough for animals to receive this lighting during the winter. Therefore, you’ll want to place internal lighting inside of your coops. If chicken’s don’t receive enough light, it’s harder for them to produce eggs. - Keeping Your Coop Secure
You’ll want to make sure that your coop is properly secured during the night. Unfortunately, many predatory animals can stalk your yard during this time. However, implementing some type of locking system will ensure that any potential predators remain at bay. Best of all, you can easily unlock your coop during the day.
To summarize, there are important tips to follow while setting up your chicken coop. If you’re looking for quality materials, consider finding Amish chicken coops for sale. These types of coops are typically built from either oak, cherry, walnut, maple, or hickory wood. In addition, it only takes an average of eight weeks to have new or custom Amish furnishings built. One study found that 95.1% of people expect furniture to last for many years. If you’re looking for long lasting chicken coops, consider those built by the Amish.