Chicken coop kits can be a great way to begin your backyard chicken farm if you are short on time or insecure about your ability with a hammer. The kits come complete with wood cut to specs, all hardware needed, and a set of plans. Some companies include everything down to a paintbrush.
Of course you will need to provide some exercise area for the chickens to be able to get fresh air and sunshine, and to give them a chance to scratch around and just be “chickens”. This will require a chicken run be attached to the coop.
Most chicken coop kits do not include the chicken run area. It can be purchased separately, or you can add one yourself with a simple wood frame and some good gauge wire.
When you are purchasing your chicken coop kit, pay close attention to the specs on the coop. Some manufacturers will include space in their measurement that is not useable space for the chickens. In your home the square footage does not usually include bathrooms and closet space, and in a chicken coop nest boxes and roosting space should not be included as living space.
Query the manufacturer as to the type of wood used in their structures. Wood that has been pressure treated to prevent rot and termites can contain arsenic. Also, if you order a run with your chicken coop kit, make sure it won’t be outfitted with chicken wire. Chicken wire is easily torn through by neighborhood dogs and other predators.
If you check the list and contact the manufacturer for replacements first, your blood pressure doesn’t go up nearly as much as when you are in the midst of the project and have to wait.
Pick a place for your chicken coop in your yard. Unless you ordered a movable “chicken tractor”, you will need a spot that is going to provide protection from the elements.
The chickens, like all creatures, will need some sunshine, but also need shade in the summer heat. If you live in a cold climate, you will want to take into consideration placement that will give some protection from the north wind.
Also plan for protection from the known predators in your area. A slide bolt is no match for a raccoon that smells chickens. Raccoons are smart; you may need to consider a padlock on your coop at night to protect against them.
First time chicken buyers are amazed at the variety of beautifully feathered and exotic birds available, and what started as a hobby has become an obsession.
So make your first chicken coop kit the largest that you can afford. Your first chickens will appreciate the extra space, and a few chickens later it may become really crowded.
Source: chickencoopplansonline.com/chicken-coop-kits
Choosing your Kit
The size of the kit you buy should be directly related to the number of chickens you plan to house. A standard 4’x4’ coop will house 3-4 standard size hens comfortably. Each adult needs 4 square feet of space, and the 4’x4’ coop provides 16 square feet.Of course you will need to provide some exercise area for the chickens to be able to get fresh air and sunshine, and to give them a chance to scratch around and just be “chickens”. This will require a chicken run be attached to the coop.
Most chicken coop kits do not include the chicken run area. It can be purchased separately, or you can add one yourself with a simple wood frame and some good gauge wire.
When you are purchasing your chicken coop kit, pay close attention to the specs on the coop. Some manufacturers will include space in their measurement that is not useable space for the chickens. In your home the square footage does not usually include bathrooms and closet space, and in a chicken coop nest boxes and roosting space should not be included as living space.
Query the manufacturer as to the type of wood used in their structures. Wood that has been pressure treated to prevent rot and termites can contain arsenic. Also, if you order a run with your chicken coop kit, make sure it won’t be outfitted with chicken wire. Chicken wire is easily torn through by neighborhood dogs and other predators.
Beginning Your Project
Once your new chicken coop kit arrives, check and count all materials and check them against the shippers manifest. This may seem silly to bring up, but many people forget to do this and find out halfway through the project that there are parts missing.If you check the list and contact the manufacturer for replacements first, your blood pressure doesn’t go up nearly as much as when you are in the midst of the project and have to wait.
Pick a place for your chicken coop in your yard. Unless you ordered a movable “chicken tractor”, you will need a spot that is going to provide protection from the elements.
The chickens, like all creatures, will need some sunshine, but also need shade in the summer heat. If you live in a cold climate, you will want to take into consideration placement that will give some protection from the north wind.
Also plan for protection from the known predators in your area. A slide bolt is no match for a raccoon that smells chickens. Raccoons are smart; you may need to consider a padlock on your coop at night to protect against them.
Have Fun
Keeping chickens is a fast growing hobby. People find that chickens are great pets and pay for their keep in eggs. It is a lot of fun for the whole family and can even turn into a small business.First time chicken buyers are amazed at the variety of beautifully feathered and exotic birds available, and what started as a hobby has become an obsession.
So make your first chicken coop kit the largest that you can afford. Your first chickens will appreciate the extra space, and a few chickens later it may become really crowded.
Source: chickencoopplansonline.com/chicken-coop-kits
0 Comments:
Post a Comment