DIY Chicken Coop

Articles

DIY Chicken Coop

November 21, 2019   Comment  

For a DIY chicken coop the amount of success is directly related to the amount of planning . The first tools you need are pencil and paper. Use it to answer these questions:

• How many chickens do you plan to keep? Each standard sized chicken needs 4 square feet of space. Bantam breeds need 2 square feet per chicken, and the giant breeds, such as the Jersey Giants, need 6 square feet of space per chicken. The more space you can provide, the happier and healthier your chickens will be. More space means less squabbling, and cramped quarters make your chickens more prone to illness.
• What types of predators do you have to guard against in your area? Skunks and opossums will dig under fencing, hawks swoop from above, and raccoons can open any device short of a padlock. Your diy chicken coop must provide security from these dangers.
• What type of climate do you have? Very cold climates necessitate a snug, waterproof coop; hot climates demand good ventilation in the coop, although you still need to keep rain from coming in. You climate will also come into play when deciding what breed of chickens you choose. There are literally hundreds of breeds, some do better in hot climates, some in cold and others are great for tropical weather. Breed research is important when deciding which breeds will be best for you.
• No matter what your climate is like you will need to provide a run for your chickens. They need fresh air and sunshine as often as possible. The run gives them opportunity for exercise, bug hunting and snacking on surrounding vegetation or grass. This is part of keeping your chickens healthy.
• Do you want your diy chicken coop to be mobile, or is it going to stay in one spot? A chicken tractor, made to move around the yard to different spots is a great idea for small flocks. It enables the chickens to have fresh vegetation to explore daily.

One you have formulated a plan, it’s time to thing about your building materials. Treated lumber can be toxic, so it’s better to use wood that has not been treated to withstand rot or termites. Lead based paint is still available in many salvage building supplies. Chickens peck at everything – don’t use lead based paint – they will peck it and it will end up in your eggs.

Chicken wire is not a good choice for chicken pens. It can be ripped apart by determined predators. The only good place to use chicken wire is on the bottom of the pen. It absolutely halts predators that try to dig under to get in.

The fun part of your diy chicken coop is the design process. Decide whether you want a rustic look, or a coop that mimics the look of your home. You can design a chicken coop that is reminiscent of an urban apartment house, or that looks like a gingerbread house. The diy chicken coop designer is limited only by his imagination.

Source: chickencoopplansonline.com/diy-chicken-coop

Chicken Health

Articles

Chicken Health

November 21, 2019   Comment  

Your chicken’s health is dependant on several factors. The healthier your chickens are the better quality eggs they will lay and the longer laying season they will have. Chickens in poor health are stressed and do not lay eggs nearly as often as their healthy counterparts.

Vaccines

If you order your chicks from a commercial hatchery you can pay a nominal fee to have them vaccinated against some common fowl maladies. This is usually only a few cents per chick and is well worth the extra cost. You van also vaccinate your chickens at home. Some vaccines to consider are:

• Marek’s Disease is a highly contagious virus that causes tumors in chickens . Most hatcheries offer the vaccine for this disease. The virus is shed through dander and is then inhaled by the rest of the flock. There is no cure for this disease, and the only prevention once exposed is early vaccination. Give vaccine to one day old chicks.
• Newcastle Disease is a virus spread through infected chicken droppings and secretions from their mouth, nostrils, and eyes. Symptoms include respiratory difficulty, tremors, neck twisting, and death. Can cause flu symptoms and conjunctivitis in exposed humans. Vaccinate day old chicks to prevent this disease.
• Infectious Bronchitis vaccine should be given to 10 – 35 days of age. It can be given in their drinking water with Newcastle vaccine at this stage, or as an injection at 14-18 weeks.

Other vaccines are available but are only given if a problem arises in your flock.

Cleanliness

Your chickens coop and pens should be completely cleaned at least once a week. This will cut down on bacteria and other causes of illness significantly. Always make sure the food and water dishes are cleaned daily, and remove any unused food. Keep chicken feed in airtight, waterproof containers that rats can’t get in. If your chicken feed gets wet, replace it.

Using a movable coop or cage for your chickens is convenient and cuts down on the buildup of droppings. It also gives chickens fresh areas to forage for plant material, insects, and small pieces of grit. The bonus for chicken owners is that moving the pen around eliminates the bare, brown spots in the yard that are sure to occur with a non-movable pen.

Quality Food

Be sure to give your chickens the proper food for their age. Protein and carbohydrate needs vary with age. Supplement commercial chicken feed with greens and vegetables.

The healthiest chickens get to eat a wide variety of grains, seeds, and vegetables. They can have scraps from your salads and peelings from fruits and vegetables.
Don’t give them any meat products, or leftover salad that has dressing on it.

Signs of Illness

If one of your chickens has diarrhea, is sneezing, won’t get up to eat, or has drainage from its mouth, eyes, or nostrils, remove it from the rest of the flock and have it checked out. A chicken, like people, can get a cold. But until you know it’s safe, keep it separated.

Many chicken diseases can go through a flock quickly, and the first signs of illness are the same for many diseases. To know for sure whether or not you have a problem can be a simple look under the microscope, but many illnesses require a blood test.

Taking precautions to prevent illness is always easier and cheaper than having to diagnosis and find a cure for a sick flock.

Source: chickencoopplansonline.com/chicken-disease

Chicken Disease

Articles

Chicken Disease

November 21, 2019   Comment  

If you suspect that one of your chickens is ill, immediately remove it from the vicinity of the flock. This is to help prevent any disease from spreading.

Each day when you feed and water your chickens do a visual inspection. Make sure there aren’t any chickens with dirty feathers around the anus that may signal diarrhea, and that their eyes and nostrils are clear with no drainage. Be aware of chickens that are reluctant to get up and walk. Decreased food and water intake or a slowdown in egg production can also be symptoms of illness.

Prevention

In order to prevent sickness in poultry there are four major considerations.

• Have your day old chicks vaccinated before they are shipped. In most hatcheries this is a nominal charge per chick and well worth the extra change. The vaccinations can save you a search for an avian veterinarian and exorbitant costs.
• Keep cages, food and water containers, and nesting areas clean. Regular cleaning keeps illness at bay, and can save a flocks demise from one ill chicken.
• Use chicken feed that contains low dose antibiotics for continuous protection against many bacterial infections.
• Use variety in feeding your flock to make sure they get a balance of vitamins, minerals, protein and carbohydrates. When you are supplementing with veggies, don’t forget peelings from citrus fruits for vitamin C.

The combination of these preventions won’t guarantee a healthy flock, but it will go a long way in making sure your chickens immunity is at its best when disease comes along.

Some Common Chicken Diseases

Bronchitis symptoms are difficulty breathing (gasping), discharge from eyes and nares, avoidance of food and water. Increase the chicken’s ambient temperature by 5 degrees Fahrenheit, and give antibiotics.

Avian Flu symptoms are respiratory distress, diarrhea, and lack of interest in food, decreased egg laying. This disease goes through a flock quickly. Antibiotics, rest, and hope for the best is about all you can do. Broad spectrum antibiotic do sometimes work if the chickens immune system is strong before acquiring the disease. There is a vaccine available for chickens, but it is limited to qualifying flocks.

Infectious Sinusitis is a sinus infection that is considered chronic. The chickens present with sneezing, swollen nares, discharge from the nares and eyes. Antibiotics given through their food and water are very effective for this condition.

Bird Pox is sometimes called Chicken Pox but it is not the same as the human version. The chickens have congestion along with flesh that may look raw with warty type bumps. The most obvious appearance is on the legs. The vaccine for this disease is effective, but once the chickens have the disease there is no available treatment.

Eye Worms is a species of roundworm that your chickens can get from earthworms, crickets, flies or anything that has eaten the larva. Symptoms are swollen eyes with white discharge from the eyes and mouth. The white chunks are the larva of the mature worm. Worm your chickens at least every 6 months with a good broad spectrum wormer. If the larval symptom appears, clean and disinfect coop and pens. If you don’t kill the larva the cycle will keep repeating itself.

This is just a short selection of the more common chicken diseases, but prevention is always easier than the cure. Keep your chicken pens clean, provide vaccines, and pay special attention to nutritious food and clean water.

Source: chickencoopplansonline.com/chicken-disease

Chicken Coop Kits

Articles

Chicken Coop Kits

November 21, 2019   Comment  

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.

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

Best Laying Chickens

Articles

Best Laying Chickens

November 21, 2019   Comment  

What are the best laying chickens for your backyard flock? All chickens lay eggs, but some breeds egg production is better than others. If you need chickens that lay an egg everyday and have a long production period, there are three varieties to choose from.

White Leghorn

The White Leghorn is one of the most popular chicken breeds all over the world with good reason. Each Leghorn hen lays about 300 eggs per year. They mature early and can begin laying eggs by 4-5 months of age.

Their eggs are large and slightly off-white in color. They are flighty and will avoid human contact if possible, so they are not good candidates for chickens you want as pets.

White Leghorns are one of the best laying chickens but rarely go broody, so if you want to hatch out some eggs you will need another breed to set them or an incubator.

These chickens do well in hot climates, and their combs get frostbite in cold weather.

Rhode Island Red

One of the best laying chickens for brown eggs, but are known to be aggressive, especially the roosters.

These chickens adapt well to confinement, and are hardy in hot or cold climates, but are prone to frostbite on their combs.

The Rhode Island Reds are usually laying by 5-6 months of age and are prolific producers of medium brown eggs.

Red Star and Black Star Sex linked

This breed that has earned the status of best laying chickens, are prolific layers of large brown eggs. They are also docile and make good pet that can interact with children.

The conversion rate from feed to eggs is excellent in these hens, and they continue laying through cold winter months when a lot of other breeds of hens don’t. If you raise them from chicks, you can expect to see your first eggs when they are about 4.5 months old. By 6 months old they will be producing eggs every day.

The sex linked gene makes these chickens easy to sex at first glance at hatching, but they do not carry that trait on to their future generations. However, this trait makes it easy to not buy unwanted roosters.

This is a good choice for family projects, or a small business endeavor for selling eggs.

Roosters or No Roosters?

If you are only interested in egg production it is not necessary to house and feed roosters with your hens. You only need roosters if you want, or may want, fertile eggs. If you don’t intend to hatch baby chicks to sell or increase your flock size, there is no reason to waste feed on a rooster.

Productivity Limits of Hens

Most hens are all done producing eggs by the time they are 3-4 years old. By the time they are 3 you will see a decline in the number of eggs produced, and the laying will become erratic at best. These chickens can then be slaughtered and put in a pot for stews or chicken and dumplings.

Of course if your best laying chickens have become your friends you may just put them out to pasture for the good service they have provided.

Source: chickencoopplansonline.com/best-laying-chickens

What You Ought To Know About Different Chicken Breed

Articles

What You Ought To Know About Different Chicken Breed

November 18, 2019   Comment  

As a general principle those who wish to maintain any pet animals should ensure that they are easily domesticated and are properly controlled. The same principle holds good even for maintaining pet chickens.

As all chicken breeds are not alike, it is important to choose a breed that is submissive in preference to the aggressive type and those that are averse to captivity. A pet chicken may not in all instances prove to be a good layer of eggs or even give a high-quality meat.

Most chicken breeds are generally small. The Rhode Island reds or whites will yield good quality eggs and are useful as pets because of their affable nature towards humans. It is essential to be aware that their fowls are habitually very belligerent and therefore should be avoided unless one can tolerate their aggression.

Except for their roosters, this breed is the ideal option as they are large and highly productive in laying eggs and therefore will ensure a constant supply of eggs in addition to serving as nice pets.

The Sussex breed is another excellent breed to serve as pets, particularly among backyard groups. It is tough, can withstand hostile conditions and become accustomed to confined places quite easily. The other breed that likes confinement is the Silkie and children are fond of its feathery features.

Apart from this, they like being touched and also do not object to breeding other birds’ chickens. A few chickens may be very beautiful in appearance, but may not be so pleasant. Another breed in this category is Wyandotte, which lay brown eggs.

The Polish breed is very attractive to watch with their striking tuff of feathers on their head. They are very amiable breed and lay very white eggs. As this breed can easily adjust to confined locations, they can be quite suitable as pets.

Another admired breed is the Plymouth Rock, which are known to be very affable and have attractive features. They are black in color with white stripes and lay brown eggs. They can be easily domesticated. Jersey Giant is an exceptional breed that is most suitable as pet. Although very large, Jersey Giant is very quiet and makes very good mother.

Their large build is an indication of the size of the eggs they lay. They are the largest known chicken breed and lay the largest brown chicken eggs. Another variety of breed is Cochins, which is very attractive and lays large brown eggs. Like Jersey Giant, it is also mild-mannered and can be a good mother.

Not only that, it is widely used for bird shows. Most of the chickens are generally suitable as very good pets. However, for the sake of chicks who may like to be very near their mother birds, it is essential to select a few of the friendly breeds that do not repel if baby birds touch them.

All fowls will be very gentle till their hormones start functioning and once they begin fighting and become so aggressive that baby birds cannot handle them. Moreover, Rooster will crow at the top of its voice at the beginning of dawn every day and those who cannot withstand that shrill sounds should not opt for them as pet chickens.

Source: easy-chicken-coop-plans.com/blog/breeding-chicken/different-chicken-breed/

What Takes To Raise Chicken At Home

Articles

What Takes To Raise Chicken At Home

November 18, 2019   Comment  

As there seems to be no let down from the economic downturn, people are looking for ways to save money and alternative source of income. One of the best options is starting raising free range chickens.

There are many reasons why people opt for raising free range chickens, the first reason is that chickens especially free raise chickens are a very good source of endless supply of food. The biggest advantage is that it is very easy to raise the chickens as it does not require much room.

A person who is ambitious and lives in apartment can purchase a portable chicken coop and raise several chickens simultaneously. The only thing which has to be done regularly is to take these chickens out several times for sunlight, food, exercise.

Now what actually is the meaning of free range, it simply means that the chickens are allowed to roam freely and consume food that are natural to their diet. Chickens normally eat many things in addition to their normal feed; it is insects, worms, and various types of greenery.

The high quality food ensures that the free chickens lay quality eggs which are high in nutritional value than the ones which are available in the stores. Free range chicken eggs contain twice the amount of Vitamin E, six times more of Vitamin A with less saturated fat and have four times more of omega-3 fatty acids.

The cholesterol level is also half as compared to the factory raised hens. The meat of free raised chickens is healthier than the factory raised chickens. The first important step to raise the free range chickens is to mark a place which can be used as home before the arrival of the chickens.

You will have to use coops to protect the chickens while they roost at night. You must buy a coop which provides sufficient space for the comfortable movement and also the number of chickens you want to raise.

You will also have to arrange additional feed if the natural feed is not available in your area. It would be as per the location of your home, whether you need any fencing or not, as you will have to arrange sufficient space for the free movement of chickens.

Once you have arranged the necessary equipment, you will have to buy some chicks from the dealer, ensure that you buy the best and proper chickens which are free from diseases. There are many varieties available, some are bred to produce more breast meat and others are bred for the laying the quality eggs.

It would be entirely your choice, what type of chickens you intend to raise, you need eggs or meat. Once you have brought some chicks, you will have to keep them in brooder until they have grown enough to go outside.

Raising free range chickens could also be a additional source of income, you will not be able to consume all the eggs and can sell surplus produce. The best quality hen lays eggs daily which are sufficient to feed one person. If you have four to five hens, you will have extra eggs which you can sell or give to your family or friends.

This is a lucrative business and a very good hobby also; you can get more information to raise free range chickens using many sources. These birds are really easy to raise them, you need minimum medical attention. All you need is your true dedication.

Source: easy-chicken-coop-plans.com/blog/breeding-chicken/what-takes-to-raise-chicken-at-home/

The Challenges Of Making Your Own Chicken Coop

Articles

The Challenges Of Making Your Own Chicken Coop

November 18, 2019   Comment  

To build anything is a challenge, more so if what you’re contemplating to construct is a chicken coop. But that doesn’t mean that you’re not going to succeed in your sincere endeavors to build a chicken housing.

In fact, raising chickens is one of the best options you can try these days. While on one hand you can stop relying on outside sources for eggs when you have your own coop, you can also be sure that what you get are “healthy” eggs, on the other. Not to forget the fact that chickens also turn out to be terrific pets, enabling you to derive a lot of pleasure during your free time.

What is of utmost importance is the need to ensure that the chicken coop you plan to build works to a perfect plan so that you’ve a good home as the end product. It’s imperative to bear in mind that it is in the coop you build the chickens are going to do everything, from remaining healthy and safe to laying eggs.

If you think buying a coop that is already prefabricated is a better choice than building one, it means you’re thoroughly mistaken and carry a wrong notion. When you plan how to build your coop, you enjoy several advantages, primary among them being building it to suit your brood of chickens.

More than anything, you’re going to save a substantial amount of money when you build a chicken coop than preferring to purchase one. Having said that, you must also be sure that you don’t commit the common mistakes which many others generally come across when building a chicken coop.

A perfect plan, an ideal sketch on your proposed design, collection of right materials, selecting the proper place, and being patient are the five important factors that are going to determine if you’re going to emerge successful in your efforts to construct a chicken coop. Any failure on your part to strictly adhere to these conditions may destroy your plans, and lead to inaccuracy.

That’s why it’s very important to gain the right kind of tips and advice before you actually venture out with your ideas to build a chicken coop. To start with, make sure that you plan things well in advance so that you’re not found wanting in the critical moment.

For instance, you must know well in hand how many chickens are going to be accommodated in your coop, the size of the chickens, the number and size of nests you propose to have in the coop, and how you wish to feed your flock of friends.

Once you find answers to such vital questions you can set the process rolling toward building a coop that you dream about. Similarly, having a clear design to implement your thoughts will prove quite effective. You really don’t have to be a professional to draw the various angles of your coop in the first place.

Remember, it’s wise to have a simple design initially because that leaves you with the scope of improving your coop at a later stage through redesigning. Having all the materials required for the job at your disposal is critical to carrying on the construction of a chicken coop without any interruption.

Ensure that you select the best place available for building your coop. Remember, chickens require sufficient space to move around, which means you must locate the coop in a reasonably spacious area, where enough sunlight and shade can be guaranteed. Above all, it’s very important for you to remain patient from the word ‘go’ if you’re really keen to complete the project according to a plan.

Source: easy-chicken-coop-plans.com/blog/breeding-chicken/the-challenges-of-making-your-own-chicken-coop/

Raising Free Range Chickens – The Good & The Bad

Articles

Raising Free Range Chickens – The Good & The Bad

November 18, 2019   Comment  

When you decide to raise free range chickens by allowing them to wander freely you must be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of it. Then you should compare the advantages over the disadvantages.

By compelling forces if you allow chickens to roam freely and leave them to feed themselves it is just like permitting them to live in surroundings that is similar to their natural living. May be sometimes you do not even pick the eggs or kill and eat them, but still it is free range. The main reason for allowing free range chickens to roam freely is chickens living on vegetable matters are more healthy and having better eggs.

Comparatively the meat and eggs of free range chickens are better than that of factory raised chickens. The reason for this is particularly due to their natural living by which they feed on greens, worms and other bugs. So there is no chance of any kind of chemicals entering into their system.

Chickens raised for business purposes usually grow fast within six weeks by feeding on rich food and produce large eggs. These types of chickens are raised in limited surroundings without getting proper exercises or even adequate sunlight. As a result their eggs and meat are tasteless and often become a subject of debate on their adverse effects on human body.

When you are raising free range chickens on vegetation you would have to consider many things. The prime thing is that you must feed them full of grains that are original without containing any chemical contents. Prior to feeding, you can prepare a mixed organic feed taking utmost care that it does not contain any impurities.

Another important factor for raising free range chickens is the amount of space provided for them to roam. They prefer to wander searching their own food instead of feeding on the whole grains or premixed organic feed you give them. So it is important to have a wide area for them to forage for sufficient food.

Unfortunately if you do not have enough space, but you are particular about raising free range chicks you keep only a few number of birds. For growing free range chickens, a space of 12 to 15 square feet is ideal for each chicken. Moreover a qualified free range bird should spend two hours or more outside every day. The more hours would be better.

Another important consideration you should take when raising chickens is not to expose them to any kind of danger. Danger means it can be any form of extreme weather conditions like heavy rain, high temperature etc.

Also beware of dangers from possibility of other animals which prey on the chickens such as foxes, snakes, raccoons and hawks. In order to protect them from the harsh weather conditions the chicken coop should have proper shielding to keep them indoors comfortably.

To keep them safe against predator, construct a boundary wall of the chicken run with wire mesh having at least one foot underground and the top also covered with wire mesh strongly.

Source: easy-chicken-coop-plans.com/blog/breeding-chicken/raising-free-range-chickens/