Here are 5 imperative things you must consider when designing or building a chicken house. Missing any one of these points is highly likely to end in disaster for you, your coop or your chickens.

1. Bye Laws

Before you even start to consider designing or building a chicken house you should check the local bye laws for any limitations or licence that could be needed. This will vary from country to country and even between states, cities and towns.

2. Size

Many of us may tell you that size isn’t crucial but in the case of a chicken coop is definitely is. You’ll need to think about how many chickens you intend to keep and doubtless make allowance for some expansion of your flock.This might need to be moderated by your available space, if you have a small yard as an example, but you should never compromise your chickens wants. If you have a small yard you might need to keep less chickens!

3. Location

The location of your chicken house is important. Consider your local weather conditions I.e. Prevailing winds. Ensure that any run off water from sheds or houses will not hit your coop. Your Chickens will also want lots of ventilation and light so guarantee this is amalgamated into the design and not restricted by the location.

4. Protection

A chicken coop has one main function and that’s to keep your chickens safe and healthy. You want to think about any threats to your chickens and make sure that protection is built into the chicken house designs. For example, raising your coop off the ground can help protect against some predators and ensuring chicken wire is securely fixed and covers all appropriate openings. Rain and winds can threaten your flock so ensure that roof overhangs are sufficient to stop water dripping into doors or windows.

5. Feed and Water

Chickens need a daily feed and water. They’re not like budgies who can be given a giant feeder of food and water and get left for some days or perhaps a week. Careful consideration of the food and water vessels and placement is crucial. If you simply put food and water in bowls on the ground they may swiftly become fouled with droppings and that’s a sure recipe for sick chickens. Also ensure that you have straightforward access for feed and water as you will need to get to them every day.