Installing A Chicken Coop In The Garden – 7 Important Tips

If you want to build a chicken coop, there are a few things you need to know before you get started. Buying and keeping chickens is not an easy task.

If you are planning on building a chicken coop, there are a few things you need to know before you get started. Buying and keeping chickens is not an easy task. One has to be prepared for the expense and care that the birds and their facility require.

In “My Animals” we make it a little easier for you to put them together. You will find out everything you should know before installing a chicken coop in your garden.

1. Review the legislation in your area

The regulations for keeping laying hens are listed in Section 3 of the Animal Welfare and Livestock Ordinance. This regulation defines the species, the requirements of the hen house and the conditions under which these animals must be kept.

It is very important that you make yourself fully informed of all laws that apply in this regard. Keeping chickens in an environment that does not meet legal requirements can result in a penalty. The legislation may be different for taps.

2. Make sure you have enough space to install the hen house in your yard.

Before you set up a chicken coop in your yard, you need to measure the available space. There are many types of chicken coops, with a single construction or multiple, square, rectangular, round … they are sold prefabricated or you can build them yourself.

It is advisable that you mark the space that you can make available. You will also need to measure an area for the chickens to go outside, which is very important for their physical and mental health.

3. Take into account the climate in your region

If the hen house is outdoors, it should be noted that it must withstand the weather conditions. Rain, wind, heat, moisture and cold can damage the hen house.

If the climate in your area is very cold, the inside of the chicken coop should be warm. On the other hand, if it’s hot all year round, you should find a shady area for your chickens.

4. Make an estimate of the materials for the chicken coop

If the hen house is prefabricated, all you need to do is assemble it in your yard. On the other hand, if you want to build your own chicken coop, make an estimate of the materials you will need; the costs can change depending on the type of construction.

You can compare both versions and choose the option that suits you best.

These are some of the most common materials used to build a chicken coop:

• The construction must be made of a material that can withstand the weather conditions: galvanized steel sheets, plastic panels or treated wood. It is important that the roof is waterproof.

• Wire fence. To delimit an outside area.
• Poles or posts. At a height that the chickens can easily climb to.
• Nests. Made of a comfortable material that keeps you warm and is suitable for disposal. For example, straw or pine needles.
• Incubators.
• Disposable substrate for the soil. It is best to use a substrate that is easy to dispose of, such as wood shavings.
• Food and water dispensers.

5. Set up the chicken coop inside

After you have determined the type of construction, you need to design the inside of the chicken coop. Inside, the chickens sleep and lay their eggs. It should be a place where you feel safe and comfortable, with a comfortable temperature and enough space.

The breeding area should be at least 30 cm ² per four hens. And the floor of the chicken coop needs to be a little higher to avoid moisture.

6. Find out about the different breeds of chickens

Before you set up a chicken coop in your yard, think about what type of chickens you want to buy. There are different breeds of chickens, different sizes, plumage, character …

You can buy domestic or exotic chickens, laying hens, free range chickens, or crossbreeds. The purchase of the chicken will be an important cost factor, which you add to the original cost estimate must.

7. Chicken coop: calculate the monthly cost

The cost doesn’t stop with installing a chicken coop in your yard. Chickens need food and clean water every day. The hen house needs cleaning and maintenance to keep the materials in good condition.

And the chickens may need regular veterinary exams to keep them healthy.

Don’t forget: you need time too! Every animal needs its attention every day. Check every day how your chickens are doing, whether they are eating well, whether they are laying eggs, whether they are pestering each other, what is their state of health, etc.