Chicken Sheds and Pens
Chicken sheds should be warm in winter and cool in summer, easy to clean, have sufficient roosting space for the birds to perch on and some nests for them to lay eggs in.
The nests should be in a position for you to be able to collect the eggs easily and be warm, comfortable and clean.
The shed is used for two activities: roosting at night and laying eggs during the day.
A 2 inch x 4 inch (51mm x 102mm) board or a 2 inch by 2 inch (51mm x 51mm) board works nicely as a roost.
The important things to remember here are: the chicken shed need not be expensive but must have dry floors, be well ventilated and be wind and rain proof.
Food and drink containers are very important and need to be well designed.
Commercially made containers are available from hardware/produce stores, just be sure they do not tip over easily.
It is important also that they be kept clean and moved around the run from time to time to avoid spreading disease.
Choose the system that best suits your requirements and have it set up before you move your chickens in.
Chickens do not like sudden changes or moving as they are creatures of habit.
Traditionally, chickens have been kept confined by fencing for two reasons - to keep them in and to keep predators out.
Protection From Predators Which predator you have to consider can depend on which country you live in.
Some predators are common to us all, these include: foxes, dogs, cats, rats and birds of prey.
But some people must contend with reptiles as well.
Building nice safe chicken sheds is very important.
A solid floor with either wire netting or a permanent floor of concrete or bricks will help deter cunning predators.
The door to the chicken pen should have a secure latch that is closed at night also lids to the nest boxes should also be lockable if they have access from outside.
Rats and mice can be deterred by keeping spilled feed to a minimum and by closing the feeders at night.
Free Range Free range hens will naturally get all the green grass and grit they need plus plenty of sunshine, which is essential to their health.
Permanent chicken sheds for night shelter are essential though.
Permanent Run The most traditional system to use is a permanent run.
For some people this is the only option due to availability of space.
It is made up of a 'hen house' with an outside area they have access to.
Movable Chicken Shed and Yard Also known as 'tractoring', this system is also great for small areas.
Mobile chicken sheds can be made in several styles ranging from wooden boxes to poly-pipe tunnels, domes and bamboo A-frames.
Deep Litter The deep litter system can be used if, because of neighbors, you just have to keep your chickens inside.
This can be done by having sufficient dry material, such as straw or wood shavings, to cover the floor of the chicken shed to a depth of 30 cm (approx 12 inches) so that it cannot become damp or smelly.
The nests should be in a position for you to be able to collect the eggs easily and be warm, comfortable and clean.
The shed is used for two activities: roosting at night and laying eggs during the day.
A 2 inch x 4 inch (51mm x 102mm) board or a 2 inch by 2 inch (51mm x 51mm) board works nicely as a roost.
The important things to remember here are: the chicken shed need not be expensive but must have dry floors, be well ventilated and be wind and rain proof.
Food and drink containers are very important and need to be well designed.
Commercially made containers are available from hardware/produce stores, just be sure they do not tip over easily.
It is important also that they be kept clean and moved around the run from time to time to avoid spreading disease.
Choose the system that best suits your requirements and have it set up before you move your chickens in.
Chickens do not like sudden changes or moving as they are creatures of habit.
Traditionally, chickens have been kept confined by fencing for two reasons - to keep them in and to keep predators out.
Protection From Predators Which predator you have to consider can depend on which country you live in.
Some predators are common to us all, these include: foxes, dogs, cats, rats and birds of prey.
But some people must contend with reptiles as well.
Building nice safe chicken sheds is very important.
A solid floor with either wire netting or a permanent floor of concrete or bricks will help deter cunning predators.
The door to the chicken pen should have a secure latch that is closed at night also lids to the nest boxes should also be lockable if they have access from outside.
Rats and mice can be deterred by keeping spilled feed to a minimum and by closing the feeders at night.
Free Range Free range hens will naturally get all the green grass and grit they need plus plenty of sunshine, which is essential to their health.
Permanent chicken sheds for night shelter are essential though.
Permanent Run The most traditional system to use is a permanent run.
For some people this is the only option due to availability of space.
It is made up of a 'hen house' with an outside area they have access to.
Movable Chicken Shed and Yard Also known as 'tractoring', this system is also great for small areas.
Mobile chicken sheds can be made in several styles ranging from wooden boxes to poly-pipe tunnels, domes and bamboo A-frames.
Deep Litter The deep litter system can be used if, because of neighbors, you just have to keep your chickens inside.
This can be done by having sufficient dry material, such as straw or wood shavings, to cover the floor of the chicken shed to a depth of 30 cm (approx 12 inches) so that it cannot become damp or smelly.
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