General rules for arranging a chicken coop
To keep and breed chickens, you need to equip them with a cozy home. As a poultry house, you can use an already finished building, or you can build chicken coop from scratch. Brick or cinder block is most often used for the construction of walls, although a wooden building is cheaper, in addition, the microclimate in such a structure will be better.
It is also worth considering insulating the house if you plan to keep chickens year-round or in a cold climate in your area. Correctly equip the perches for chickens, make a walking area in the hen house and observe the temperature regime.
Temperature regime
Comfortable temperature for most chicken breeds from +15ABOUTFrom to +24ABOUTC. The temperature in winter should not fall below +10ABOUTC. At temperatures below 0ABOUTWith laying hens, egg production is greatly reduced, there is a high probability of frostbite on the paws and crest. Heating a small chicken coop can be done using electric heaters... Infrared lamps are used to heat a large area.
Coop area and internal structure
1 m2 The free area of the chicken coop can accommodate 5 layers or 8-10 pullets. The minimum area of the house should be 3 m2so that perches, feeders and drinkers fit into the chicken coop.
The floor of the house should not be left earthen, otherwise rodents may enter the house and spread the infection. The floor is poured with a thin layer of concrete, and to keep the chickens warm, a thick layer of sawdust (15-20 cm) is poured onto the floor.
Before you launch young animals into the chicken coop, it is necessary to disinfect the room. For this, the walls, ceiling and floor of the house are covered with a slaked lime solution, which is a good antiseptic.
Provide natural light in the house for fast growth and good egg production. The window area must be at least ¼ of the floor area. Windows are placed on the south side. To protect chickens from predators, place metal screens on the windows.
Install lamps in your hen house for additional lighting. Feeders and drinkers should be lit best. The perches can be located in the back of the house.
Also provide good air circulation in the house. If the area of your chicken coop is small, then you can get by with a simple electric fan. A large number of chickens will need an exhaust fan.
If you plan to make a walking area in the hen house, equip the chickens with a hole on the street measuring 30x30 cm. Install a door on the hole to close it in winter.