So, you've decided to take the plunge and add some backyard chickens to your homestead!
Congratulations, you're in for a real treat. Not only are chickens fun and relatively low-maintenance pets, but they also provide you with delicious fresh eggs.
But before you can start collecting those eggs, you need to provide your chickens with a safe and comfortable home in the form of a chicken coop.
Choosing the perfect chicken coop can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be.
We'll walk you through everything you need to consider when choosing a chicken coop so that you can make the best decision for your flock.
Size
One of the first things you need to consider when choosing a chicken coop is size. Your chicken coop should be large enough to comfortably accommodate your flock—a good rule of thumb is 4-5 square feet per chicken. Keep in mind that your chickens will also need access to an outdoor run so they can stretch their legs and get some fresh air and sunshine.
Construction Material
When it comes to chicken coops, you have a few different construction material options to choose from. The most popular options are wood, metal, and plastic. Each option has its own set of pros and cons that you'll need to consider before making a final decision.
Here's a quick rundown of each option:
Wood
Chicken coops made from wood are typically the most expensive option, but they're also the most aesthetically pleasing. Wood is also a good insulator, so it will help keep your flock warm in winter and cool in summer.
The downside of wood chicken coops is that they require more maintenance than coops made from other materials—you'll need to regularly sand and stain/paint them to keep them looking nice and protect them from the elements.
Metal
Metal chicken coops are usually more affordable than wood coops, but they're not as widely available. Metal chicken coops are also not as good at insulating as wood coops, so you'll need to take that into consideration if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions. On the plus side, metal chicken coops are very low-maintenance—they won't rot like wooden coops can, and they don't require any painting or staining.
Plastic
Plastic chicken coops are usually the most affordable option, but they're also the least durable and not as attractive as wooden or metal coops.
Plastic chicken coops will also not insulate as well as wooden or metal coops, so keep that in mind if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions. However, plastic chicken coops are very easy to clean and require almost no maintenance.
Predators
Another important consideration when choosing a backyard chicken coop is predators. Chickens are vulnerable to attack from several common predators including raccoons, foxes, snakes, opossums, skunks, weasels, hawks, and owls.
When selecting a chicken coop, be sure to choose one that is made from durable materials (such as heavy-duty wire mesh) and that has a secure locking mechanism to keep predators out at night.
You should also make sure that your chickens have access to an enclosed outdoor run so they can safely roam during daylight hours without being vulnerable to attack from predators.
If you're thinking about adding some backyard chickens to your homestead, congratulations!
You're in for a real treat. Not only are chickens fun pets that provide delicious fresh eggs, but they're also relatively low-maintenance animals that can easily be cared for with just a little bit of effort on your part.
The first step in setting up your backyard poultry paradise is choosing the perfect chicken coop for your flock—and this blog post will walk you through everything you need to know about how to do just that!
By considering factors such as size requirements, construction materials ,and predator protection ,you'll be sure to choose the best possible home for your feathered friends.