Chicken coops

From PIW

Chicken coops are places we construct to house chickens, protect them from predators and provide for a moderated climate. The needs of the birds, intensity of predation, and nature of you climate defines the construction of the coop. A coop can be a distinct building with an adjacent yard, or it can be a diffuse provision of services within a more naturalized habitat with preadator protection provided by a perimeter fence or not at all.

1 Inputs
2 Outputs
3 Area and Dimensions
4 Sanitation
5 Climate Control
6 Possible Relationships
7 Other Resources

[edit] Inputs

Building materials - A one time investment of building materials is required.
Chicken feed
Water
Bedding

[edit] Outputs

Seed free and manure covered mulch
Dust
Eggs
Meat
More chickens
Heat

[edit] Area and Dimensions

On-line resources suggest minimum of 1.5 to 4 square feet per bird in night quarters, or 10 square feet per bird if confined.

In closed quarters provide 8-10" of roost per bird, roosts should be 2" diameter with rounded edges.

4" of feeder space per bird

Egg boxes seem to be just about any nook big enough for a chicken to get into and feel safe enough to lay its eggs. (One foot (30cm) square or larger.) Provide one nest for every 4-5 chickens. A relatively fine textured bedding is desireable (chopped straw?). May arrangements can be made for accessing nest boxes from outside the coops, but that depends on your chickens actually using your nest boxes.

[edit] Sanitation

Living among their own feces causes prasites and disease. In closed quarters, the owner must periodically remove the manure. Mulch on the floor, periodically removed is the most common approach. A hardware cloth floor on a movable coop is another solution that allows for easy cleaning.

[edit] Climate Control

In hot weather climates, coops must be well ventilated. Chickens are sensitive to heat. In cold climates coops may need insulation or heating to prevent frost-damage to combs and wattles.