As a chicken owner, there is nothing more important than keeping your chickens safe and happy. But chickens are great pets just like other domesticated animals need a good home to live in. A great way to make your chickens feel at ease is to organize your chicken coop accordingly. First, the coop needs to be the appropriate size for your number of chickens. It needs to be large enough so they can move freely and stretch their wings, which is important to their health and happiness. But it shouldn’t be so big that it becomes a challenge to keep clean. A clean coop is a happy coop! You also want to be certain your coop is strong and secure, without any holes or gaps. This will discourage any wild animals that may wish to enter and carry away or harm your chickens.
Here are a few good options when it comes to building materials for a chicken coop. Wood, plastic, and metal are the most common materials used. Wood is a traditional option since it looks good and can blend into your yard. But wood can be difficult to clean and occasionally has bugs hiding in it — and ya don’t want those bugs in your chickens. However, plastic is a lighter material that can be easily cleaned, which makes it a great option for chicken owners. But also keep in mind, plastic doesn’t have the long lifespan that metal does, so you have to consider how long you plan to keep your coop. The other choice is metal, which is very strong and will last a long time, though it may be heavier and more expensive than the other materials. Before deciding, consider the advantages and disadvantages of each material.
One of the most important tasks in caring for chickens is feeding and watering them. Chickens require the proper diet and clean water daily for optimal health. There are lots of types of feeders and waterers, but some are better than others. A hanging feeder, for instance, is excellent because it keeps the food off the ground. That can keep the food clean or bug-free. A nipple waterer is also a great option because it keeps the water clean and helps lower the chances of having sick chickens. When chickens have clear water and food, they will be healthier and happier!
And the top reason for keeping your chicken coop clean is sanitation! Keeping a clean coop is a big part in preventing diseases to keep your chickens healthy. To accomplish this, you’ll want some basic tools such as a rake, shovel and broom. These tools will assist you in removing old bedding and cleaning up after any waste. You shouldn’t actually leave bedding in one place — you remove bedding every so often and add new bedding to make a cozier, cleaner coop. Also, a disinfectant spray can be beneficial for killing germs or bacteria that may be hiding in the coop. Staying clean helps your hens to be healthy and for the coop to smell and look nice.
Reducing Chicken Menace: Raccoons, foxes and birds are potential threats to your chickens. These predators can attempt to enter your coop and attack your flock. Even one small hole in the fence around your coop will compromise the safety of your chickens. Look for holes or gaps where animals could slip past. You can also set up a light or sound system that activates when an animal comes too close to the coop, which can frighten away anything that might harm your flock. They don’t care for bright lights or loud noises! It’s also a good idea to keep your chickens locked up at night, when predators are most active. These steps will help keep your chickens safe and sound!