Cheap Pet Insurance

January 29th, 2010 by Dana Goldberg

Many people enjoy keeping chickens. In the garden, they help minimize the presence of pests and improve natural fertilization. They produce a constant supply of eggs that may be of superior quality to those found in supermarkets, being tastier and healthier. And they can make for great conversation! If you would like to keep your own flock of chickens, you will need to ensure that you have an adequate chicken house set up for them to reside in.

When it comes to building a house for them, chickens are not fussy about looks. A collaboration of scrap materials will be viewed just as favorably as a masterpiece made of expensive timber. The main considerations are: whether the house is dry, clean and dark. Choose materials that will keep out the weather and any potential predators.

A good house will have easy access to food and water, good ventilation, and some light. Windows with sturdy mesh coverings are a good idea, and should be placed on either side of the hen house to allow cross-ventilation.

If your hen house is too big to benefit from a hinged lid, then doors can provide a way in for cleaning and collecting eggs. A ramp outside the door will make it easier for hens to get in and out.

The size of the house will depend on the number of chickens you intend on keeping. You should include good-sized nesting boxes in the design, as well as perching space. Make sure the chickens have plenty of room to stretch out their wings and move around.

To keep out the wet you may need to construct your hen house with a concrete base or raise it up on stilts. It is important that no dampness can seep in. Keep the ground covered with a good, thick layer of wood shavings or hay. Chickens will be encouraged to use their nesting boxes if they are kept well-supplied with fresh straw.

There are some great plans that are easy to follow when you want to build a chicken house today! Find a great do it yourself project that will not require any special equipment and make a chicken house fast and easy!