Chicken coop

Chicken Coop

A chicken coop or hen house is a small house where, typically, female chickens or other fowl are kept safe and secure. There are nest boxes found inside the hen houses for egg-laying, and perches on which the birds can sleep.

Design and construction

A chicken coop is built to protect the chickens from bad weather - heat, cold, wind and rain. One method to protect chickens is to install insulation in the walls of the chicken coop. Another method is to install a heater or heat lamps in the coop. However, heat lamps can start fires so they must be used with caution.

Ventilation

Proper ventilation is crucial for a chicken coop. Chickens must have fresh air to stay healthy, and a well designed coop will have ventilation to allow fresh air in, but not drafts.

Lighting

Chickens lay more eggs when they receive more light. If you want your hens to lay eggs year round, you might need to add light to your chicken coop.

Predator protection

Chickens have many predators. Rats, cats, raccoons, foxes, and other animals want to eat chickens, so the coop must be sturdy and well protected.

Cleaning

A chicken coop should be cleaned every week. The droppings are removed and new bedding added. Once a year, the coop should be scrubbed. It is a good idea to have a chicken coop that is easy to clean.

See also

• Poultry farming
• Free range
• Battery cage
• Chicken tractor