The Hen House A hen house can be simple and small, or it can be spacious and big, just as long as you follow some simple principles.
Having a hen house is important for the protection of your chickens from predators.
It is also good for chicken health and well being.
A hen house will encourage the production of eggs because if the hens know they have a safe haven to go into they will lay more eggs.
Hens love a dark cozy quiet spot to lay their eggs in.
As the backyard farmer you don't want to find eggs in bushes...
or not find them.
The "ideal" coop depends on a few factors like how many hens you have, the size of your garden, is it going to be moveable or not.
But there are a few things each coop needs to have: Enough room for each hen.
Your local governing body will be able to tell you the regulations.
The hen house must give the birds protection from the wind and the rain and the cold.
It should have easily removable feeders and watering bowls so you can clean these.
Hygiene is really important.
Always allow enough feed space for each bird.
Have vents or ventilation holes.
It is best if you have vents that open and close.
You may need to insulate these if you live in a cold climate.
Your hen house must have nesting boxes for egg laying.
One box per 4 hens.
Have a flap or a door so chickens can get in and out easily.
If you can close it and lock it at night, it will mean that the chickens are safe from predators.
Have a door that you (the farmer) can get into so you can clean the coop out.
Round perches that are firmly secured but easily removable for cleaning.
Have enough perching space for each bird to stand comfortably.
Have protection from the hot sunny days.
Shade in warmer climates is really important, your hens can over heat if there is no shade.
Other optional options: Put the hen house on wheels so you can move it around.
Insulate for cold weather.
Put a gutter on the outside and use a barrel to collect run off.
Put the hen house in a closed off run so your chickens do not get into your garden.