Learn How to Build a Chicken House Properly

Are you planning to raise chickens? If so, it is highly recommended that you learn how to build a chicken house. If you let your chickens roam free range around your land, they will lay their eggs all over the place leaving you spending hours picking up the eggs when you are not certain where they are. By learning how to build a chicken house, it gives the chickens a place to lay their eggs safely and in one area.

Chicken houses also protect chickens from predators because it is a caged in structure and protects chickens from predators. The most protective chicken houses also have chicken wire underneath the house to prevent predators from digging under the house and attacking your chickens.

If you have basic carpentry skills, any do-it-yourselfer can learn how to build a chicken in a matter of a weekend. Each chicken house has two main components, one enclosed space for them to sleep and lay their eggs, and one for them to run around and roam free during the day. There should be a direct path from the chicken run to the enclosed space, but it should be elevated at least 2 feet.

More Things to Consider on How to Build a Chicken House

By learning how to build a chicken house, you will be able to configure it based on your needs. You can customize the size and shape of your chicken house, and you should choose a geological spot for it.

You need to configure the size first and foremost. Each chicken should be allotted at least 2-3 square feet of space, and 3-4 square feet in the run. Chickens are known to quarrel if they are not given enough space, so the more space for them the better. It is ideal to place the house under a tree that gives off plenty of shade because your chickens will need it in the summer.

You should lay the foundation with a rectangle frame and build up. Be careful what kind of wood you use to build the chicken house. Pressure treated lumber can pose a health risk to your chickens due to the high contents of metal within the wood. It is best to use rot-resistant lumber that is natural. A thick layer of straw is perfectly fine to lay across the bottom of the chicken run. This will break down the droppings from the chickens and absorb the moisture when it rains.

Wrapping Up After You Build a Chicken House

Your chickens will also need water coming down to the run. It is best to configure a watering device that can hang down from the rafters. You will need to build a ramp going up from the ground to the enclosed area. and be sure to keep it at least 8 inches wide. This will give your chickens’ optimal room to run up and down.

The last thing you will need to do is build a nest box for your chickens to lay their eggs. Some farmers use kitty litter boxes because they are easy to maneuver and do the job just right. After reading this article, you should’ve learned how to build a chicken house properly and be ready to raise chickens!