How to Choose the Right Chicken Enclosures

Nothing can be more rewarding than growing your own food, and raising chickens isn't an exception. The truth is that they are a low-maintenance type of animal, and some of their breeds can even lay eggs year-round. This will provide you with a daily supply of fresh and healthy food, food that is free from hormones and additives. Whether you are a person who wants to raise chickens for daily food supply purposes, or you are a company/farm the speciality of which is raising chickens, having coops is paramount for keeping them in place.

Why Invest in Chicken Enclosure?

Investing in secure chicken enclosures is paramount not only for keeping them in place but also for protecting them. Having chicken enclosures is mainly used when keeping chickens outside, so you can be sure that they will stay safe and sound all the time. Keeping them in coops will also make maintenance easier which is another proof of their essence.

Keeping them safe is the primary goal of these enclosures, and they will give you peace of mind that your chickens will be safe from predators and harsh weather conditions. This essential gear is also great for reducing stress in chickens while keeping them healthy, and all of this will contribute to improved egg production.

Things to Consider to Choosing the Right One

Types

Generally speaking, you can choose from two types of chicken coops.

• Stationary - Perfect for larger groups of chickens. They are ideal for being a permanent setup.
• Mobile - As the name suggests, these coops are designed to be moved around and they are quite often, owners move them to fresh grass regularly.

Materials

Generally speaking, coops are mainly made from metal, wood and plastic and the wooden models seem to offer the best insulation so far. On the other hand, metal and plastic coops are easier to maintain. All of them have their pros and cons, and if you really cannot decide about one, you can always choose a combination of materials for improved maintenance, quality and well-being. Regardless of the types of materials you choose, make sure they are made from high-quality materials for increased durability, longevity and safety.

Speaking of which, if choosing wood, make sure to choose a rot-resistant timber. This will ensure that your coop will last longer. Keep in mind to avoid choosing ones made from treated timber as chickens tend to peck and chew on wood, and the treated one can leach chemicals and toxins that can be toxic for them.

When in the search for metal coops, choose ones made from galvanised wire mesh. This is proof that the metal won't rust which will result in the coops' longevity. When it comes to the mesh itself, make sure it has holes of roughly 1cm squared to keep even the smallest predators away.

Easy Access

Another thing to take into account when buying coops is easy accessibility. While an enclosed coop is designed to protect your chicken flock from intruders and predators, make sure that the chosen one has easy access. This is essential because an enclosed coop with a tiny access will make its use quite difficult. So, when in the search for the right one, make sure to look for one with larger doors. This will make cleaning and maintaining the coop a piece of cake.

Pull Out Tray

Creating a healthy and safe environment is of vital importance when choosing a coop for your chickens. One way to achieve this is by choosing a coop that has a pool out tray. This will allow you to easily slide the tray and replace the bedding without having to enter the coop. This is perfect for maintaining the coop clean all the time no matter what.

Nesting Boxes

Practice shows that one of the signs of investing in a good coop is the nesting box. To satisfy the chicken needs, aside from choosing the right size, you should have one nesting box per 3 hens. This space is just fine for keeping hens comfortable and for having enough space for keeping eggs clean. If possible, you should choose nesting boxes with an opening lid which allows for easier egg collection.

Ventilation

Ventilation is important for the chickens' health. Maintaining a good airflow is essential for keeping a healthy environment which is why you should look for coops with built-in vents or windows. This is also essential for preventing moisture buildup and bad odour.
As you can see, choosing the right coops for your chickens isn't that difficult. All it takes is to follow these things and pick one that will best meet your needs and taste. If not sure what to choose, make sure to seek advice from a professional or someone who has experience with these kinds of things.