Transcript
Welcome to living on the land, an award-winning source of useful information brought to you by your Oregon State University Extension Service. Chickens have different personalities from other animals you'd keep in your backyard, so where they live must fit their unique characteristics. First of all, these birds need space, and your chicken coop provide at least three square feet per bird. If there's access to a run or outdoor area. If not, give them. 8 to 10 square feet per. Bird, like us chickens need fresh air. Ventilation removes ammonia fumes, carbon dioxide and moisture from coops. Air could come in through windows and walls or vents, but be sure there are no drafts in the coop and that openings are not big enough to create access for predators. Electric fans can be used to move air, especially during warmer humid periods. They should not blow air directly on birds. When your birds need a place to sleep, make sure your coop has adequate roosting poles. They are raised horizontal poles, chickens grip and use for sleep. Wood provides ideal footing. Make your poles from one to two inch square lumber with the top edges rounded off poles that are too small. Or two round may cause foot problems. Allow five to 10 inches of pole per bird. Your chicken coop should also have nest boxes, one for about every four birds. Nest boxes can come in a variety of shapes and sizes to help birds get to the nesting boxes, place a chicken sized ladder like ramp from the ground to the box. A well designed chicken coop should also be easy to clean weekly doors that open to the outside make it easier to clean, hard to reach corners. Create sloped floors that drain when you hose out the coop. Electric lights provide light, making it easier to clean and also serve as a heat source during extremely cold weather. For more information on chicken Coop basics, contact your local extension agent or download our companion publication. At extension.oregonstate.edu and check out our companion podcast about keeping your chickens safe from predators. Available at iTunes U.
Discover chicken coop basics with 'Living on the Land' from Oregon State University. Provide 3 sq ft per bird in the coop, or 8-10 sq ft with outdoor access. Ensure ventilation, use rounded roosting poles, and offer nest boxes with ramps. Design for easy cleaning, including sloped floors and external doors. Use electric lights for illumination and warmth.
This is from the Living on the Land series. Download the related PDF - Living on the Land: Backyard Chicken Coop Design
The phrase “Living on The Land” is used with permission from Living on The Land Stewardship for Small Acreage, © 2008, UNCE/WSARE.
