It's time to think about how you're going to house your chickens safely if you're thinking about buying some. A roof over one's head is a basic human right, and chickens are no exception! Finding the perfect home for your feathered friends is a daunting decision. It’s crucial to make sure you get it spot-on, to ensure they have a happy, healthy life.
Chicken coops are a protective space that allows your poultry to rest at ease whilst being protected from predators and the British weather, no matter the time of year. It also provides your pet chickens with a secure, safe place to lay eggs. After all, who doesn’t want fresh eggs every morning?
There is no doubt that chickens need food and water, but they also need shelter. It is instinctive for wild chickens to build their homes in hiding places such as bushes. Your chicken won't be able to live in a garden without shelter. It may take shelter in your sheds, log stores, flower patches, vegetable patches, and greenhouses! A chicken coop provides a safe place for your chickens to live, protecting them from predators.
How To Choose The Best Coop For Your Chickens & Back Garden
1. How Many Chickens Do You Plan On Raising?
When choosing the ideal chicken coop, it is important to consider how many chickens will be in the coop, as this will determine the size of the coop you need to get. Chickens need a lot of space to develop and behave properly, so make sure the coop you choose is big enough and made of durable materials.
Another thing to consider is whether the chicken coop is premade, or DIY. It’s always important to check this to ensure you aren’t purchasing the wrong type. If you haven’t had any previous experience in DIY/building a chicken coop, your best bet is to go with a premade coop.
2. Where Will The Chicken Coop Be Located?
Location, location, location! Where do you plan on housing your chickens? The location and weather of the chicken coop play a key role in choosing the best chicken coop for your home. Whilst chickens live outside, they are still sensitive to the cold and big shifts in the climate. If you live in an area which sees harshing weather conditions, especially in the winter, it’s worth investing in a coop with several warm retreats for your feathered friends.
3. Moving The Chicken Coop
Something that not many people consider when buying a chicken coop is the need to move it around and the ease of this. There are a number of reasons why you may need to move the coop; deep cleaning, moving house, fresh grass etc.
In this day and age, where we like to make every task as easy as humanly possible, you are able to purchase chicken coops with wheels/a wheelbarrow style. This is great for those with additional mobility needs, making the task of moving a chicken coop that little bit easier.
If you’re stuck in deciding which coop would be best for your home and flock, we’d recommend speaking with the supplier, they are experts in their industry so will be able to help you make the crucial decision.
