By: Lacey Noterman, Livestock Extension Agent
Raising chickens in the United States dates back to the 17th century when the English first brought them here. The chicken was originally domesticated by the English for cock fighting which was considered a spectator sport. Since then chickens have been grown for showing, meat and egg supply or just the pure pleasure of having birds running around in the yard. Whatever your reasons for having a flock of birds in your yard, consideration should be given to where and how the birds will be housed. In evaluating plans, here’s what you need to consider to keep your flock safe, healthy, and productive.
When designing a structure for your flock, it is very important to design something that keeps your birds in as well as keeping predators out. Neighborhood dogs have probably killed more chickens in the suburban areas than any other predator. Coyotes, skunks, foxes, raccoons, and hawks may try to steal an easy meal.
Enough room should be provided to accommodate the growth of the birds and consideration should also be given for future expansion. The minimum amount of space that should be provided for each bird will depend on the type or breed of the bird grown. Small breed birds such as Rosecomb or Seabright which are about 1.3 to 1.5 lbs would require spacing of 0.75 to 1 sq ft per bird. Larger breeds such as Orpington or Plymouth Rock which are about 7.5 to 8 lbs will require 3 to 3.5 sq ft per bird.
The poultry house should be easy to clean. Design the area where it is easy to remove manure that collects. Poultry manure is a great ingredient for your compost bin or in your garden. Select a plan that features an egg box that opens from the outside. Not having to enter the pen each time reduces the risk of contamination. Also make sure the egg collection box can be moved, where it is not directly exposed to the sun.
Keeping heat out of the coop is more important than keeping heat inside. In Kansas, more birds have been killed by the extreme summer heat than extreme winter cold. A basic rule in cold weather is to give the birds protection from the wind. Give birds a place to stay dry. Feathers only retain body heat when dry.
You can move your small poultry flock easily from place to place by installing skids or wheels on your coop or placing the house on a small trailer so it is easier to move. Chickens are destructive to their range area. Even a few birds can dig holes and scratch grass out quickly. By moving the pen, it will help keep parasites from building up in the soil and exposing birds to harm. Flock owners also may use portable coops to help control weeds in the garden. Birds turn the soil and eat weed seeds.
Small-flock housing designs are complicated. There are many formal designs and precise drawings available, it may be just as easy to build a small coop by trial and error. It should be an unwritten rule to use salvaged materials left over from larger building projects. Feel free to use old doors, windows pulled from a house, vents, and so forth.
When choosing a coop plan for small poultry flocks, the most important consideration is the safety and welfare of the flock. There are no “official” requirements for coop design, so purchase or build something that suits you and your birds. Most of all have fun with your flock.
Additional tips can be found by clicking here.
For more information, contact Lacey Noterman, K-State Research and Extension Wild West District Livestock Agent at lnote@ksu.edu or stop by your local Extension Office.
