Are you planning to keep chickens? Many homeowners living in the suburbs raise such birds in their backyards in unique coops.
Taking such responsibility can be a real challenge, as homeowners need to consider weather conditions, yard space, and the threat of potential predators. Therefore, the home of these birds should be properly sized, located, and ventilated. There is a myriad of chicken coops for sale, available in various sizes and designs.
These tips will help you purchase one in Oklahoma.
Consider the size
The inceptive point of consideration when shopping for a coop in Oklahoma is the number of birds and the breeds you plan to keep. Also, you should consider whether your feathered friends will be provided with outdoor access. Generally, each chicken should be provided with space between two and four square feet to feel comfortable.
Small breeds require a minimum of two square feet of space, whereas large breeds need at least four. In case there’s no outdoor access, indoor space should be larger. Hence, 5 square feet per bird would be sufficient for small breeds, while ten ft2 would be appropriate for large breeds. Besides having these size requirements in mind, buyers should always invest in a slightly larger coop.
A larger model will help them accommodate more birds over time if there’s a need for increasing the number. Also, ventilation and moisture removal cause fewer issues in large coops than in small models.
Choose a perfect location
The location of your chicken coop is another major consideration when buying such a structure. Placing the coop in close proximity to your house is considered ideal for individuals planning to collect eggs daily. Nevertheless, remember to check the local laws regarding the distance between homes and animal housing, as your community might impose a minimum distance. Click here for some useful tips for storing and cleaning chicken eggs.
It’s important for the model you choose to have electricity and water options, as chickens are fond of drinking plenty of water. Imagine the effort you’ll have to make by taking buckets of water to the coop every single day. Electricity is useful for stimulating egg production during winter.
Since temperature regulation is crucial for egg production, buyers should consider the location in terms of light, shade, and breeze. It means choosing the best location in accordance with the climate. In hot climates, the home of chickens should be placed in a shady area. In cold areas, make sure the structure faces south to protect it and the birds from harsh northern winds.
Storage and human access
Even though most models lack a storage area, buyers are strongly advised to look for a structure that includes a separate area for storing supplies. Such a feature makes keeping chicken convenient, as all supplies will be handy when going to the coop to feed the birds, collect eggs, or clean the place.
As you’ll be taking daily care of your birds, there’s supposed to be easy access to the structure. Make sure the coop has a door that fits humans without having to bend down. Also, there should be enough room inside the house for individuals to stand up while feeding the birds or cleaning the mess. This URL, https://www.wikihow.com/Feed-Chickens, includes some handy tips for feeding chickens.
Don’t forget ventilation
Ventilation is another crucial aspect to have in mind when shopping for such housing. These structures have to be ventilated optimally throughout the entire year to eliminate the ammonia, dust, moisture, and heat generated by chickens. Additionally, ventilation ensures the air inside the house has enough oxygen for the birds to remain healthy.
Furthermore, the coop is supposed to have multiple vents located everywhere, which can be opened and closed when necessary. The amount of ventilation depends on the weather conditions and the number of birds inside the house. A lack of ventilation leads to serious health problems in chickens, such as respiratory issues, blindness, overheating, etc. The vents used in winter should be placed high but protected from the snow and rain.
Final word
Your chickens deserve the best treatment to produce large eggs. Let them reside in the best coop!
