Advantages of Owning a Chicken Coop

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Keeping chickens is a great hobby for many. It’s also a good way to save money on your grocery bill. However, you need to be prepared with all the right equipment and supplies to keep these birds happy and healthy. The chicken coop is an incredibly important part of your chicken farming operation. This is where they will spend most of their time when they aren’t roaming around your property or exploring the backyard. A chicken coop provides protection from predators, shelter from the elements and gives them a place to lay eggs, nest and take cover from rain or sunshine. Keeping chickens in a small space isn’t great for their welfare or their eggs so getting them a dedicated home is essential for any backyard chicken keeper. There are many advantages of buying a chicken coop that we will explore further in this article…

A Secure Place to Lay Eggs and Roost

Chickens are very social animals and like to roost together in small flocks. The flock mentality means that if your chickens feel secure, they will make more eggs. In fact, a secure environment can increase a flock’s egg production by 30%. One of the biggest advantages of owning a chicken coop is the ability to create a secure environment for your chickens to lay their eggs. Chickens have very specific nesting habits. They usually like to lay their eggs in a quiet and dark place that is out of sight. A chicken coop is the perfect place to do this. Plus, once your chickens have hatched their eggs and raised their chicks, you can easily move them to their coop to continue laying their eggs in peace.

Protection From Predators

A secure chicken coop can offer your flock protection against the most common predators that threaten chicken farming. Firstly, it should be sturdy enough to keep out raccoons and opossums. These clever animals are persistent and will work tirelessly to get into a chicken coop and feast on your chickens. A sturdy, tightly-fitted door will keep these predators out. Keeping hawks and other birds of prey away from your chickens can be a challenge. A wall that is tall enough to protect them from aerial attacks will keep these predators away from your chickens. Additionally, a coop that is off the ground and on stilts is the best way to protect your chickens from hungry snakes.

Shelter from Sun, Rain and Storms

Your chicken coop should have a roof that provides shade and protection from rain. If you live in a hot climate, you will want to make sure that your roof is made out of a material that doesn’t trap in heat. Because chickens are basically big dust baths, they will kick up a lot of dust in their coop. While this is great for their feathers, it can make the air in their coop very dusty. A solid roof will keep the air in the coop fresh and will help keep the dust in the air to a minimum. A good chicken coop will also have windows. However, you will want to make sure they have proper covering to keep out the sun. UV rays can cause skin and eye damage to your chickens and their eggs. Additionally, windows can help your chickens get some fresh air and light. It can also be a great way for your flock to watch the world go by in your backyard.

Easy Egg Collection

If you want to collect your chickens’ eggs, you will want to make sure the coop has an easy way to get to their nesting areas. You can do this by building a ramp or putting a stool or box inside the coop so that you can reach their nests. To keep their nesting areas clean from droppings, you will want to have a system in place to clean them out every few days. Lining the nest with hay or clean straw is a great way to keep the coop clean.

Bottom Line

Owning a chicken coop is a great way to protect your chickens and help them lay more eggs. A sturdy and secure coop will keep them safe from predators and provide a private and comfortable environment for them to lay eggs, roost and nest. It will also protect them from the sun, rain and stormy weather conditions. A coop is a one-time investment that can provide a steady stream of income. You can sell the extra eggs that your chickens produce and make a nice profit. Plus, they can be a fun and educational activity for kids.