Finding the Perfect Chicken Enclosure

Chicken coops and cages are basically housing that provides shelter and protection for chickens raised in a domestic setting. Chicken coops are especially important for the egg-laying process and the general health of the birds. With a secure and comfortable coop, hens are able to develop eggs properly. Temperature is critical to the maturation of eggs and plays a significant role in the eventual protein content of the egg.

As chicken enclosures come in a whole range of sizes, it is important to choose the right one that will fit the goal in keeping the animals. Here are some specific and helpful details that make choosing the right coop a lot easier:

1. Settle on the best location for the chickens.

Chicken coops and cages are designed to be situated in small plots, large backyards, or open fields. Select the best location for the birds and then take precise measurements. It is important to provide access to a covered coop during the day. For limited spaces, it is best to buy an integrated chook pen. For gardens, chicken wire pens may be suitable. For wide, open spaces, chicken wire pens in circular shapes are often suitable, while rectangular ones are fit for confined areas. The most important thing to remember is that the chickens should be adequately protected from the wind and the sun.

2. Decide on the number of chickens.

It is important to determine the amount of space needed to accommodate the chickens. Some start raising chickens with only a minimum number, but eventually decide to add to the flock. Deciding early on as to the exact number of birds often provide savings in the long run, considering that there would be no need to purchase new coops for new bird purchases or future flock expansion.

3. Set a budget.

Having a budget to work on enables better decision-making in terms of selecting a chicken cage. There is a wide array of coop and cage options, from regular enclosures that cost $100 to the fancy models that cost as much as $2,000. Having a budget can trim down the choices to go through and adhering to the set amount can avoid overspending.

4. Choose the breed before buying a chicken cage.

There are various chicken species and they all usually have different needs as well as diverse living conditions. There are chickens that need more room than others in order to obtain maximum health and will be unable to survive in confined spaces. The bigger the chickens, the more space they need. In general, laying hens need lesser space than meat varieties, while baby chicks need less space than fully grown pellets. So, prior to buying chickens, it is sensible to decide on a particular variety first and then look into their requirements after. Doing this helps to make the right choice of chicken enclosure.

5. Size is of significance when it comes to keeping chickens.

Basically, the animals need enough space to be comfortable, and to be able to play, scratch and perch. Most importantly, coops and cages must be properly protected from the elements and keep chickens safe from predators. In general, the size of the coop is determined by the number of chickens to be kept or raised. While a roomy coop is recommended, having at least 4 square feet of space for each bird is acceptable. If the chickens are going to be cooped up nearly all of the time, it is suggested to go with 10 square feet per chicken.

6. Determine what features to go with.

Chicken coops come in a diverse selection of designs and features. They can be the very basic floorless wooden cage with chicken wire enclosing it, or they can be the roomy types with generous sizes that can accommodate several chickens, such as walk-in chicken coops and double story chicken coops with runs. When choosing a coop or pen, be sure to be on the lookout for features like ventilation, ergonomic perches, room for a feeder and a waterer, lockable nest boxes, built-in runs, slide-out features that make cleaning a simple task, and reliable security locks on doors. There are also wire pens available with features like steel material, panels, and latch doors.

With all these important considerations to look out for, it makes sense to choose the most appropriate chicken coop or cage. Likewise, there is significance in finding the right dealer from whom to purchase chicken enclosures. Aside from being a reliable supplier of coops and cages, the company should also possess extensive knowledge on all aspects of chicken enclosures. By ensuring these, purchasing the ideal cage becomes a breeze.