Thursday, 29 October 2015

Hen House DIY Plans

Here at "How to Build a Hen House" we are frequently asked how we have build our own hen house.

Now, if you have some idea of DIY it should not take a great deal of time to construct a Hen House. But even if you have some DIY skills, it will certainly speed up the process if you have some plans that you can work from.

We have managed to get hold of some plans that you could use to Build a Hen House.

All you need to do is enter your details and you will get Instant Access. We will also provide you with hints and tips on how to keep your chickens healthy.


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Saturday, 22 November 2008

How To Build a Hen House

Welcome to How to Build a Hen House!

My name is Peter Vince and I have been a chicken enthusiast for some time. My aim is that I pass on to you the knowledge I have gained so that you can enjoy keeping chickens.

My site has numerous tips which will give you a firm understanding on what is required from a hen house and what you should consider if making one yourself.

How To Build a Hen House - Traditional Chicken Houses

The design of your hen house is important but the requirements of your chickens is quite simple as they spend most of their time outside.

The hen house is used for laying eggs, sleeping and shelter from bad weather. You can either build your own hen house using either recycled material, or purchased from a DIY store. Or you can purchase a ready made one.

The main things to consider are:
  • There needs be a perch to sleep on.
  • It requires a nesting box, for the chickens to lay their eggs in.
  • Importantly protection from predators
  • How many chickens you are going to keep
  • How easy it is to clean
  • How easy it is to move
  • Allow Good Ventilation



How to Build a Hen House - Maintenance and Cleaning


Ensure that you keep you hen house in good condition by painting it at least once a year with a safe wood preservative. This will not only keep it looking good but it will stop it being liable to rot.

If possible pick a hen house design that allows the side of the hen house to be removed for cleaning purposes. Also all internal fittings should be removable for cleaning. Mites like to live in the cracks at the end of the perch bars, so regular cleaning is important.



How to Build a Hen House - Perches

The following points need to be considered when fitting the perches:
  • The perch should be a 25-35mm wide bar, with rounded edges.
  • They should be positioned at the rear of the hen house
  • All perches should be the same height, where there is more than one.
  • As chickens do half their droppings at night place a tray under the perches for easy cleaning.

How to Build a Hen House - Nest Boxes


Consider the following when adding your nest boxes:
  • There needs to be at least one nest box per 4 birds
  • They can either be inside the hen house or mounted outside.
  • Use straw,dust free wood shavings or shredded newspaper. Never use hay, as this can develop a mould, causing health problems.
  • Collecting the eggs will be easier if a door or flap is close to the nest box.

How to Build a Hen House - Make It Secure


The hen house needs to be secure against vermin such as rats and larger predators such as foxes and badgers. Just be sure there are no easy access holes that any intrutor can use. Make sure there is a secure lock to the main door and any door to the nesting box. Otherwise a persistent fox will gain entry.







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