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:
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
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
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