photo credit: Wesley Fryer
Caring for Backyard Chickens – Imagine having fresh eggs for breakfast every morning, as well as a natural alarm clock. These are just two of the benefits of raising backyard chickens. When cared for properly, chickens can be entertaining and valuable pets.
When constructing a living space—a coup— for your chickens, there are several things to keep in mind. Chickens, though small, need room to move. Plan on allotting 3 to 4 square feet of space per chicken in your coup. When in doubt, err on the side of too big rather than too small.
Climate is another factor to consider. In warm climates, chickens need plenty of ventilation to stay comfortable, and in cold climates, they need insulation for warmth as well as fresh air ventilation. You should also ensure that their drinking water does not freeze in the winter. Light is good for egg production, so a south-facing window in the coup will ensure your chickens have plenty of sunshine. Chickens can easily fall prey to coyotes, dogs, hawks, and bears, among others. Creating a predator-proof coup with good fencing can help protect your chickens.
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